Auckland Welcomes its First International Tattoo Convention: Roots 2026
Published: Thursday 13 November 2025
Auckland is set to host its first-ever international tattoo convention in 2026 with the launch of the , a weekend celebration of artistry, culture, and community taking place Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th March at The Cloud, 89 Quay Street, Auckland.
*Globally, tattoos have never been more popular – the tattoo industry is rapidly expanding, with market forecasts projecting growth from around USD 2.4 billion in 2025 to over USD 4.8 billion by 2032—a growth rate exceeding 10% annually.
Closer to home, New Zealand has one of the highest tattoo rates in the world, **with one report from April 2025 citing around a quarter of New Zealanders having a tattoo. This reflects a growing trend of mainstream acceptance of tattoos in the country, with cultural identity and personal expression as key drivers. Against this backdrop, the arrival of Auckland’s first tattoo convention feels both wanted and timely.
Brought to life by husband-and-wife, co-founders, tattoo artist Ben Kaye and operations manager Madeline Kaye, Roots will bring together 185 world-class tattoo artists from New Zealand and around the globe, offering a unique opportunity for the public to experience live tattooing, connect with leading artists, and immerse themselves in the rich history and evolving culture of tattooing.
“Tattooing has always been more than just ink on skin—it’s storytelling, identity, and art,” says co-founder Ben Kaye, who has tattooed internationally for nearly two decades. “New Zealand has one of the most tattooed populations in the world, and our artists are globally recognised as some of the best. Roots is about celebrating that talent here in Auckland and giving people the chance to experience tattoo culture at its very best.”
Roots Auckland Tattoo Convention is designed as both a showcase and a festival atmosphere, featuring:
- Live tattooing from top local and international artists
- Tattoo competitions and seminars
- Interactive art installations
- A tattoo museum exploring the history of Auckland’s oldest tattoo studio
- Food trucks, a full bar, and family-friendly entertainment, including arcade games and outdoor activities
“Tattooing has given so much to our family and our community,” Madeline says. “With Roots, we wanted to create an event that honours the craft while also making it accessible – whether you’re booking in with a dream artist, watching live tattooing for the first time, or just curious about the culture. This is about celebrating creativity and connection at every level.”
With artist spots selling out in record times and anticipation building across Aotearoa, Roots is already shaping up to be one of Auckland’s most vibrant cultural events of 2025.
