Check out ink at expo

Julie Paama-Pengelly, who is a specialist in traditional ta moko, will be at this weekend's Tattoo & Art Expo. Photo/supplied

The world's best tattooists and aerial contortionists are in town this weekend for the NZ international Tattoo and Art Expo.

This is the first time the expo has come to Tauranga and it's a chance for people who want to get inked by the best to take the opportunity while they're in town.

On Saturday, 150 of the most highly skilled tattooists will be working on people and they range from contemporary to traditional practitioners. "We have artists from Borneo, Japan, Sweden, Australia, the United States and of course New Zealand, who will be showcasing their work and skills. The artists are highly skilled and are booked out months in advance.

People will be able to get some really wicked pieces," says organiser Chris Preece.

A must see is Horihide, an artist specialising in traditional Japanese tattooing called irezumi which is a method in which the artist uses hand poking to complete the tattoo.

New Zealand has the highest population per capita of people who have tattoos, says Chris, and the art is definitely more socially acceptable than in the past.

This is due to the acceptance of traditional Maori and Pacific Island ta moko as a form of self expression, and due to the fact that the skill level of contemporary tattooists has markedly increased over the years, he says.

"Contemporary tattoo has gone through the roof and people are really proud to express themselves through contemporary tattoo as well as traditional nowadays. New Zealand has some amazing talent," he says.

The range of entertainment includes 16 breakdancing crews battling it out, 'Miss Tattoo NZ' competition and historical medieval battles.

Also, parkour demonstrations and performances by Nathan Haines, Tali and Ladi6 on Sunday.

the fine print
What: NZ International Tattoo & Art Expo
Where: Queen Elizabeth Youth Centre
When: This Saturday and Sunday
Tickets: Ph 0800289849.