Television host Oriini Kaipara, known for her moko kauae (Māori face tattoo), responded gracefully to a viewer’s negative comments about her appearance. The moko kauae, which holds cultural significance for Māori women, represents heritage, family, and leadership.
Kaipara, the first newsreader to wear a moko kauae on primetime TV, received a complaint from a viewer, David, who criticized the tattoo and her use of Māori language. Kaipara, usually silent on such comments, shared the message on Instagram and responded calmly, correcting the viewer’s mistake and affirming her cultural pride.
