Almost every taxidermist in New Zealand has a one to two-year backlog of work, yet for people with little taxidermy experience the chances of getting work are remote.

According to the New Zealand Taxidermy Association, which acts as a networking forum for individuals involved in taxidermy, in December 2008 there were about 30 full-time taxidermists and 70 part-time taxidermists working in New Zealand. This figure has grown since 2006 because more overseas visitors are coming to New Zealand to hunt, and it is cheaper for them to get work mounted here.

Job opportunities good for skilled taxidermists

Experience is valued and skilled taxidermist can have good job opportunities and are highly sought after by private customers. Most taxidermists' success depends on their reputation within the field and how well they market themselves.

Few training opportunities for people wanting to be taxidermists

There are no recognised training institutions for taxidermists in New Zealand. Established taxidermy firms will sometimes take on apprentices, although competition for these places is high, as vacancies are rare. This is because most taxidermy firms are small businesses and can take on new apprentices only when the business expands or another taxidermist leaves.

Many taxidermists run their own businesses or work as sole traders from home. Others work for:

• small taxidermy firms
• private workshops.

Some work on contract for museums doing preservation work for displays. However, no New Zealand museums employ full-time taxidermists.

Taxidermists work throughout New Zealand, usually within close proximity to popular hunting destinations, such as Taupo, Wanganui and Christchurch.