Question 1

Am I the right fit for you?

Accepted Answer

Kia ora and thank you for your interest in getting taurape. Taurape is a term I am trying to use more as it’s a term from my iwi, Tuhoe. You may call it puhoro if that’s what you prefer. It’s beautiful to see the reclamation of such a taonga. With this page, I aim to give clarity on my personal process. Keep in mind that each moko artist has their own process so theirs will likely differ from mine.

My design approach to taurape for wahine is a little different. I like a more minimalist, elegant, feminine approach that responds to your natural curves. I've been experimenting with the power of leaving open areas of skin which are just as important as the ink I put into your moko. The results are something fresh, different and unique, something wahine can call their own.

Currently, I work exclusively from home, and I prefer to work very private and intimate. My space is small, so I don’t allow support people. I understand that most people want to have their whole whanau and sometimes friends, and wider hapu present during the application of their moko. I want every person receiving moko to have the experience of their dreams. Unfortunately, it means I may not be the artist for you, but there are other excellent moko artists who work in this manner.

Question 2

Brainstorming

Accepted Answer

• If known, please send your whakapapa. You can share as much or as little as you like. Only share what feels appropriate. This will help me during the design process. 
 • Describe what you would like your moko to represent. 
 • Note that I will not copy other people’s designs or styles. 
 • It’s important to ensure the project is a good match before we can discuss appointment dates and accept deposits.

Question 3

Design

Accepted Answer

• I free hand draw all designs onto the body on the day. There is no design process beforehand. 
 • If there are aspects of ta moko I have completed within the past two years that you may like to implement into your moko, please let me know. Send photos of the design you like. Note: this may only be used as inspiration and not a direct reproduction. I maintain the artistic license to create what I believe is right for the current moko.

Question 4

Sessions and Pricing

Accepted Answer

• My minimum rate is $1,700 per session. 
 • A single session is 7 hours and goes from 9am to 4pm. 
 • If the ta moko requires time beyond that, each additional hour will be billed at $150 per hour or $50 per 20 minutes. 
 • A full taurape can take anywhere from 6 to 8 sessions to complete. 
 • 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.
 • 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 taurape - every taurape and person is unique. 
 • I don't do more than 4 sessions per week so completing a full taurape will require 2 or more trips if we do 3 or 4 sessions minimum per trip. 
 • When starting a taurape 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 trips 
too far. Please try to complete your taurape as quickly as possible. 
 • I only work weekdays. Weekends are reserved for family and friends, however on the odd occasion I will take weekend appointments. The weekend rate is $2,000 per session. The additional hour cost remains the same at $50 per 20 minutes.

Question 5

Payment and Deposit

Accepted Answer

• 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/s. 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 moko 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.

Question 6

Appointment and Location

Accepted Answer

• I am currently located in Tauranga. Exact address will be sent with arrival instructions when I've received deposit and you’ve filled out our client waiver. Note: I work from my private studio at my home. 
 • Clients only. I do not permit guests so please come alone. 
 • 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. Have at least 3 G-strings and a sarong with you. 
 • 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 me 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.

Question 7

Health concerns and conditions

Accepted Answer

• Please warn me 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 me 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 results of your ta moko.

Question 8

Closing statement

Accepted Answer

• 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 what you want your moko to represent.
 • I make sure to respond to emails as soon as possible. I appreciate your patience, and I will reply to you as soon as I can.