Top NZ tattooist discharged after 'unusual' assault

One of the country's most revered tattooists - the pick of celebrities such as Rihanna and Tiki Taane - has been discharged without conviction after an "unusual" assault.

West Auckland ta moko artist Inia Bruce Taylor, 48, appeared in Waitakere District Court this week after pleading guilty to a charge of common assault.

Since 1998, Taylor has run Moko Ink, which calls itself "the world's first Maori tattoo studio specialising in the contemporary use and creation of traditional Maori and Polynesian Tatu".

His talents found favour with heavily-tattooed kiwi musician Tiki Taane, who introduced pop megastar and fellow body-ink enthusiast Rihanna to Taylor when she was in New Zealand on tour.

In October 2013, video emerged of the defendant tattooing Rihanna as Taane held her hand and wiped away blood with a towel.

"The symbols involved are of dreams, hope, aspirations and navigation with Polynesian stars on her fingers," Taylor told a US celebrity-gossip website.

But within a couple of weeks Rihanna decided on a different direction and had the tattoo covered up with a henna-inspired design by a US-based artist.

Taylor's ego may have been bruised but his reputation took another hit just over a year later.

Taylor went to visit Stephan Krzystniak - who previously bought a house bus from him - at his South Head property.

"The defendant's behaviour at the address was unusual and aggressive," a summary of facts said.

"The defendant and victim walked to the house bus which was situated in a paddock. The defendant insisted the victim sit on a seat on the bus. When the victim sat down the defendant charged... throwing punches."

Krzystniak managed to force Taylor off the bus but that was not the end of the torment.

He went to a neighbouring property from which he made a series of verbal threats.

When police were called, Taylor said it was he who had been attacked but later pleaded guilty in court where he was discharged without conviction yesterday.

The tattooist did not respond to requests for comment.