The appearance of facial tattoos on television has stirred up online conversations once again. Traditional Māori facial tattoos, in particular, often face criticism. But one TV presenter isn’t letting the negativity slide.
Oriini Kaipara, 41, made headlines as New Zealand’s first primetime news bulletin presenter with a moko kauae, a traditional Māori face tattoo. These tattoos, deeply rooted in Māori culture, symbolize lineage, community leadership, and identity.
However, not everyone appreciated this cultural representation. A viewer named David sent an email to the channel, labeling Kaipara’s tattoo as “offensive” and “aggressive,” demanding she stop speaking in Māori during broadcasts.
Kaipara didn’t stay silent. She shared David’s messages on her Instagram story, responding with humor and resilience. Refusing to be discouraged, she defended her tattoo, emphasizing that it’s not a breach of broadcast standards but a cultural expression deserving respect.
In her reply to David, Kaipara urged him to reconsider his prejudices and cultural ignorance, urging him to step into the present and leave outdated biases behind.
