Aussie mad for Fastest Indian

CAMERON BURNELL/Taranaki Daily News

INDIAN TRIBUTE: Australian Nick Hawtin has his tattoo tribute to the World's Fastest Indian inked by New Plymouth tattooists Jody Ward, left, and Gene Martin.

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Aussie Nick Hawtin crossed the ditch and headed to New Plymouth at the weekend to find peace of mind.

The 38-year-old from Albury Wodonga, three hours out of Melbourne, was here to have his entire back tattooed as a tribute to the World's Fastest Indian.

Mr Hawtin said he was keen on all motorcycles but became obsessed with Burt Munro and Indians bikes after seeing the movie.

The work was done at Jody's Tattoo Shop and was a combined effort between owner Jody Ward and tattoo artist Gene Martin, who each put in 20 hours of work.

"It's one of the greatest forms of trust," Mr Hawtin said.

"It takes a long time to find people you trust."

A relative told Mr Hawtin about the shop.

Mr Hawtin said the pair, who have 45 years experience between them, were highly regarded and talented within the industry.

"You wouldn't travel all the way to here if you didn't think that they were first class," he said.

The new art also covered a bad tattoo Mr Hawtin got about 10 years ago and he's looking forward to be able to take his shirt off in public again. "For once I'll be happy to display my back."

Mr Ward said it was a huge compliment that Mr Hawtin had come so far but he was not the business' only international client.

"We had another bloke from Australia ring just the other day," he said.

Mr Ward said it was unusual for people to get the amount of work Mr Hawtin had done in one go.

"Only dingo-mad Aussies would go for it," he said.

Mr Martin said the first time he and Mr Ward had collaborated on the same tattoo.

"That's the special part about it," he said.

- © Fairfax NZ News