Newsreader hits back at viewer who called her Maori face tattoo a 'bad look'

A newsreader had the perfect response to someone who complained about her traditional chin tattoo.

New Zealand reporter Oriini Kaipara has previously made history as the first newsreader to have a Māori chin tattoo.

The inkings are seen as a mark of honor in traditional Polynesian society, as well as a symbol of power.

Upon making her news anchor debut in 2019, Kaipara was praised for representing the Māori people - but one viewer named 'David' said the look was too 'aggressive'.

Kaipara later clapped back at the complaint, saying that while she doesn't normally acknowledge the haters, she decided to break her code and 'hit the send button' as she'd 'had enough'.

Taking to her Instagram Story, Kaipara shared a screenshot of an email the man had sent to her and the entire newsroom.

It read: "We continue to object strongly to you using a Māori newsreader with a moku which is offensive and aggressive looking. A bad look."

Instagram/@oriinz

He continued: "She also bursts into the Māori language which we do not understand. Stop it now."

The journalist offered up the perfect response, which she also shared in a screenshot on her Instagram page.

Kaipara started off by writing 'Kia ora David', before adding: "Thank you for all your complaints against me and my ‘moku'.

"I do find them very difficult to take seriously given there is no breach of broadcast standards.

"If I may, I’d like to correct you on one thing - it is moko not moku.

"A simple, helpful pronunciation guide of ‘Maw-Caw’ will help you articulate the word correctly."

Instagram/@oriinz

She continued: "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 or prejudice.

"Moko are ancient cultural markings unique to the indigenous people of Aotearoa, myself included."

Kaipara rightly pointed out that the community does not deserve to be treated 'with such disregard'.

She finished by saying: "Please refrain from complaining further, and restrain your cultural ignorance and bias for another lifetime, preferably in the 1800s.

"Nga mihi matakuikui o te wa. Oriini Kaipara (The lady with the moko kauwae who speaks Māori but MOSTLY English on TV)."

Over two years on from the tone deaf email she received, Kaipara continues to be a news anchor for Newshub and is still making history.

If you have been affected by any of the issues in this article and wish to speak to someone in confidence, contact Stop Hate UK by visiting their website www.stophateuk.org

Topics: News, New Zealand

Niamh Shackleton

Niamh Shackleton is an experienced journalist for UNILAD, specialising in topics including mental health and showbiz, as well as anything Henry Cavill and cat related. She has previously worked for OK! Magazine, Caters and Kennedy.

@niamhshackleton