More than 300 people got tattooed in Dunedin at the weekend when about 40 of the top tattoo artists in New Zealand were in the town hall for the city’s first Tattoo Expo.
Expo organiser Del Reuben said people were getting a broad range of tattoos and popular choices included fine line tattoos and tā moko — a traditional Maori tattooing practice that told stories, recorded genealogy and marked status and achievement.
There was also the option to get traditional Japanese tebori tattoos.
"It’s like traditional Japanese artwork slapped on skin."
Mr Reuben said the expo was an opportunity for people in Dunedin to get a tattoo by world-class artists from around New Zealand.
Depending on availability, people could walk in and get a tattoo on the day.
"Some of these artists will have flash designs available.
"Nine times out of 10, people will be like, ‘oh I like that, can I get it?’ and the artist will say yeah sure."
Neil Manumbas, of Invercargill, said he drove two and a-half hours to get a tattoo of biblical characters Adam and Eve inked on his thigh.
He said the tattoo was designed by the artist Inkee Melchor, of Christchurch, and he thought it was beautiful.
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