About CAUS NZ

  It started with a Panama Hat inherited from a father, a book – Tom Miller’s The Panama Hat Trail and a journey from Wellington, New Zealand, all the way to Ecuador, to discover our CAUS.  

Our interest in the famed 'panama' hats led us on an intrepid trip to see and better understand the traditional panama hat making process and to meet the people who have for generations created this iconic hat.   

We became fascinated with this essentially cottage industry, the gradual step by step process taking the fine natural Toquilla palm fibres and deftly creating a beautiful and yet practical product. The experience reinforced to us how precious our planet’s resources are and how supporting artisan communities like these are vital for sustaining their livelihoods. 

By importing the very finest Panama and other Ecuadorian hats to New Zealand, we are able to showcase these precious artisan skills, the communities and growers that we support and the importance of a light footprint on the environment. One of our missions with CAUS was to encourage people to be mindful and socially responsible with their purchases. In working with respected Ecuador suppliers who source product from small community-based makers, we can lessen our impact on the environment, support these communities and further the CAUS. 

The best way to experience the beauty of these special hats is in person. We attended summer markets in and around Wellington and we have a showroom open by appointment in Central Wellington (Ground Floor, 169 The Terrace), Our full range is available online and can be shipped direct to your door.  

Join our CAUS today with our finest Panama Hats and discover why these UNESCO cultural heritage recognised hats are the most beautiful hats in the world. 

Philippa Dixon, Owner CAUS NZ