BEHIND THE HATS
Our Makers
We are Wellington Hat Makers, hatters since 1875. New Zealand made.
Every hat holds a thought. Which got us thinking. Thinking of those who designed and crafted the art of hat making, who traveled the world sourcing the finest raw materials and selling their beautifully made hats to those near and far. Every day we nod to our past and pay respect to those that have helped create the legacy that is Hills Hats.
Meet the team
Simon Smuts-Kennedy
Managing Director
Simon is the Managing Director and proud second-generation owner of Hills Hats, carrying forward the family legacy with an unwavering passion for the craft and the business. A creative force with an instinct for great design, he is happiest on the factory floor, where his imagination, hands-on approach and genuine love of hatmaking continue to shape the brand and its hats.
Daniel Kumar
General Manager
Daniel has been a key part of the business for more than 20 years. He oversees the day-to-day operations and keeps the corporate side of the business running smoothly behind the scenes. Warm, approachable, and highly respected by both staff and customers, Daniel brings experience, leadership, and a calm presence to the team.
Rosie Smuts-Kennedy
Factory & Retail Operations Manager
Rosie is a true all-rounder and has been part of the Hills Hats team for more than 20 years. Working across customer service, sourcing, retail and just about everything in between, she brings an incredible depth of product knowledge and a warm, familiar face to the business. Rosie is a favourite among our loyal customers — and has an uncanny ability to guess your hat size just by looking at you.
Ella Briant
Business Development
Ella is a third-generation member of the family business, with her role focused on business development and shaping the future direction of Hills Hats. Working across the wider business, she is passionate about growing the brand while honouring its heritage and ensuring the business continues to evolve.
Hayley Alexander
Marketing Manager
Hayley is the newest member of the Hills Hats team and our Marketing Manager. She brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and enthusiasm to the role, helping to grow the brand, tell our story and bring a fresh perspective to everything we do.
Liz Ung
E-Commerce Coordinator
Liz is our Hat Wizard and the person keeping the online side of the business running smoothly. From managing the website to organising online orders and dispatch, she makes sure every customer experience is seamless from start to finish. Efficient, practical, and passionate about what she does, Liz takes pride in making sure every order goes out just right.
Meet the makers
Fia Matagi
Head of Uniform Department
Fia has been part of the business for more than 30 years and leads our uniform department with precision and care. Known for her high standards and incredible attention to detail, she has played a major role in building our trusted reputation within the corporate sector. From Police and Defence to Navy, Fia oversees the production of some of the highest quality uniform headwear across Aotearoa.
Mary Hall
Head of Stitch Department
Mary has been with the business for over 25 years and leads our stitch department with skill, care, and pride. She treats every piece with the utmost respect and is deeply committed to both her craft and her team. Her precision and eye for detail are a huge part of why our hats are known for their exceptional quality. Mary works closely alongside Hatman, together creating the unthinkable.Â
Mighty Padyachi
Blocker
Mighty is our expert hat blocker and the craftsman behind the shape and structure of every felt and straw hat we make. An engineer by trade, he has a deep understanding of our original machinery and knows exactly how the smallest adjustments can make the biggest difference. With more than 15 years in the business, Mighty knows every silhouette like the back of his hand and has helped create countless standout pieces over the years.
Engel
Cutter
Engel is an angel by both name and nature, and although one of our newer team members, he has quickly become an essential part of the workshop. Leading the cutting department, he cuts every hat with incredible precision and a sharp eye for detail. Reliable, focused, and hardworking, Engel takes great pride in ensuring every piece is cut to perfection.
Sarita Kumar
Quality Control & Finishing
Sarita is responsible for the finishing touches that bring every hat to life. From trimming and ribbon work to creating bows and carrying out final quality checks, she ensures every detail is just right before a hat leaves the workshop. With a sharp eye and exceptionally high standards, Sarita helps ensure every piece meets the quality we’re known for.Â
The Workshop Team
Machinists & Hatmakers
Our workshop team are the hands behind every Hills Hat. Skilled machinists and craftspeople, they bring years of experience, precision and a genuine love of the craft to every stage of making — from sewing and construction to shaping and finishing.
