About Us
Ben and Madeline Kaye
We are Ben and Madeline Kaye, business partners and partners in life
In a country like New Zealand, few art forms hold as much personal and cultural significance as tattooing. An expression of cultural, artistic and personal narrative, tattoos have transcended their origins to become a global phenomenon, celebrated and revered across diverse communities.
We are excited to present the Roots Auckland Tattoo Convention, an exceptional tattoo convention designed to unite New Zealand and international artists, enthusiasts, and industry leaders in a shared celebration of ink and artistry.
In a country like New Zealand, few art forms hold as much personal and cultural significance as tattooing. An expression of cultural, artistic and personal narrative, tattoos have transcended their origins to become a global phenomenon, celebrated and revered across diverse communities.
We are excited to present the Roots Auckland Tattoo Convention, an exceptional tattoo convention designed to unite New Zealand and international artists, enthusiasts, and industry leaders in a shared celebration of ink and artistry.
Ben has been a tattoo artist for over 16 years and has been an owner of Ship Shape Tattoo for the past 8 years
Together, we founded Reference87, a thriving online platform specialising in reference imagery for artists and tattooists. With a large combined following, numerous awards, and a series of online seminars and workshops, Ben has established himself as a highly respected leader in the tattoo industry. The name DBKAYE is recognised by artists both nationally and internationally.
Madeline serves as the operations manager for Reference87 and the studio event manager at Ship Shape Tattoo. She organises impactful seminars that educate aspiring tattoo artists to learn from other world class tattooists, enriching the tattoo community.
Our mission
Our mission is to create a vibrant space where creativity thrives, diversity is embraced, and the culture of tattooing is honored
At the heart of our tattoo convention is the commitment to celebrate the art of tattooing and connect talented artists with passionate enthusiasts. We aim to provide a platform for both established and emerging artists to showcase their skills, share their stories, and build lasting connections with the community.
At the heart of our tattoo convention is the commitment to celebrate the art of tattooing and connect talented artists with passionate enthusiasts. We aim to provide a platform for both established and emerging artists to showcase their skills, share their stories, and build lasting connections with the community.
How to Apply
Want to showcase your artistry at our Auckland tattoo expo? We're excited to feature talented artists from all backgrounds
Step 1
To apply, send an email with your name, contact details, experience, and a portfolio of your work to info@aucklandroots.com.
Step 2
Our team will review all submissions and notify successful applicants.