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Preston Karatau

@by.pres

2.7K

followers

627

following

Micro-Realism/Fineline
Polynesian and Kirituhi Tattoo Artist
Bookings Open- DM or EMAIL TO BOOK
[email protected]
@tattoogold_

POSTS STORIES REELS TAGGED

Bit of life 🎲

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June 2026 - end of lease date

Today I hand the keys back to the Tattoo Gold Auckland studio premise here on the North Shore, New Zealand.

It’s hard to put six years into words. What was once an empty space became a second home to so many artists.

When I look back, I’m most grateful for the people. The clients who trusted us and being able to help them by using our skills as creatives. The silent helpers who stepped up for me, when I couldn’t be everywhere at once.
And my wife, who I told I’ll be home in an hour, to only getting caught up for hours more.

What’s crazy is that when I look at everything we achieved in just six years, it doesn’t make me feel sad. It makes me excited. I really did it.
I’m excited for what’s next, with so much more experience behind me not only as an artist, business owner or boss, but as a man.

Thank you to everyone who walked through these doors and supported Tattoo Gold.

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BIG NEWS 📣

I am moving 🇳🇱

Sort of.

This means @tattoogold_ Auckland will be closing its doors at some stage this year… but reopening in the Netherlands.

I’m not saying goodbye to New Zealand,
my home will just be split between 2 countries.

Closing the doors to our Takapuna studio will be emotional. Over the past 6 years we built something really special. Thousands of clients, clients who became friends and clients who trusted us. According to the news, we even did 300 tattoos in a single night once.

I’m incredibly grateful for everyone who has been a part of it all. I’ve worked my ass off to build Tattoo Gold into what it has become. Thank you to my wife @littlelovetattoos for your support!

To everyone who supported the studio, visited us, or worked alongside me as a resident or guest artist, thank you. I’m incredibly proud of what we created together.

@by.pres @ink8tian @oldboytattoos @rdv_tattoos my team, I appreciate you all and wish you the very best for what comes next. Thank you for being a part of us @tattoogold_

To my New Zealand clients, I’m sorry I won’t be available as often, but I will be returning each year!
If you would like to book before I leave, or join the waiting list for my next New Zealand trip, comment below.

We are in the early stages of planning our move, I will keep you all updated when we will eventually close and move 🙏🏻
Currently I am limited with work due to an injury with my hand, but once that’s healed I’ll do my best to fit everyone in before I move.

To my European clients, and those yet to come, I’m excited to welcome you to the next chapter:

🏠 Tattoo Gold Netherlands Studio

Get in touch with me through email if you wish to reserve an appointment with me in the Netherlands.
📧 coen@tattoogoldnz.com

Thank you all for being part of the journey, following what I’m up to and showing your support and love.

Coen Mitchell
Owner, Tattoo Gold

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I’ve just finished clearing out my station at @tattoogold_ and it’s such a bittersweet feeling. On one hand, new beginnings are afoot, on the other I’ve called this place home for the last few years and I feel that within these walls I have made some of my biggest strides as a tattooer and artist yet. I can’t thank @coenmitchell and the rest of the homies enough for the kindness and hospitality and Tattoo Gold has truly been an incredible place to work 🖤 luckily I live just down the road so I’ll probably just see y’all tomorrow 💀

To everyone who has come and gotten tattooed by me, picked up a print or a patch, sent me a message or come and shared a drink with me, thank you so much. These past couple of years have been incredible and it means the world that you fuck with me and my work. I wouldn’t be here without you guys 🖤 but where will I go next?? For now, let’s just say I’m a homeless tattooer…. but I’ve been cooking up something special. Stay tuned my dear heathens 🖤

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Maori Manta-Ray creation done @by.pres

We love hosting international travelers! 🧳✈️ Whether you’re visiting New Zealand or already here, why not take home a tattoo as a unique souvenir? Our studio welcomes clients from all over the world, and @by.pres is ready to design something memorable just for you.

💬 Book a free consultation! Send Pres a DM - @by.pres

Include:
💡 A brief description of your idea/concept
🗓 Your preferred booking date
📐 Approximate size (cm)
🦵🏼 Placement on your body
📸 A photo of that area (if comfortable)

Why choose Tattoo Gold?
✅ Experienced & professional artists
✅ A relaxed & welcoming atmosphere
✅ High hygiene standards
✅ Custom, high-quality tattoos

📍 Located in Takapuna, North Shore, Auckland
🚗 Just 30 minutes from Auckland Airport
🌍 www.tattoogoldnz.com

#tattoogoldnz #aucklandtattoos #takapuna #newzealandtattoos #travelmemories

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Chapter six😘 do you like this series?

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We made the trip from Auckland down to New Plymouth for the annual @nztattoofestival this weekend. It’s an event I’ve been attending for over a decade now, and it still brings together some of the best artists in the world, more than 250 of them, taking pre-booked and walk-up appointments all under one roof.

@by.pres @oldboytattoos @ink8tian @inglourious_hoko and I represented @tattoogold_ over the two days. We all worked on some great clients, created some really cool pieces, and genuinely had such a good time. It was good to catch up with artists we haven’t seen in a while, tattoo side by side again, talk shop, have a few drinks, and just enjoy the energy of the weekend.
Thank you to everyone who stopped by, said hello, grabbed some merch, or supported what we were creating.

A special thank-you to my client Emily for trusting me with the large dragon tattoo I created for her over 15 hours across the weekend. I appreciate the trust you placed in me. And thank you to Ryan, Chelsea and Mickey for making the trip down and supporting me as well.

Appreciation to @emallaneedles for the support and the needles I used throughout the weekend.

Thank you @brent_taylor @nztattoofestival for putting one another great event.

Back in Auckland now, unpacking, preparing new designs for my upcoming clients, and getting organised to finish 2025 strong.

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Always bringing a piece of New Zealand with me🥹 What do you all think of this kirituhi of a sting ray? Also sorry if I pronounce things wrong heh I am tryinggg
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#newzealand #maori #kirituhitattoo #maoritattoo #traveling #backpacking

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(Pres) @by.pres 📸
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Auckland tattoo artist specialising in realism and micro-realism, with skills in Māori, Samoan, fine line and more. He creates a calm, respectful space for every client, guiding them with patience and care.
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Inspired by music, everyday life, and global artists, Pres crafts designs that feel personal and impactful. From small details to larger projects, he’s all about professionalism, cleanliness, and meaningful work.

📩 bypres.tattoos@gmail.com
📍 @by.pres

Pre-drawn flash designs are also available ✔️

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Pair of Jordans for the G @by.pres 👟.. Thanks for solid sit bro
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#tattooartist #aucklandnz #bngtattoo #sneakers #kicks #jordan #tattoo #artist #realism

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🚨 $150 Minimum Tattoo Charge Rate 🔥
Bookings Available via DM

Lettering Flow 🖊️

If you’re interested in some custom lettering, get in touch with @by.pres via DM.

Appointments are available this week
📲 Tattoo Gold, Auckland, New Zealand

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@by.pres from Auckland 🇳🇿 tattooing at 13th @nztattoofestival presented by @bepanthenanz 🔥

🗓️29 & 30 November
📍TSB Stadium in New Plymouth
🎫Tickets on sale soon from Eventfinda

@taranaki_nz

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