A TV presenter with a traditional Māori face tattoo has responded gracefully to a viewer’s harsh comments, expressing pride in her heritage.
Oriini Kaipara, 41, made history as New Zealand’s first primetime newsreader to wear a moko kauae — a sacred Māori marking symbolizing lineage, leadership, and identity.
Despite receiving mostly praise, one viewer complained that her tattoo looked “aggressive” and criticized her use of the Māori language. Kaipara publicly shared the message and replied with dignity, correcting his spelling and stating his complaint reflected cultural ignorance, not any broadcast issue.
She emphasized that moko is not threatening and that discrimination has no place today, saying her presence proves why more Māori representation is needed.
Her response stands as a powerful reminder to embrace cultural identity with pride and resilience.
