About us
CRAFTING A CULTURE OF SUSTAINABILITY
Our Story
Established in 1973 the Selke Family established Selke Enterprises in Ashburton, manufacturing a range of traditionally-styled leather and fabric outdoor hats. Justin Selke retired in August, 2006 and we took over the company. We have extended Selke’s range to include stylish dress hats, as well as a selection of classy and hardwearing handcrafted cotton oilskin hats, vests, jackets, coats, woollen bush shirts, merino sweatshirts, belts, bags, gloves and earthing slippers to keep you grounded.
With both our parents being involved in millinery dating back to 1952, it was a family tradition to continue the craft.
My Mother (Isobel Kemp) was a Milliner for Hats by Margaret in Nelson (an upmarket hats and accessories boutique). She made hats by day, modelling them (along with matching gloves and bags), in the evening at their monthly fashion shows. In those days the premises were on the 1st floor in Lower Trafalgar Street, Nelson.
About the Company
Crafting A Culture Of Sustainability
We’re constantly innovating, updating and improving styles, and we can do this in our own distinctive way. Rather than imitate or follow others, we use our own unique approach. Input from our customers though is always appreciated and is always taken very seriously.
We don’t have much time for the modern culture of disposability, and will repair your purchase if need be and rejuvenate whenever possible. We make every effort to produce a fault-free product, but if an error has occurred somewhere along the way, tell us about the problem and we’ll make it right.
We select and buy the best of raw materials to ensure that what we produce is worthy of carrying our trusted name and the “Buy New Zealand Made” stamp. All our hats are produced using natural materials with your comfort in mind.
Our country is a beautiful but sometimes harsh environment. That environment demands respect, and our way of providing that is to make products that are unique. We use only New Zealand leathers, tanned locally by natural processes.
Testimonial
The wide brimmed airhead hat arrived at our front door this morning. It is part of my husbands birthday gift, and I want to let you know that he is totally delighted and that it is a perfect fit. I will get him another shortly. Thank you for the great service.
- Rachel Johnson – Otaki, Wairarapa, NZ – 21/11/2015
Quality
We select and buy the best of raw materials to ensure that what we produce is worthy of carrying our trusted name and the “Buy New Zealand Made” stamp. All our hats are produced using natural materials with your comfort in mind.
Product Development
We’re constantly innovating, updating and improving styles, and we can do this in our own distinctive way. Rather than imitate or follow others, we use our own unique approach. Input from our customers though is always appreciated and is always taken very seriously.
Made in New Zealand
And proudly too! Our country is a beautiful but sometimes harsh environment. That environment demands respect, and our way of providing that is to make products that are unique. We use only New Zealand leathers, tanned locally by natural processes.
Service & Support
We don’t have much time for the modern culture of disposability, and will repair your purchase if need be and rejuvenate whenever possible. We make every effort to produce a fault-free product, but if an error has occurred somewhere along the way, tell us about the problem and we’ll make it right.