Gina Heslop
Oriini Kaipara, a 41-year-old TV presenter from New Zealand, made history by becoming the first primetime news anchor with a traditional Māori face tattoo called moko kauae.
This tattoo is an important cultural symbol for Māori women, representing their identity, leadership, and connections to their family and community.
However, not everyone appreciated her tattoo. A viewer named David sent an email to Newshub, criticizing Oriini’s tattoo as offensive and aggressive. He also complained about Oriini speaking in the Māori language during broadcasts.
Oriini decided to respond to David’s comments publicly. She shared his message on Instagram and replied with grace and dignity. Oriini corrected his spelling of “moko” and expressed that his complaints stemmed from his personal preferences about appearance.
She firmly defended the significance of moko and Māori cultural practices, emphasizing that they do not deserve discrimination or harassment. Oriini encouraged David to move past cultural bias and ignorance, suggesting that such attitudes belong in the past.
Despite David’s negative remarks, Oriini receives overwhelming support and positive feedback about her tattoo from most people. She believes that her presence challenges and educates others about Māori culture and the importance of diversity in key roles across various sectors.
Oriini’s response serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of cultural pride and resilience. She encourages others to confidently embrace their identities and confront discriminatory beliefs. Oriini’s actions inspire others to stand up against prejudice and celebrate diverse cultural expressions.
