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.
3 Inspiring Stories of Kindness Repaid in Full
These stories are incredibly touching and powerful examples of how even small acts of kindness can lead to extraordinary outcomes. Felix’s willingness to help an elderly neighbor, Carly’s selflessness in aiding a stranger, and Mark’s empathy for someone in need all show that kindness often ripples out in ways we might never anticipate.
What stands out is the unexpected connection between their generosity and the lasting impact on their lives. Each story captures the spirit of selflessness, with moments where individuals put others above their immediate desires or comfort. Felix’s arrest and the subsequent fight to clear his name highlight resilience and the strength of familial bonds. Carly’s prom story reflects how a seemingly small gesture can become a defining moment of joy and gratitude. And Mark’s gesture, which brought life-saving support to his grandmother, is a reminder that empathy and compassion are sometimes rewarded in ways beyond our wildest dreams.
These stories reinforce the notion that kindness, even when it seems unnoticed, often finds its way back to us, sometimes in ways that change lives forever. Thank you for sharing this heartwarming collection!
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