Aloha State Daily · 5 Nov 2026
Transmitting ancestral knowledge across millennia
Kākau uhi practitioner Suluʻape Keone Nunes and ʻōlohe ʻUmi Kai discussed the transmission of ancestral knowledge at a panel for the ʻAi Mama exhibit on Oʻahu.
Polynesian tattoo news
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UNESCO · 24 Aug 2026
UNESCO supports Samoa in safeguarding traditional tatau
UNESCO approved preparatory assistance to help Samoa document tatau and prepare a nomination for its Urgent Safeguarding list.
Les Nouvelles Calédoniennes · 21 Aug 2026
New book series on tattooing in Oceania published by Au Vent des Îles
"Le Tatouage en Océanie", the first volume of a series based on research by Anne Lavondès, was published in French.
Te Ao Māori News · 7 Aug 2026
Arapeta Hākura on moko kanohi and identity
An Elam School of Fine Arts academic described receiving moko kanohi after six years of doctoral research and discussed gender-diverse identities within tikanga Māori.
Te Ao Māori News · 3 Aug 2026
Te Warena Smith on moko kauae scrutiny
A TikTok creator discussed criticism she received for taking a moko kauae in memory of her late son, amid debate over who may wear it.
Samoa Observer · 19 Jul 2026
Teuila Festival renamed Measina Festival
Samoa's Ministry of Tourism announced the renaming of the country's longest-running cultural festival.
Talamua Online · 18 Jun 2026
Samoa to launch an Arts & Culture Week in September
Parliament discussed replacing the Teuila Tourism Festival Week; an MP questioned the value of taga tatau events given overseas replication.
Tahiti Infos · 3 Jun 2026
First Pacific Tātau Festival opens at Vairai
The festival opened in Punaauia with tattoo delegations from Aotearoa, Taiwan and Fiji, 28 tattoo stands and 60+ artisans over five days.
1News · 2 Jun 2026
Tohunga tā moko Riki Manuel honoured
Christchurch carver and tā moko practitioner Riki Manuel was appointed a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for five decades of work in Māori art.
ActuMédias Outre-Mer · 20 May 2026
Four-part documentary on Marquesan tattoo airs on Polynésie La 1ère
The series follows Heretu Tetahiotupa tracing the history, revival and ownership debates of Marquesan tattoo between the Marquesas and Europe.
OurAuckland · 4 May 2026
Auckland consults on health and hygiene rules covering tattooing
Auckland Council opened public consultation on its Health and Hygiene Bylaw, which covers tattooing and other skin-piercing services.
ABC Pacific · 21 Apr 2026
When a sacred practice goes global, who protects Samoan tatau?
The programme examined concerns about quality and protection of Samoan tatau as it spreads internationally.
Samoa News · 7 Apr 2026
Tisa's Tattoo Fest marks 20 years of tatau revival
A gala at the Jean P. Haydon Museum in Pago Pago marked the festival's 20th anniversary.
PMN · 25 Mar 2026
Pacific leaders question Auckland tatau rule changes
Sāmoan tufuga and Pacific leaders disputed the evidence behind proposed tattooing rules and raised concerns about licensing costs for traditional tatau.
Te Ao Māori News · 22 Mar 2026
Me Ora Ka Ora tā moko symposium returns to Rotorua
The Moko Ora Wānanga collective held its second symposium at Te Puia.
The Spinoff · 21 Mar 2026
How tā moko is redefining gender for takatāpui Māori
A wearer described receiving a pūhoro as a way of affirming gender, culture and whakapapa.
Idealog · 13 Mar 2026
Auckland's inaugural Roots convention
Auckland's first international tattoo convention featured 200+ artists, with tā moko artist Hirini Katene among the speakers.
PMN · 18 Feb 2026
How Pacific tattoo art is thriving in Germany
A Tongan tattoo artist trained in New Zealand runs a studio in Germany specialising in Polynesian designs, raising questions of cultural ownership.
RNZ · 28 Nov 2025
NZ Tattoo and Art Festival returns to New Plymouth
The festival returned with 250+ artists, including hand-tap work in Samoan and Māori technique.
TNTV News · 1 Nov 2025
Second Tahiti Tattoo Fest in Faaʻa
The festival combined machine and traditional tatau, with Hawaiian artist Kalehua Krug and honoured guest Tihoti Barff.