Embracing tā moko: Auckland tattoo industry honours heritage

Tamaki Makaurau’s tattoo industry continues to celebrate the people and traditions behind the ink, acknowledging community and cultural heritage.

While long-term data is limited, research and cultural trends indicate that all forms of tattoos in Aotearoa have grown steadily in popularity since the late 20th century.

Held at The Cloud, the Roots tattoo convention provided an opportunity for tattoo artists around the world to learn and embrace the art of Māori tattoo.

Founders of Roots, Ben and Madeline Kaye, say they felt it was time to bring a tattoo convention to Tamaki Makaurau after many years off attending conventions overseas.

“We've always had talks about why there isn't one in Auckland, being such a hub, it's a cultural hotspot,” says Madeline.

She says what sets Aotearoa apart from other countries is its showcasing of cultural tattoos, particularly tā moko, which are considered sacred and symbolic; often representing ancestral history and identity.

“For us, it's not about representing any one type of tattooing, regardless of what it is, but more just giving the artist a space to showcase and talk about it themselves,” says Ben.

Artist Heeds, from Ngā Manu a Toi studio, gave a talk about moko at the convention.

“For us, we feel like we are there to represent our community, as within the tattoo industry there is still so much that is appropriated from our art form of moko.

“Having the platform to be able to share the importance of moko for our people is huge. Often when it comes to moko kanohi (Māori facial tattoos) in particular, we are still faced with racist stigma, which is far from true,” he says.

Since its practice was disrupted by colonisation in the mid-19th century, tā moko has undergone significant social changes.

Data shows a growing trend in Aotearoa, with a 2018 Stats NZ Te Kupenga survey indicating approximately 18% of Māori adults reported having tā moko, up from 15% in 2013.

“Tattooing is one thing, moko is another. To see our people proudly adorning our patterns, our stories, is unlike anything else.

“Auckland is a perfect melting pot to showcase why this mahi is so important to us. It is our hope that moko continues to be celebrated by not just Māori, but by everyone who inhabits this land we call Aotearoa,” says Heeds.

People from all around the world attended the event to learn about Aotearoa’s tattoo culture, while simultaneously taking in many other cultures.

“Bringing all of those different cultures, Japanese, Samoan, we had it all under one roof, and I can't wait to do the next one,” says Madeline.

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