Oriini Kaipara: A Symbol of Pride and Culture
Oriini Kaipara, a 41-year-old TV presenter in New Zealand, has become a beacon of cultural pride with her traditional Māori face tattoo, known as moko kauae. Despite facing harsh words from some viewers, she’s not just standing her ground but also celebrating her heritage.
A Historic First
Kaipara made headlines as the first prime-time news presenter to wear a moko kauae on New Zealand’s Newshub. Moko kauae is much more than a tattoo. It’s a symbol of a Māori woman’s ancestry, leadership, and status. It honors her family, her community, and her capabilities.
Facing Criticism with Grace
Not everyone has been supportive. A viewer named David sent a complaint to Newshub, calling Kaipara’s tattoo “offensive” and criticizing her use of the Māori language. But Kaipara, breaking her usual rule of not responding to trolls, shared David’s message and her reply on Instagram. She defended her heritage and corrected David’s misunderstanding, emphasizing that moko and their bearers are not threatening. She urged him to leave his cultural bias in the past, ideally the 1800s.
Majority Support with a Few Loud Voices
Despite the negative comment from David, Kaipara reveals she usually receives praise for her appearance and cultural expressions. She believes the occasional troll only highlights the need for more Māori advocates in visible roles.
An Inspiring Response
Kaipara’s handling of the situation reminds us all of the value of embracing our identities and standing up against discrimination. She’s not just a news presenter; she’s a role model showing the world the strength of cultural pride.
What do you think about Oriini Kaipara’s stand against negativity? Share your thoughts below!
Isn’t it uplifting to see someone turn negativity into a powerful message of cultural pride and resilience?
About David