At 41, Oriini Kaipara is breaking barriers as a trailblazing TV presenter in New Zealand. What sets her apart is her traditional Māori face tattoo, known as the moko kauae. This revered cultural marking worn by Māori women symbolizes heritage, identity, and leadership within the community. However, not everyone appreciates the cultural significance behind these tattoos.

Recently, a viewer named David expressed his discontent with Kaipara’s moko kauae in an email to Newshub. He claimed it was offensive and aggressive, and criticized Kaipara for occasionally using the Māori language during her broadcasts. But Kaipara didn’t let these cruel remarks get to her.

In a brave and dignified response, Kaipara shared screenshots of David’s messages on her Instagram and addressed the issue head-on. She explained that her tattoo holds deep meaning and expressed that neither her or other people with moko should be subjected to discrimination or prejudice.

Despite the negativity, Kaipara remains resilient. She emphasized that the majority of the comments she receives are positive and that the trolls are just a small minority. In an interview with the New Zealand Herald, she highlighted the importance of having more Māori advocates in key roles across every sector, stating that her existence serves as a testament to that need.

Kaipara’s response is a powerful reminder of the significance of cultural pride and resilience in the face of adversity. She inspires others to embrace their identities unapologetically and challenge discriminatory attitudes.

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