About Us
Hamilton's leading piercing professionals – The Piercing Shop has had the same owner since 2000, providing you with over 25 years hands-on industry experience.
Hey everyone, my name is Sue and I started my piercing career in Christchurch back in 1999–2000. Piercing was really quite different back then. Let me share with you a cringe-worthy moment. In 2000, I had one large clamp, one small clamp, one circlip—well, one of every instrument. These were soaked in alcohol solution in between customers. Clamps/instruments were pulled out, dried off, and used on the next person. Keep in mind this is how I was trained and all that I knew. We had an autoclave that we sterilised the jewellery in, and we used single-use needles. In late 2000, I travelled to Perth to complete a piercing course. This course was for five days, and during that time I pierced no one and was given a certificate to legally pierce in Australia. However, what I did learn was the APP-approved way about piercing hygienic procedures, and I implemented them immediately into my business. This made us stand out from our competitors and gave us an edge that we still use today.
Over 25 years ago, the Hamilton location opened its doors as Trendez. We sold clothes, shoes, sunnies, clothing accessories, body piercing, body piercing jewellery, and so much more.
We started with one piercing room. We soon realised that one room was not enough and divided the one room we had into two. We continued to sell clothes, accessories, and do body piercings. It really took off.
The 2008 recession impacted all businesses in New Zealand. So many businesses closed their doors during and after the recession. Luckily, we managed to make our way through, although the spending habits of Kiwis remained stunted and retail as we knew it was forever different. From the recession to the next name change in 2013, our piercing service outgrew the clothing and accessories that we sold, and we became primarily a piercing studio only.
In 2013, we had to change our name. Our piercing service had outgrown Trendez. They wanted us to move to a mall and conform, which was only fair as Trendez was a small chain store. We did not want to move, nor did we want to conform. We had a great name for piercing, and the clothing and accessory sales had dropped significantly after the recession. After a lot of thought and deliberation, we finally decided on a new name: "Keen on Piercing." Our customers had mixed opinions about the name, but we became a well-known and trusted brand.
Over the years, I've had many businesses. One in Napier lasted 10 years. I sold it to an employee, as I was travelling too much and missing out on family time with my young children. In 2015, I opened a shop in Henderson under the name Keen on Piercing. I trained all of the staff in that location for the seven years that I had control over it. In 2021, I opened another store in Newmarket, right as COVID was happening. What a time in our lives! New Zealanders had to come to terms with this new pandemic. There were closures of all of my locations on and off for a period of time. We had vaccinations that we had to get, and so many rules and regulations that we had to adhere to. Thankfully, we made it through and managed to keep all of the staff.
In 2022, I had another name change—from Keen on Piercing to "The Piercing Shop." This was due to a relationship breakdown. Unfortunately, I was not able to hold onto my businesses in Henderson and Newmarket.
In 2025, I found a cute little shop in Gate Pa, Tauranga. I decided to open up my 5th store. We opened on April 1st, 2025. We have had a positive response from everyone and I look forward to being in Gate Pa for many years to come.
Our Services
We offer a full piercing service.
We have "System 75" ear piercing system which we use for gun piercings. This is a single use cartridge specifically designed for ear piercing on normal to thin lobes. This ear piercing system has been around for over 25 years and is globally used. The jewellery is hypoallergenic and magnificently crafted for an easy and pain free piercing experience. We pierce lobes of all ages from birth. The cost is from $15-$25 ($30-$50 pair) for a single piercing including jewellery and piercing.
We also have "System 75" for nose piercing. This is a specifically designed gun for nose piercing. These studs are titanium and have a slightly barbed end, this is to help the stud from falling out. This option is fantastic for anyone who wants their nose pierced and is scared of needles. One click and you're done! The cost is $35.
All other body parts we use a needle to pierce with. We will talk you through what you're wanting and what is safe for you to have pierced. Remember that not everyone can have the piercing that they want, this is usually dependent on your anatomy. We are happy to have a consultation, which is free to discuss what you're wanting and if it's right for you. Our usual cost for a needle piercing is $30. This price does not include jewellery. Jewellery is from $10 upwards.
For 25 years we have a $20 needle piercing special every Sunday. This price does not include jewellery.
For most piercings we do not require an appointment and offer a walk in service. The only piercing that you need to make an appointment for is genital piercings. These are R18 and by appointment only.
We have a wide range of piercing jewellery and will fit any jewellery purchased from us for free. If you have a piece of jewellery purchased elsewhere we can fit this for you, we do charge $5 to do this.
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