A TV presenter with a Māori face tattoo responds to a viewer’s criticism, defending their cultural heritage against the ‘bad look’ remark.
A news presenter from New Zealand, Oriini Kaipara, has recently responded to complaints about her Māori face tattoo.
Known as a moko kauae, this traditional tattoo has significant cultural meaning.
Kaipara gained attention in 2021 as the first person with a Māori face tattoo to host New Zealand primetime news.
The background of the Moko Kauae
The moko kauae is a facial tattoo traditionally worn by Māori women.
It is often placed on the chin and sometimes extends to the lips.
This tattoo is not just a form of decoration; it represents a connection to Māori heritage and identity.
In 2019, Kaipara decided to get her moko to honor her roots and empower herself as a Māori woman.
Kaipara sees more than just her reflection when she looks in the mirror.
She sees the faces of her ancestors and the future generations of her family.
This deep connection to her culture gives her strength and confidence.
TV host responds strongly to viewer criticism over her Māori face tattoo
Recently, Kaipara faced criticism from a viewer who expressed dissatisfaction with her appearance on social media.
The viewer, identified only as David, claimed that her tattoo was “offensive” and described it as a “bad look.”
He also objected to her use of the Māori language during broadcasts, stating that he found it difficult to understand.
David wrote: “We continue to object strongly to you using a Māori TV presenter with a moku, which is offensive and aggressive-looking. It’s a bad look.
“She also bursts into the Māori language which we do not understand. Stop it now.”
In response to these complaints, Kaipara decided to take a stand.
She addressed David directly in an email, explaining that his comments were disrespectful and rooted in cultural ignorance.
She corrected him on the terminology, clarifying that it is called a moko, not a “moku.”
“I gather your complaints stem from a place of preference on how one must look on-screen, according to you.
“Moko and people with them are not threatening nor do they deserve such discrimination, harassment, and prejudice.
“Moko are ancient cultural markings unique to the indigenous people of Aotearoa, myself included.
“We mean no harm or ill intent nor do we/I deserve to be treated with such disregard.
“Please refrain from complaining further, and refrain your cultural ignorance and bias for another lifetime, preferably in the 1800s.”
Support from the community
After Kaipara’s response, many people rallied to support her.
Social media users praised her for embracing her culture and standing up against discrimination.
Comments flooded in, emphasizing the importance of respecting and honoring Māori traditions.
Many expressed admiration for her beauty and the significance of her moko.
One user said: Her culture, her face, her business.
The second user added: That is her culture. We should respect and support. What a hypocritical world we are living in.
Tattoo are now acceptable as body art and when someone wear it because of her tradition it becomes an issue.
The third user wrote: She’s stunning without it and powerful with it. That’s why the triggered will always judge and laugh. You tell them SIS.
Another user commented: Why is this even an issue? It’s her culture.
Aiming for cultural awareness
Kaipara has made it her mission to promote Māori culture and language.
She often uses Māori phrases during her news broadcasts, aiming to encourage others to learn and speak the language.
She believes that reclaiming the Māori language is vital, especially considering its historical suppression.
In her interview with CNN, Kaipara shared her desire to empower Māori girls and women.
She believes displaying her moko inspires younger generations to embrace their heritage.
She said : “When I doubt myself, and I see my reflection in the mirror, I’m not just looking at myself.
“I’m looking at my grandmother and my mother, and my daughters, and hers to come after me, as well as all the other women, Māori girls out there and it empowers me.”
Kaipara added: “We still haven’t addressed a lot of intergenerational traumas and colonization and for Māori, that’s very, very pertinent and poignant as well.
“Not much in terms of race relations here has changed in a very long time.”