TV Presenter with Māori Tattoo Shuts Down Troll with Grace
A television presenter with a traditional Māori face tattoo has fired back at online criticism, standing proud in her cultural identity.
Cultural Symbols Spark Debate
Facial tattoos often stir online discussion. Some argue tattoos belong only on the body. Others recognize their deep cultural meaning—especially in Māori tradition.
Oriini Kaipara, 41, made headlines when she joined New Zealand’s Newshub as a newsreader. She became the first primetime news presenter with a moko kauae, the sacred chin tattoo worn by Māori women.
What the Moko Kauae Represents
For Māori—the indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand—the moko kauae is more than decoration. It honors a woman’s ancestry, leadership, and connection to her community. Worn on the chin and lips, it symbolizes strength, status, and heritage.
Viewer Sends Harsh Criticism
Despite widespread praise, one viewer, David, emailed Newshub to complain.
“We object strongly to you using a Māori newsreader with a moku [moko], which is offensive and aggressive looking,” he wrote. “She also bursts into the Māori language, which we do not understand. Stop it now.”
Kaipara Responds with Strength and Style
Unshaken, Kaipara took to Instagram to share David’s message. She responded with calm defiance.
“Today I had enough. I responded. I never do that. I broke my own code and hit the send button,” she wrote.
She also corrected David’s spelling—moko, not moku—and addressed his remarks in a pointed email.
“Your complaints reflect your personal preference for how someone should look on-screen,” she wrote. “Moko and those who wear them are not threatening. They deserve respect, not discrimination.”
She closed with:
“Please refrain from complaining further and save your cultural ignorance for another lifetime—preferably in the 1800s.”
Praise Far Outweighs the Hate
Though David’s comments were harsh, Kaipara noted that most messages she receives are supportive.
In an interview with the New Zealand Herald, she said:
“The fact that my existence triggers some people proves why we need more Māori advocates in visible roles.”
Standing Strong in Her Identity
Kaipara’s graceful yet bold reply reminds us how vital cultural pride is in the face of ignorance. She continues to inspire others to embrace their roots, speak up, and push back against prejudice.
