HT2. TV presenter with Māori face tattoo hits back at cruel trolls

Oriini Kaipara and Her Moko Kauae: A Bold Statement of Identity and Strength

When it comes to cultural identity and personal expression, few symbols carry as much weight as the moko kauae—the traditional Māori chin tattoo. For news anchor Oriini Kaipara, it’s not just ink on skin—it’s a powerful statement of heritage, resilience, and pride.

As the first woman to present primetime news on New Zealand television wearing a moko kauae, Oriini shattered barriers and became a face of Indigenous representation. Her presence on-screen celebrates Māori tradition in a space long dominated by Eurocentric standards. But with visibility comes scrutiny—and Oriini has faced her share.

More Than a Tattoo: The Meaning of Moko Kauae

For Māori women, the moko kauae isn’t a fashion statement—it’s a sacred symbol of identity, ancestry, and leadership. Worn on the chin, it reflects a woman’s lineage, achievements, and place in her community.

Oriini’s decision to wear it on national television is both personal and revolutionary. It reclaims space for Māori culture while challenging mainstream norms around beauty and professionalism.

Pushing Boundaries in the Media

Since joining Newshub in 2019, Oriini has become a powerful symbol of cultural representation. Her unapologetic presence has sparked important conversations around diversity and inclusion in the media.

While she’s received wide praise, she’s also encountered backlash. Some viewers, uncomfortable with seeing Indigenous identity so prominently displayed, have voiced criticism—often rooted in ignorance.

Responding to Criticism with Grace

One such critic, a viewer named David, sent an email calling her tattoo “offensive and aggressive,” and objected to her use of the Māori language on-air. Rather than ignore it, Oriini decided to speak up.

Breaking her usual rule of not engaging, she posted the email on Instagram and responded with grace and clarity. She corrected David’s errors, addressed his biases, and reminded him—and the public—that cultural expression is not a threat, but a right.

“We/I do not deserve to be treated with such disrespect,” she wrote. “Ignorance is not an excuse anymore.”

Why Representation Matters

Oriini’s story is about more than a tattoo. It’s about reclaiming cultural identity in a world that too often silences it. Her visibility empowers others—especially Māori women—to take pride in their roots.

In interviews, she’s acknowledged that while criticism exists, the support she receives far outweighs it. To many, she’s a role model, showing that culture and professionalism are not mutually exclusive.

Standing Proud in the Face of Adversity

Oriini’s composure in the face of ignorance is a powerful lesson in resilience. Instead of shrinking from criticism, she uses it as a platform to educate and empower.

Her journey is a reminder that embracing one’s heritage is an act of strength—and sometimes, of resistance. She challenges outdated norms and invites a more inclusive view of what professionalism and representation look like.

A Call for Cultural Respect

Oriini Kaipara is more than a news presenter—she’s a cultural advocate breaking down barriers. By wearing her moko kauae on television, she’s rewriting the narrative about Indigenous visibility in modern media.

Her story challenges us to rethink our definitions of beauty, professionalism, and identity. More importantly, it calls us to celebrate diversity, not fear it.

What Do You Think?

How do you feel about Oriini’s stand for cultural identity and her response to criticism? Join the conversation and share your thoughts.