Television presenter Oriini Kaipara, proudly wearing a traditional Māori face tattoo, responded gracefully to online trolls, reaffirming her cultural pride and identity.
Kaipara, a trailblazing 41-year-old newsreader for New Zealand’s Newshub, made history as the first person to deliver a primetime news bulletin while wearing the moko kauae, a significant cultural symbol worn by Māori women. The moko kauae, traditionally placed on the lips and chin, reflects a woman’s heritage, status, leadership, and familial connections within the Māori community, the indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand.
Despite the praise Kaipara has received, one viewer named David expressed his displeasure through an email to Newshub. According to the Daily Mail, David’s message criticized Kaipara’s appearance, calling her moko “offensive and aggressive looking” and dismissing her use of the Māori language as “incoherent.”
Rather than ignoring the remarks, Kaipara confronted them head-on. She shared the email exchange on her Instagram story, handling the situation with grace and dignity. In her response to David, Kaipara pointed out that his complaints were based on personal preferences about appearance and corrected his misspelling of the word “moko.” She made it clear that moko kauae represents no threat, and such expressions of cultural pride do not deserve intolerance or discrimination.
“We mean no harm or ill intent,” Kaipara wrote. “Neither do we deserve to be treated with such disregard.” She added a sharp rebuke, telling David to hold off on expressing his “cultural ignorance and bias” until a time more suited to such views—“ideally the 1800s.”
Despite this negative comment, Kaipara emphasized that most responses to her are positive, and trolls like David are the exception. In an interview with the New Zealand Herald following the incident, Kaipara spoke about the importance of having more Māori advocates in prominent positions. “The fact that my existence triggers some people is testament to why we need more Māori advocates in key roles across every sector,” she said.
Kaipara’s composed response serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of cultural pride and resilience. Her actions inspire others to embrace their identities with confidence and stand up against prejudice.
Mocked for Marrying Her
In a world where appearances often take precedence, Amelia’s love story stands out as a testament to defying norms and embracing self-acceptance. Despite facing harsh criticism from society, she found unwavering support from her parents, which became her refuge. Turning to video games to escape bullying and marginalization, Amelia’s world changed when Sean entered her life, recognizing her true beauty beyond societal standards.
Their love story unfolded against all odds, culminating in a heartfelt proposal and a simple yet meaningful wedding ceremony. Their journey together sparked a global movement centered on acceptance and empowerment, serving as a powerful reminder that love knows no boundaries and is rooted in authenticity.
Amelia and Sean’s story serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for those who dare to challenge societal norms and embrace their true selves. As they continue their journey together, their bond serves as a reaffirmation that love is the ultimate conqueror.
Let us come together to celebrate the extraordinary love story of Amelia and Sean, which beautifully redefines the essence of love in their own remarkable way.
Leave a Reply