hau.

Describe your tattoo idea in as much detail as you can.

Email any images you deem useful to help illustrate your idea. These images can help Te Haunui visualise the design of the tattoo.

Please send photo/s of the location on your body you would like tattooed and draw over the photo the area you would like your tattoo to cover.

Note that Te Haunui will not copy other people’s designs or tattoos.

It’s important to ensure the project is a good match before we can discuss appointment dates and accept deposits.

We charge a minimum of $500 to design your tattoo. This rate can vary depending on the complexity of the idea and the detail required. This rate can go up to $3,000 for full leg sleeves. Any piece larger than that will be discussed on a case-by-case basis with the client.

If you just want a portrait tattoo with no design additions, there is no design charge. We only require a good photo reference to work from.

Te Haunui does not do tattoo cover ups.

Te Haunui owns the right to the image. This isn't a comission for an artwork to do with as you please. The intent is for you to pay for a design to then have it tattooed on you by Te Haunui. He doesn't do designs for other artists to tattoo. By paying for a design you agree to only having Te Haunui tattoo it for you.

Our minimum rate is $1,500 per session.

A single session is 7 hours and goes from 9am to 4pm.

If the tattoo requires time beyond that, each additional hour will be billed at $150 per hour or $50 per 20 minutes.

If you can't complete a session for any reason like pain etc. and you need to book another session to finish the work, you will be billed at the full rate because this is a session that would have gone to a full paying client. Keep this in mind when thinking about pulling out of a session early.

Large projects like sleeves and back pieces may take 8 to 15 sessions, and leg sleeves take even longer - 12 to 20 sessions.

As this is a creative endeavour and there are many mitigating factors like pain tolerance and skin condition, there is no way to guarantee the exact number of sessions or time required to complete a large piece - every project and person is unique.

Te Haunui doesn’t do more than 3 sessions per week so completing larger work will require multiple trips.

When starting a large project please keep in mind that the current price is only locked in for a year from our first session. It is recommended you don’t drag out the time between sessions. Please try to complete your piece as quickly as possible.

Te Haunui only works weekdays. Weekends are reserved for family and friends, however on the odd occasion he will take weekend appointments. The weekend rate is $1,800 per session. The additional hour cost remains the same at $50 per 20 minutes.

Payments for tattoo sessions are due immediately at the end of each session.

We accept cash and bank transfers as our only payment methods. WIFI is available to send payment using internet banking.

A $500 deposit per session is necessary to secure your appointment. Deposits are non-refundable so be absolutely sure you want to get tattooed before making your deposit. This can be paid using internet banking. Account details and instructions will be sent when appointment date has been finalised.

The deposit amount is taken out of the price of the session and is not a bill on top of the session rate e.g., for a $1,500 session you will only have $1,000 left to pay.

Please ensure you have the full payment ready on the day(s) of your tattoo appointment(s). We do not accept payment plans after the completion of your session(s). If you won’t have the money ready in time, please let us know so we can reschedule your appointment(s).

If you need to change the date of your appointment due to unforeseen circumstances, you must let us know at least seven days prior to the session so we can rearrange our schedules. A new deposit will be required to continue working together if you cancel or reschedule with less than seven days’ notice. You can reschedule your appointment only once without losing your deposit.

We are currently located in Tauranga. Exact address will be sent with arrival instructions when we’ve received your deposit and you’ve filled out our client waiver. Note: Te Haunui works from his private studio at our home.

Clients only. We do not permit guests so please come alone. The only exception is when tattooing a minor. An adult must accompany them.

Please do not drink alcohol for several days prior to your sessions - this may cause excessive bleeding during the session and cause an issue with the healing process.

Make sure to be well-rested before your session and eat breakfast beforehand to prevent low blood sugar issues.

Please shave the area to be tattooed the day before your session. Take care not to cut yourself. Do not use hair removal creams as some people are known to have bad skin reactions.

Dress comfortably. Wear clothing you don’t mind potentially getting ink on. Wear appropriate clothing that allows easy access to the area getting tattooed e.g., singlet for an upper arm or shorts for a leg piece.

Please shower, brush your teeth, and use deodorant before your session.

Please bring your own lunch, snacks, and water.

If you are late, please inform us via email. If you are more than 15 minutes late without notification, you will be charged $150 extra. If you are more than 30 minutes late without notification, the session will be cancelled without a refund.

If you do not show up for your appointment, you will lose your deposit and we will no longer work together.

Please warn us of any health problems and allergies that may affect the tattoo process in any way.

For your protection and the safety of others, please notify us if you’ve felt ill or been sick within the last 14 days.

Please note that if you take blood thinning medication, this may affect the final result of your tattoo as it tends to dilute the ink during the tattooing process.

In paying your deposit, you agree to the entire policy above and agree that the deposit cannot be refunded for any reason whatsoever.

It is essential that you include your ideas and any relevant references, if necessary, a photo of the body part with a drawing illustrating the area you would like your tattoo to cover. These are necessary to continue with the rest of the booking process.