Niue Museum workshop aims to uncover and preserve forgotten tātatau traditions

A Niuean-Māori tattoo practitioner returning to Niue this week to help document stories, traditions and cultural knowledge that could shape a deeper understanding of Niuean tātatau for future generations.

Iata Peautolu says identity is the key aspect of tātatau Niue and tā moko (Māori tattooing) as he prepares to travel to Niue to host his Tātatau Art Workshop this Thursday.

Peautolu says he uses his practice to develop a unique Niuean style of tātatau. Speaking with Faama Viliamu on PMN Niue, Peautolu says does not know of any written or verbal accounts of tātatau in Niue.

“I think identity is the key aspect of tātatau and tā moko. In my practice I've been able to learn more about significant stories of Niue, in particular some stories in regards to village nuances,” Peautolu says.

“That's my practice to this very day. I'm trying to investigate and interview our people to discover more about our stories, culture, village life, responsibilities and sacred places.

“All those kinds of stories and information to help me develop and create this practice of tātatau with a Niue style and flavour.”

Peautolu says many people gravitate towards iconic symbols such as the niu (coconut), vaka (canoe), or uga (coconut crab).

Watch the full interview with Iata Peautolu below.

He says he hopes his workshop will give attendees an even deeper understanding of these symbols used and how they relate to their identity.

“In my practice, I'm wanting to dive deeper and discover more about our legends, stories of old, and the specific nuances that each village has that help them stand out from the rest of the 14 villages,” Peautolu says.

“There's a place called Lalopine. I've created a symbol, a motif that speaks about this tree where the village used to meet and make vital decisions. So those are important places.

Peautolu is normally based at his studio in Tauranga, where clients regularly travel down from Auckland to receive their markings.

His professional path began in the 1990s during the resurgence of tā moko in Aotearoa New Zealand, when many of his friends and family were practitioners.

He studied art and graphic design at Waikato Polytechnic and worked in graphic design and advertising across New Zealand and Hawai’i.

He placed fifth at the International Polynesian Tattoo Awards in 2014, and previously utilised his artistic skills designing costumes and choreographing dances for the global Polynesian dance troupe Island Breeze.

In his 2017 solo exhibition, titled A Noble Savage, his paintings depicted historical land wars, colonisation, and bloodshed, including scenes from the Battle of Gate Pā.

Entering 2026, his contemporary practice continues to place a heavy emphasis on respect for ancestral knowledge, identity, and storytelling through skin markings.

Peautolu says many people spend years thinking about receiving a tātatau before taking that step.

“So it's been on their mind, in their heart, wanting to receive these markings. So for me, it's a huge honour and privilege to be able to create these markings and put them onto their skin.”

He encourages anyone considering their first tātatau to reflect on the cultural responsibility that comes with it.

He says people should be mindful of their heritage, family and village connections, and seek the support and respect of those closest to them.

The Tātatau Art Workshop runs from 6.30pm to 9.00pm (NUT) at the Tāoga Niue Museum this Thursday. For more information, click here.