Tā moko is not a trend. It is not simply ink on skin. It is a living, breathing expression of identity — a sacred marker of whakapapa, legacy and life journey.
What is Tā Moko?
Tā moko is the traditional Māori practice of skin marking, once done with uhi (chisels) and now often applied with modern tools. Unlike tattooing, which punctures the skin, traditional tā moko carved deeply — leaving both visible and spiritual impressions. Each line holds meaning. Every curve and space reflect your connection to whenua, whānau and ancestors.
Moko kauae (chin moko for wahine) and Mataora (facial moko for tāne) are especially significant — expressions of status, mana and deep cultural heritage. While colonial forces once tried to silence these markings, they never succeeded. Today, tā moko is not a revival — it is a continuation.
A Deeply Personal Journey
For us, tā moko is not art. It’s a story.
Each piece etched on our skin represents something from our life — Past, Present and Future. Every tā moko we carry is woven into our wairua. They are not for show, and not for the approval of others.
Moko kauae and facial moko are our birthright — gifted through whakapapa, earned through life, carried with pride.
No two designs are the same. Each is tailored to your personal story, your whānau lines, your place in the world.
Receiving moko is a moment of deep connection — to ourselves, to those who came before and to those who will come after. It can be emotional. Healing. Powerful.
❗ A Note on Moko Kanohi (Facial Moko)
Many kaitā (artists) may choose not to do moko kanohi (facial moko) — including moko kauae (chin moko) and mataora (full facial moko) —and in some cases any tamoko especially on visitors to Aotearoa. This decision is grounded in tikanga (cultural protocol), as these markings are deeply sacred, closely tied to whakapapa (genealogy), and traditionally reserved for those with a direct ancestral connection.
✨ Thinking About Receiving Tā Moko in Aotearoa?
If you’re visiting Aotearoa and thinking about receiving Tā Moko (traditional Māori skin marking), take your time. This is not something to rush. Tā moko is a deeply personal journey that begins with reflection — knowing your story, your intent and the values you want to carry forward.
You don’t need to bring a design. When you share your kōrero (story) with a kaitā (artist), they will listen with wairua (spirit) and create something unique to you — a piece that speaks to your path.
Many manuhiri (visitors) are honoured with a small, simple piece that reflects their connection and journey. Every line still carries meaning.
🖋 Finding the Right Kaitā (Artist)
One of the most important and sometimes hardest decisions is finding the right kaitā (artist). Tā moko is not chosen from a catalogue. It’s about trust, kōrero (story-sharing), and cultural integrity.
You’ll want someone who can sit with your story and freehand a design that reflects you — not replicate a pattern. It’s a relationship built on respect, skill and shared intention.
There is one kaitā (artist) we wholeheartedly recommend — Pip Hartleyof Karanga Ink. All of Toni’s moko have been blessed by Pip’s hands and I’ve had the honour of wearing her artistry too. Her work goes far beyond the surface; it is guided by ā Wairua and shaped by the natural flow of the body. Pip welcomes people from all walks of life, whether you whakapapa Māori or simply carry a deep respect for Māori, Polynesian and other Indigenous traditions. Each moko is an intuitive collaboration, where your personal story and energy are translated into a living design. At Karanga Ink, Pip creates more than a tattoo — she leads you on a meaningful journey, transforming your narrative into a unique taonga (treasure) that you carry with you always.
There are many kaitā across the motu (islands of Aotearoa) that you can research and approach, each with their own tikanga-led practice and connection to kaupapa (purpose and values-based work). But Pip is someone truly special to us — an ātaahua (beautiful) soul with a calm energy, deep honesty and a gift that makes every encounter unforgettable
✒️ Auckland
Artist: Pip Hartley
Location: Tāmaki Makaurau – Auckland
Website: https://www.karangaink.com
Plan Your Time Wisely
Some Tā Moko take only a few hours. Others are multi-day processes. You may need 1 to 3 days depending on the size and placement of your piece and time to rest and heal.
While you’re in the area, make the most of your stay.
You could:
- Catch a rugby match and experience our national passion- Rugby Guide
- Soak in a local hot pool and rest after your session
- Play a round of Golf – Golf Guide
- Visit sacred sites or museums to deepen your understanding
- Explore nearby hikes, beaches, or kai spots featured in our Destination Guides
Trust the journey. Your story matters. And when you’re ready — let it be etched with intention.
He taonga te kōrero
Your story is a treasure