Tattoo takeover
Almost 200 world-class national and international tattoo artists will meet under one roof in March at Auckland’s first-ever international tattoo convention. Whether it’s a dream piece or just curiosity that beckons, don’t miss this opportunity.
Auckland’s cultural calendar is set to become striking with the launch of the city’s first-ever international tattoo convention, Roots. The event from Saturday 14 to Sunday 15 March will take over The Cloud on Queens Wharf for an immersive weekend of artistry, heritage and community. Across the weekend, Roots will host 185 world-class tattoo artists from New Zealand and overseas, offering live tattooing, tattoo competitions and educational seminars. Visitors can explore interactive art installations and a dedicated tattoo museum showcasing the history of Auckland’s oldest tattoo studio, while enjoying food trucks, a full bar and a family-friendly festival atmosphere complete with arcade games and outdoor activities.
Founded by husband-and-wife duo Ben and Madeline Kaye, who co-own Ship Shape Tattoo in Auckland, Roots is the culmination of nearly two decades in the global tattoo community. Ben, an internationally recognised tattoo artist, and Madeline, an experienced operations manager, have curated an event that reflects both the craft’s deep history and its modern renaissance.
“Tattooing has always been more than just ink on skin – it’s storytelling, identity and art,” says Ben. “New Zealand artists are globally respected, and Roots is about celebrating that talent here in Auckland, while giving people an opportunity to experience tattoo culture at its very best.”
TATTOOS ON TREND
Tattooing has never been more mainstream. The international tattoo industry is experiencing rapid growth, with market forecasts predicting expansion from approximately
NZ $3.98 billion in 2025 to more than NZ $7.97 billion by 2032 – an annual growth rate exceeding 10 per cent. Closer to home, New Zealand stands out as one of the most tattooed nations in the world, with recent reports suggesting around a quarter of New Zealanders now wear at least one tattoo. Cultural identity, personal storytelling and creative expression continue to drive this evolution, making the arrival of Roots both timely and long overdue.
Madeline says accessibility was central to the event’s vision. “Tattooing has given so much to our family and our community. Roots is about honouring the craft while making it welcoming – whether you’re booking in with a dream artist, watching live tattooing for the first time, or simply curious about the culture.”
With artist spaces selling out at record speed and growing anticipation across Aotearoa, Roots Auckland Tattoo Convention is already shaping up to be one of the city’s most vibrant and visually compelling cultural events of 2026.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit aucklandroots.com
KEY DETAILS
Venue: The Cloud, 89 Quay St, Auckland
Dates: Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 March 2026
Times: 10am to 10pm Saturday, 10am to 7pm Sunday
Tickets: Prices start from just $21.07 per ticket
