Inspired by the idea of connection between artists, cultures, and the wider community, the Roots Auckland Tattoo Convention brings the diverse world of tattooing into one inclusive, family-friendly event.
With space to celebrate art, expression and story, this is where tattoo culture meets community. Founders Ben and Madeline Kaye explain more.
How do you choose which artists to feature at the convention?
Ben: From traditional tā moko and Pacific tattoo to modern realism, fine line, Japanese, neo-traditional, and beyond, our goal is to represent both local and international talent. We want the convention floor to reflect the global tattoo community and how diverse the community is here in Aotearoa.
Tattooing holds strong cultural significance in Māori and Pacific cultures – how do you honour that?
Ben: It’s about respect and understanding. Ensuring there’s space for tā moko and Pacific artists to represent and express themselves. We have a range of tattoo talks happening over the weekend, one of which is by a very well respected moko artist. It’s a platform for artists to talk about their experiences, what tattooing and moko means for them and voice to help educate the general public.
What do you hope the long-term impact of Roots Auckland will be?
Madeline: Our hope is that Roots becomes more than just an annual event, that it serves as a platform for growth, education, and connection within the tattoo world. In Aotearoa, we want to help elevate tattooing as a respected artform, one that embraces both cultural heritage and modern creativity.
Globally, we’d love for Roots to be seen as an example of how a tattoo convention can be inclusive, family-friendly, and culturally aware. If we can inspire more collaboration, mutual respect, and appreciation for the diversity of tattooing, then we’ve achieved our purpose.
Our hope is that Roots becomes more than just an annual event, that it serves as a platform for growth, education, and connection within the tattoo world.
Organising a tattoo convention is no small feat!
Madeline: It’s definitely been a learn-as-we-go experience! Being our very first convention, there’s been a lot of figuring things out in real time. We did a huge amount of research, asked a lot of questions, and spoke to other event organisers before officially deciding to go ahead with Roots and that definitely helped us set some expectations. But of course, once you’re in it, the reality can be quite different! Budgets have been adjusted more than once, timelines always move faster than you think, and there are so many small details that you only learn by doing.
You host seminars and workshops. Are there any standout sessions you’re particularly proud of? How do you see education shaping the future of the tattoo community?
Ben: The biggest, and my first, was to 140 tattooists in Las Vegas. That’s certainly a standout. Not only for the buzz and location, but for how responsive the audience was – and being mostly American they were pretty open and confident with questions. That was a lot of fun.
Access to tattoo education has changed dramatically in my 18 years in the industry and has allowed real artists to enter. This has pushed tattooing to new highs and really started a renaissance. I can’t wait to see where tattooing goes over the next 18 years.
For tattoo artists thinking of applying to be part of the convention, what advice or tips would you give them?
Madeline: Apply! Join us. Artists tend to internalise and have a lack of confidence about their work but don’t do that. At the least come along to visit if you’re not working, we’d love to have your support!
The Roots Auckland Tattoo Convention debuts at The Cloud on 14-15 March 2026.
Find out more at aucklandroots.com
