Oriini Kaipara, a groundbreaking television presenter in New Zealand, proudly wears a traditional Māori face tattoo, known as moko kauae. She gracefully handled online insults, reaffirming her pride in her cultural history and identity.
Online Debate
Facial tattoos often spark online debates. While some believe tattoos should only be on the body, others appreciate their cultural significance.
A Trailblazer in Media
Oriini Kaipara, 41, made history as the first newsreader to present a primetime TV news bulletin on New Zealand’s Newshub while wearing moko kauae, a sacred cultural symbol for Māori women.
Significance of Moko Kauae
The Māori people, the native Polynesians of New Zealand, hold moko kauae in high regard. These tattoos, usually on the lips and chin, honor a woman’s heritage, rank, abilities, leadership, and family ties.
Facing Criticism
Amidst the praise, a viewer named David sent an email to Newshub, expressing displeasure with Kaipara’s moko kauae.
He wrote, “We continue to object strongly to you using a Māori newsreader with a moko, which is offensive and aggressive looking. An unflattering glance. She also speaks incoherently in Māori, which is not our language. Now stop it.”
Kaipara’s Graceful Response
Despite the derogatory comments, Kaipara addressed the issue head-on, sharing pictures of the messages on her Instagram story and responding respectfully.
She posted her email exchange with David, stating that since there was no breach of broadcast standards, she couldn’t take his complaint seriously. She also corrected his spelling of “moko,” since David had called it “moku.”
Kaipara wrote, “I gather your complaints stem from a place of preference on how one must look on-screen according to you. Moko and those who wear it are not dangerous, and they do not deserve this kind of intolerance, harassment, or discrimination.
We don’t mean any harm or ill intent, and neither do we/I deserve to be treated with such disregard. Please stop whining and hold off on expressing your cultural ignorance and bias until a later time, ideally the 1800s.”
Overwhelming Support
Despite David’s critical remarks, Kaipara quickly clarified that most of her feedback is positive, and nasty trolls are rare.
She emphasized the need for more Māori advocates in an interview with the New Zealand Herald, saying, “The fact that my existence triggers some people is testament to why we need more Māori advocates in key roles across every sector.”
A Message of Strength and Pride
Kaipara’s poised reaction is a powerful reminder of the value of cultural pride and resilience in the face of adversity. She encourages others to embrace their identities fearlessly and confront prejudice.
