Māori news anchor Oriini Kaipara wears traditional face tattoo on air, breaking barriers

Oriini Kaipara, a prominent news anchor in New Zealand, has captivated audiences by proudly wearing a traditional Māori face tattoo, known as a moko kauae, during her prime-time broadcasts. Kaipara, who is of Māori descent, is the first news anchor to display this significant cultural symbol on national television, marking a groundbreaking moment for both her and the Indigenous community she represents.

Kaipara’s moko kauae is more than just a tattoo—it’s a powerful symbol of her identity, heritage, and deep connection to her ancestors. In Māori culture, the moko kauae is traditionally worn by women as a mark of leadership, strength, and dedication to their community. The intricate designs carry specific meanings, representing the wearer’s lineage, social status, and achievements. For Kaipara, wearing her moko kauae is a profound expression of her cultural pride, and she does so with grace and confidence on a very public stage.

Kaipara’s presence in mainstream media with her moko kauae challenges long-standing norms and promotes cultural acceptance. Her decision to wear this traditional tattoo while presenting the news is a significant statement against colonial attitudes that once sought to suppress Indigenous expressions. OriamRiniDadelos highlighted the importance of her role, noting, “She is literally one of the better-positioned people to represent her culture too. That job literally involves showing your face to millions of people.”

Beyond her role as a news anchor, Kaipara’s moko kauae has sparked important conversations about cultural identity and representation. Her visibility helps normalize Māori traditions and encourages others to embrace and celebrate their heritage. IAMAfortunecookieAMA aptly put it, “It's not necessarily a tattoo that represents her culture, that tattoo IS her culture.”

Kaipara’s journey to becoming a prime-time news anchor is remarkable in itself. In 2019, she made history as the first person with a moko kauae to present mainstream news. Since then, her career has flourished, making her a role model for many. For Indigenous peoples everywhere, seeing her on-screen is a powerful affirmation that they can stay true to their roots while achieving success in the broader world.

Kaipara’s impact goes beyond the Māori community, inspiring discussions on how cultural expressions can be honored in diverse societies. AdmiralBlackcock captured the essence of moko kauae’s significance, saying, “These intricate designs are more than just marks on the skin—they’re stories etched into the very soul of the wearer…a living piece of art, a story written in skin, a tradition that binds the past to the present.”

Oriini Kaipara is not just making headlines—she’s making history. By proudly wearing her moko kauae on national television, she’s breaking barriers, challenging perceptions, and paving the way for future generations to celebrate their cultural identities openly and proudly.

This article was originally published on August 22, 2024. It has since been updated.