The ability to judge distinguishes humans from other animals as superior species. Because of a talent that has been honed throughout hundreds of years, we have experienced both success and failure on multiple occasions. And as the world continues to grow and become more interconnected through various forms of media, opinions are more readily expressed than ever before.

And yet, throughout those years, we have not been able to institutionalize the idea of respecting one another, or at the absolute least, knowing when and how to keep one’s mouth shut when appropriate. Do not comment on something that you do not fully comprehend. Find out more about it. Consider your assessments and think about where they came from. On the other hand, this is a story about the opposing side, about those who believe their opinions are important enough to be paid heed to.

A guy who disapproved of a New Zealand news anchor’s appearance only because he thought she had a traditional face tattoo emblematic of her Mori background had been sending her complaints. The anchor sported a face tattoo that depicted a traditional Mori design. After a certain point, she decided that enough was enough, and she responded in a way that made it abundantly apparent to everyone that rudeness would not be accepted.

 

Oriini Kaipara, a New Zealand news anchor who has a traditional Mori facial tattoo, had been receiving complaints from a guy, and she retaliated in the nicest way imaginable. New Zealand Newsreader Retaliates Against guy Who Constantly Complains To Her News Station About Her Mori facial Tattoo

Oriini Kaipara made history in New Zealand last year when she first hosted national primetime news while also having moko kauae, which are traditional Maori marks on the chin. In December of 2021, she delivered her first bulletin on Newshub, and many people celebrated the momentous occasion as a victory for Maori representation.

Oriini made waves when she became the first news anchor to deliver national primetime news with a moko kauae, a traditional Mori facial tattoo. New Zealand Newsreader Fires Back At Man Who Constantly Complains To Her News Station About Her Mori Facial Tattoo

Tmoko is a distinctive way for Maori people to express their cultural history and sense of identity via the art of tattooing. Because Maori people hold the head as the body’s holiest portion, facial tattoos hold a special place in their culture. Women in Moko Kauae communities get tattoos on their lips and chins called moko kauae. These tattoos signify the women’s genealogy, standing within the group, and skills. It is a custom that originated with Niwareka, an ancestor, and has been carried down through the generations.

Before the introduction of European settlers, the intricate patterns of ta moko were carved into the flesh. Ta moko is still practised today. In this tattooing technique, broad-toothed combs of varied widths are dipped in black pigment, and then little mallets called t are used to press the combs into the skin to create the desired design. Soot obtained from the combustion of kahikatea, also known as white pine, was utilised as the pigment. It was occasionally combined with kauri gum or soot obtained from the koromiko (hebe) plant.

 

Even though many people complimented her for paying tribute to her heritage, some people, like David, thought the way she was dressed was “offensive and aggressive looking.”

A man has been harassing a New Zealand newsreader with constant complaints about her Maori face tattoo. The newsreader has fired back at the man.

In spite of the fact that she was lauded for respecting her heritage, there were many who were shocked by her actions.

One individual made it his life’s work to harp on her on-air presence at every opportunity. Because of her appearance and her use of the Maori language, the guy named David has been writing letters to the news channel, requesting that they remove her from her position as a news anchor.

Oriini shared one of his comments in her Instagram stories, and it read as follows: “We continue to oppose vehemently to you utilising a Maori news presenter with a moku (sic) which is disrespectful and violent looking. A poor look. In addition to that, she starts speaking in Mori, which neither of us can comprehend. Put a stop to that right away.”

This was the final straw for her, and she’d had enough of his inconsiderate treatment of her. She stated in the Instagram story, “This guy is one of ‘those’ gifts that keep on giving…” (also known as a “gift that keeps on giving”). “He never stops complaining about my MOKU and the fact that I have an aggressive appearance. Instead of emailing me directly, he communicates with the entire tari kawe p’rongo. I’ve had enough for today.”

David had made many calls to the news agency but never spoke to Oriini directly, and she finally lost her patience. She decided to deviate from her protocol and respond to him personally.
A man has been harassing a New Zealand newsreader with constant complaints about her Maori face tattoo. The newsreader fired back at the man.

 

Her response went: “Kia ora (translation: hello) David, I am grateful for all of the criticisms you have levelled against me and my’moku.’ Given that there does not appear to be any violation of the criteria for broadcasting, I find it very difficult to take them seriously. If you’ll excuse me, I’d like to point out that one of your statements is incorrect; the proper word is moko, not moku. You can express the world more correctly if you consult a straightforward and helpful guide to the ‘Maw-Caw’ pronunciation.

She remarked, “I gather your complaints stem from a preference on how one must look on screen, according to you, according to what I’ve gathered from your statements.” People with Moko are not dangerous and do not deserve to be subjected to discrimination, harassment, or prejudice because of their appearance.

“We mean no harm or ill intent, nor do we/I deserve to be treated with such disregard,” Oriini added, asking him to take his cultural ignorance back to the 1800s. “We do not deserve to be treated with such disregard.”
A man has been harassing a New Zealand newsreader with constant complaints about her Maori face tattoo. The newsreader has fired back at the man.

“Moko are traditional facial markings that are only found on members of Aotearoa’s indigenous population, including me. We have no ill will or malicious intent, and neither do you or I deserve to be treated with such utter contempt.

“We ask that you refrain from making any further complaints and that you put your prejudice and cultural insensitivity aside for another lifetime, preferably in the 1800s.” She expressed her gratitude for his time in the Maori language and signed the letter as “the lady with the moko kauae who speaks Maori but MOSTLY English on TV.” With love and a good dose of cheek!

“The fact that my existence triggers some individuals proves why we need more Mori advocates in critical roles across all sectors,” she said. “[T]he fact that my existence triggers some people is a testament to why we need more Mori advocates in key

A man has been harassing a New Zealand newsreader with constant complaints about her Maori face tattoo. The newsreader has fired back at the man.
Image credits: oriinz

Oriini does, thankfully, receive a vast majority of letters that are encouraging to her, thus these messages stand out as anomalies. According to what she said to the New Zealand Herald, “the fact that my existence triggers some people is testament to why we need more Maori advocates in key roles across every sector.”

“Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini. The achievement of goals is not the result of the efforts of a single person but of the combined efforts of many.

She told CNN New Zealand Newsreader Claps Back At Man Constantly Complaining To Her News Station About Her Maori Face Tattoo: “When I doubt myself, and I see my reflection in the mirror, I’m not just looking at myself,” she said.

“I’m looking at my grandmother and my mother, as well as my daughters and those who will come after me, in addition to all the other women and Mori girls who are out there.” It gives me confidence.
A man has been harassing a New Zealand newsreader with constant complaints about her Maori face tattoo. The newsreader has fired back at the man.

After taking a DNA test in 2017, which revealed that Oriini was Mori to a one hundred percent, she decided in 2019 that she wanted to have the tattoo. She is descended from the Twharetoa, Ngai Awa, and Ngai Rangitihi tribes respectively. “When I doubt myself, and I see my reflection in the mirror, I’m not just looking at myself,” she explained to CNN. “I’m looking at more than just myself.” “I’m looking at my grandmother and my mother, as well as my daughters and those who will come after me, in addition to all the other women and Mori girls out there.” It gives me confidence.

She is also a fervent supporter of the Mori language, and she frequently uses expressions like “E haere ake nei” (yet to come), ” tonu mai” (remain with us), and “Taihoa e haere” (don’t go just yet). According to what she told CNN, her ultimate objective is to regain for Mori people a language that was “beaten out of [her] grandmother’s generation” and to inspire other people to speak it.

A man has been harassing a New Zealand newsreader with constant complaints about her Maori face tattoo. The newsreader has fired back at the man.

Oriini stated that “we still haven’t addressed a lot of intergenerational traumas and colonisation,” and for Maori people, this is something that is very, very current and tragic as well. Since a very long time ago, there hasn’t been much of a shift in how people of different races interact here. However, this is only the beginning of things.

Oriini has high expectations that the tale she has to tell will serve as a source of motivation for future generations of Maori youngsters and that they will recognise that the times are, in fact, changing. She told CNN that “for a long time our people, our ancestors, our tipuna, and us now, have done so much work to get to where we are.” “For a long time our people, ancestors, tipuna, and us now,” she said.

Oriini has high expectations that her narrative will serve as a source of motivation for both the current and future generations of young Mori people, and that it will show them that the times are changing.
A man has been harassing a New Zealand newsreader with constant complaints about her Maori face tattoo. The newsreader has fired back at the man.

“As a young woman and as a young Maori, the decisions and actions you make today will influence and effect the future you create. My only request is that they recognise the value in being Maori, that they accept and honour their heritage, and that they use it to effect as much positive change as they are able.

We hope that the future holds nothing but success and happiness for Oriini and that she continues to show grace in the face of criticism. Please share your opinions with us in the comments section below, and be sure to upvote and follow the author so that we may continue to see justice served! Poroporoaki mo naianei!

Oriini has received positive feedback from others, with many appreciating the sophistication and attitude she displayed in her response. Leave a comment below telling us what you think about this topic.