For anyone wishing to get a tattoo the lively Polynesian city of Auckland is a great place to start as there is much evidence here of tattoos as a vibrant art form. You will not have to search far to find a studio with a style and design to suit your taste as there are dozens in and around the city to choose from. The word tattoo is derived from the Polynesian "tatau" and was introduced in to the English language by sailors who also reintroduced the concept of tattooing into Europe. In ancient times many Germanic and Northern European tribes as well as the Picts and the Celts had commonly practiced tattooing.  Julius Caesar described the extensive blue tattoos, or perhaps scarification, displayed by the Picts in his account of the Gallic Wars in 54 BC.

The greatest influence on tattooing today comes from Polynesia. Some Maori in New Zealand still wear the moko which is a traditional tattoo applied to the face. Tattoos are very common in New Zealand and these come in all sorts of styles including traditional Maori.  It is far more acceptable to be tattooed in New Zealand than in other Western societies. Tattooing, often with spiritual connotations, has been a wide spread custom world wide for many hundreds of years.  Today tattoos are often chosen for cosmetic reasons, as a permanent reminder of a deceased relative or to indicate membership of a group, tribe or gang.

Tattoos have grown in popularity and in societal acceptance in recent years which may be directly related to the number of celebrities who sport tattoos. The overall skill and hygiene standards of tattoo artists have increased markedly in recent years and this has contributed to their popularity. Tattoos were once the domain of men, particularly sailors, soldiers and criminals, but now women are being tattooed in ever increasing numbers and this is another factor in their increased acceptability.

To create a tattoo a permanent dye is injected into the dermis which is lower layer of skin. In fact the Japanese word for tattoo, irezumi, means "insertion of ink. The body's immune system is stimulated by this penetration of the skin. As the area heals the ink becomes trapped in fibroblasts which collect just below the outer layer of skin known as the epidermis, The tattoo design retains its colour and integrity and doesn't flake off even though it seems to be on the epidermis.

There is now a huge variety of colours of ink available for use by tattoo artists and most will also blend inks to create their own palette.  Any inks applied should be approved for tattoo use.  Beware of amateurs who use inks which are manufactured for drawing and can contain toxins which could be harmful when applied as a tattoo.

Choosing your artist and studio should be undertaken carefully. Ask about their hygiene standards as all should provide containers for disposal of biohazards, an autoclave for equipment sterilisation and facilities to wash hands with hot and cold running water.  The tattoo artist should use single use disposable gloves which are changed between each step.  Sterile needle sets and fresh ink will be used for each client. Disinfectant will be used on work areas and furniture. The artistic skill of tattoo artists in New Zealand is gaining respect around the globe.Those who apply traditional Maori tattoos are often well qualified and understand the importance of observing traditional customs. A tattoo is a life long keepsake for a visitor to New Zealand to take home and treasure.