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Welcome to Hīna, the private studio of MamaSez, nestled in the lofty hills of Te Tairāwhiti. This enchanting space invites you to experience warmth, comfort and privacy as you receive your tattoo. Hīna offers a truly unique and inspiring environment - a place to connect, reflect and discover the magic that awaits you.
Client Testimonials
Trish. S
Sarah did my first tattoo. She was professional, kind, personable, and was gentle with the tattoo process. She was very easy to talk to and collaborate with. She communicated well, and so I trusted her judgement. I am happy with the whole tattoo process and the tatak that I received and she opened the door for me to feel more curious and interested in adding more tatak on my body in the future, not just from her., but potentially other Filipino artists as well. Ngā mihinui MamaSez, he whetu koe!
Emilio. A
"Getting tattooed by Sarah was more than just the process of getting ink. It was a whole experience. She held space so thoughfully and the way she translated what I wanted into her art form was incredible. The tattoo I got isn't just beautiful, it carried the meaning and story I hoped for. I feel really honoured to wear it. Thank you for your craft and sharing this tradition in such a powerful way."
Carol. D
"Thank you for today. I really appreciated today and the whole experience, especially the small ceremony to begin with. It was absolutely beautiful, calming and a release I needed. Youare lovely, kind, beautiful soul. I can't wait to catch up on the wānanga soon, excited and looking forward to it."
Kiersten. Q
"I've been thinking of the incredible timing and meaning of all your kōrerō shared at the session which felt at times like my eyes were poppinh out of my head at the extreme relevance of everything you were saying. Your courage and being true to yourself really filled me with inspiration. I felt like the tattoos are a really beautifully channeled form of me that I haven't often allowed to be seen before. It is so perfect. And your kōrerō was so rich and good. Thanks for your vision in all the ways you have offered it."
Gallery
Tattoo by Machine
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Tattoo by Hand Poke and Hand Tap
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What is Hand Poke and Hand Tap?
Hand poke and hand tap are a sacred practice that existed long before tattoo machines were invented. They are the oldest forms of tattooing that is organic which means it requires no electricity. Across many indigenous cultures, it was (and still is), a way to express identity, lineage, spirituality, protection and transformation.
In Filipino batok/tatak, tattooing was performed using hand tools tapped or poked into the skin. Hand held tools with bounded needles.
In Āotearoa (New Zealand), tā moko was traditional done using uhi (chisels).
The act is a rite of passage - symbolising bravery, belonging and spiritual strength. Today, hand poke and hand tap are a reclamation of the ancestral arts after colonisation suppressed them. Both hand poke and hand tap share the same intentional, rhythmic, hand-applied process guided by breath, presence and spiritual grounding. Each mark carries whakakapapa (genealogy), mana (integrity) and wairua (spirit).
My hand poke practice is dedicated to the revitalisation of Filipino tattooing. Each piece is a process of creation, with care and intention. Hand poke is more than a tattoo technique, it's a way of honouring our ancestors and lineage, while sharing it's energy in a contemporary setting.
Through this practice, I aim to create tattoos that feel deeply personal - a balance of heritage, artistry and deliberation - carrying forward the legacy of tatak traditions in a nuanced and respectful way.
