Templates / Tattoo & piercing
Tattoo & piercing waiver template.
Free starting-point wording for New Zealand tattoo & piercing operators. Copy it, or have it live as a digital form in about a minute.
Use this as a digital form, free →Tattoo / piercing consent form
Please read and complete this consent form before your appointment. It tells you what to expect and tells us what we need to know to work on you safely.
The risks
- Pain, swelling, redness and bleeding during and after the procedure.
- Infection if aftercare instructions are not followed.
- Allergic reaction to inks, metals, latex or aftercare products.
- Scarring, and variation in how colours heal and settle. A tattoo is permanent.
The rules
- You must be 18 or over, or have the consent required by this studio and your local council bylaw. Photo ID may be requested.
- You must not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Tell us if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a heart condition, diabetes, epilepsy, a blood-borne infection or skin condition, or take blood-thinning medication.
- Follow the written aftercare instructions we give you.
Acknowledgement
- I have read and understood the risks and rules above, and I have had the chance to ask questions.
- I am taking part voluntarily and I will follow the instructions of staff at all times.
- The information I have given is true, and I have disclosed any medical condition or injury that could affect my safety or the safety of others.
- For each person under 18 listed below: I am their parent or legal guardian (or I am authorised by their parent or guardian to sign for them), and I consent to them taking part on the same terms.
I understand that Your Business takes reasonable care to run this activity safely, that it cannot remove every risk, and that I am responsible for my own behaviour and for following the rules. Nothing in this form limits any rights I have under New Zealand law that cannot be excluded, including ACC cover.
Why it's worded this way
You'll notice it doesn't say "I release the operator from all liability". In New Zealand, ACC covers personal injury and people generally can't sue for compensation for injuries ACC covers, and an operator can't sign away its health and safety duties. So a sweeping American-style release adds little here and can look like you're hiding something. What's useful is a clear record that the person was told the risks, agreed to the rules, and gave you the medical and emergency details you need. More in the plain-English guide.
Not legal advice. This is a starting point. Swap "Your Business" for your name, change anything that doesn't match how you operate, and have the final version checked by your lawyer or insurer.