Photos of Our Party for the New Zealand Episode of NEEDLES & PINS

(All photos by Rosa Simone)

Seats ran out fast and the beer just lasted until screening time when local ink lovers crammed into tattoo shops around the country to watch the premiere episode of NEEDLES & PINS this weekend.

In the new VICELAND series, UK tattoo artist Grace Neutral explores tattoo and body modification scenes around the world visiting Japan, US, South Korea, UK and, naturally, New Zealand. In 'The Resurgence of Māori Tā Moko' Grace learns about the history of tā moko and its standing in Māori culture and society today.

The very talented tā moko artist Moko Smith, who features in the episode, welcomed the crowd at White Rabbit Ink in Auckland. Also at the screening was his cousin Kara wearing the beautiful moko he gave her in the documentary.

The episode screened simultaneously at Prohibition in New Plymouth and Union Tattoo in Wellington. Here are some photos of the night, shot just up the road from our office at the Auckland screening.

Watch 'The Resurgence of Māori Tā Moko' when NEEDLES & PINS premieres on VICELAND, SKY Channel 13 this Tuesday at 8.30 PM.

NEEDLES AND PINS is on VICELAND, SKY Channel 13, Tuesdays at 8.30 PM.