Facial tattoos, particularly those embedded in indigenous traditions, often ignite heated debates online. Some individuals believe that tattoos should remain on the body, while many others acknowledge and respect the cultural and ancestral significance they hold.

Oriini Kaipara, 41, made history as the first primetime news anchor in New Zealand to present with a moko kauae—the sacred chin tattoo worn by Māori women. As a presenter for Newshub, Kaipara has become a beacon of cultural pride and representation.

For Māori—the Indigenous Polynesian people of Aotearoa (New Zealand)—the moko kauae is much more than just a tattoo. It represents a woman’s whakapapa (genealogy), her leadership role, and her deep-rooted connection to her community and identity.

Despite widespread support, Kaipara recently received an offensive email from a viewer named David, who criticized her moko kauae and her use of te reo Māori on air. “We continue to strongly object to you using a Māori newsreader with a moko [moko] that appears aggressive and offensive,” he wrote. “It’s a bad look. She also uses Māori language, which we don’t understand. Stop it now.”

Kaipara, known for her professionalism and composure, chose to respond publicly for the first time—sharing the message on her Instagram story alongside her reply.

“Today I had enough. I responded. I never do that. I broke my own rule and hit send,” she wrote.

In her response, she politely corrected David’s spelling of moko and rejected his complaint, explaining that no broadcast standards were violated. She continued:

“I believe your concerns stem from your personal preference on how someone should appear on-screen. Moko and the people who wear them are neither threatening nor deserving of such discrimination, harassment, and prejudice. We mean no harm or ill intent, and we/I do not deserve to be treated with such disrespect.”

Kaipara concluded her response with a powerful line: “Please stop complaining, and leave your cultural ignorance and bias behind—preferably in the 1800s.”

Despite the hateful message, Kaipara emphasized that support far outweighs criticism. In a follow-up interview with the New Zealand Herald, she highlighted the significance of visibility: “The fact that my existence triggers some people is a testament to why we need more Māori advocates in key roles across all sectors.”

Kaipara’s calm yet powerful response serves as a reminder of the strength rooted in cultural pride—and the importance of standing strong against ignorance and prejudice. Her continued presence on national television inspires others to embrace their identities with confidence, unapologetically.