In a graceful display of cultural pride and personal resilience, a Maori TV host adorned with a traditional facial tattoo has responded elegantly to negative comments directed at her, reaffirming her pride in her heritage and individual identity.
Oriini Kaipara, a trailblazing presenter at 41 years old, made history as the first primetime news anchor with a moko kauae, a revered cultural symbol among Maori women. These facial tattoos, deeply rooted in Maori tradition, symbolize familial connections, leadership roles within the community, and acknowledge one’s lineage, status, and capabilities.
Yet, amidst the accolades, a viewer named David expressed his discontent with Kaipara’s moko kauae in an email to Newshub, branding it as “offensive and aggressive looking.” Undeterred by such disparagement, Kaipara courageously addressed the issue on her Instagram story, sharing screenshots of David’s messages and responding with poise.
