Nearly all the raw materials used by this group are of New Zealand origin. There is usually a natural protection afforded the units because of the bulky nature of the product and the possibility of breakage during transport. Bricks, tiles, and earthenware pipes, valued at £2.5 million, various concrete products (roofing tiles, posts, wash tubs, troughs, etc.), valued at £7.8 million, and fibrous-plaster building materials are produced in widely dispersed units. There are 82 lime works producing 870,000 tons, chiefly of agricultural lime, to a value of £13 million. Other sections of the industry manufacture insulators, crockery, sanitaryware, and other earthenware; two major glass manufacturers produce jars, bottles, and pressed and blown glassware; and a number of small units produce mirrors and leadlights, and carry out glass-bevelling work.

Cement: Six works produced 653,000 tons of cement, valued at £5.7 million, in 1962–63. These units meet local needs for Portland cement.