Facial tattoos, especially those linked to cultural roots, often create conversations online. Some people feel tattoos should stay off the face, while others respect the history and meaning behind them. These tattoos hold special value in many communities.
Oriini Kaipara, 41, made history as New Zealand’s first primetime news anchor with a moko kauae. This is the traditional chin tattoo worn by Māori women. As the face of Newshub, Kaipara has become an important symbol of Māori culture and visibility.
For the Māori people, who are the Indigenous people of New Zealand, the moko kauae is much more than a design. It represents a woman’s family background, her leadership in the community, and her identity.
Despite many showing support, Kaipara recently got an unkind email from a viewer named David. He complained about her tattoo and the use of the Māori language on air. He called the tattoo “offensive and aggressive” and asked for it to stop.
Here’s where the story takes a turn. Kaipara, known for staying calm, usually does not reply to such messages. But this time, she made an exception. She shared the email on her Instagram story and explained her decision to respond.
Kaipara politely corrected the mistake in David’s spelling of “moko” and addressed his concerns. She pointed out there was no rule being broken and explained that moko and those who wear them are not harmful or disrespectful.
She ended her message with a clear note: “Please stop complaining and leave behind cultural ignorance for good—preferably back in the 1800s.”
Even with such messages, Kaipara said support far outweighs negativity. In an interview with the New Zealand Herald, she highlighted the importance of representation. “If my presence bothers some people, it proves why we need more Māori voices in important places,” she said.
Kaipara’s confident reply shows the value of standing up for cultural pride. Her role on national television continues to encourage others to embrace their identity with confidence.