A crane was used this week to put a fallen capping stone back into place at the grave.
Part of the grave surrounds have already been straightened, and shattered concrete removed from the top of the grave, which will soon be freshly concreted.
In April, University of Otago Emeritus Prof Martin Ferguson, who had been studying Kettle's life, contacted the Otago Daily Times with concerns about the grave, which had been badly damaged through years of neglect and vandalism.
Mr Kettle contributed greatly to the city, laying out its distinctive pattern of streets, including the Octagon.
The situation was highlighted in an ODT report, in which Historic Cemeteries Conservation Trust of New Zealand chairman Stewart Harvey also lamented the grave's ''shameful'' state.
Prof Ferguson was this week pleased with the progress of the repairs.
''I'm encouraged that we're seeing something happening. I think it's great that we are acknowledging him,'' he added.
Fundraising by the Otago University Surveying Students' Association, and further support from the coastal Otago branch of the New Zealand Institute of Surveyors, have contributed to the overall funding - of about $5000 - needed to complete the restoration.
