Opportunities for hat makers are very limited, as the occupation is small.

Between 2001 and 2006, the number of hat makers dropped by 39% to just 51. Local hat makers have been unable to compete with lower-priced imports. Tariffs on hats have been falling, and from July 2009 will be less than 10% of the cost of the hat. This, along with lower labour costs in many other countries, means New Zealand hat makers are unable to compete on price with imported hats.

Hat makers work on niche products to avoid competing with cheaper goods

To avoid competing with less expensive imports, the remaining hat makers specialise in producing hats made from New Zealand-sourced materials such as possum and sheepskin, or high-end luxury hats for events like horse racing. 

Number of hat makers in New Zealand
(1996, 2001, 2006)

Census	Number of hat makers
1996	84
2001	84
2006	51
Source: Department of Labour, Jobs and Tertiary Education Indicator Tool.