In the past, having tattoos and a professional job weren’t a winning combo. People were required to conceal their tattoos in the workplace, as it was deemed inappropriate and sometimes even fear-inducing, for people to have visible tattoos in certain environments.
However, these policies and cultures were not only often racist, but also failed to keep up with the growing normalcy of tatted employees. News anchor for Newshub, Oriini Kaipara, decided to change the narrative around tattoos by showing her moko kauae, which is the face tattoo that women in her indigenous New Zealand tribe, Māori wear.
She’s the female anchor and primetime journalist to ever sport her moko kauae tattoo on live TV. However, the path for change wasn’t always easy.
It was risky decision for Kaipara to make
When she decided to get her tattoo in 2017, Kaipara knew that she was shattering glass ceilings after generations of dismissal of Indigenous culture in mainstream newsrooms. After taking a DNA test confirming that she’s 100% Māori, she wanted to embrace her cultural traditions fully, even if it could have negative consequences in her career.
When a primetime slot called, Kaipara answered
While Kaipara usually had her 11:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m slot on Newshub Live, one day in 2021, she had a history-making opportunity. It was late December and usual hosts Mike McRoberts and Sam Hayes needed her to fill in for their primetime slot at 6 p.m. on Christmas day. Going back to Maori history, members of the tribe were often targeted by the government for their refusal to assimilate. Wearing her tattoos for the New Zealand broadcast, the same country that would have likely forbid it years ago, was a trailblazing moment.
She encourages people of color to let nothing hold them back
Kaipara is happy to be the first, but not looking to be the last new anchor to bring underrepresented communities to the screen. This celebration of identity and culture didn’t happen until 2021, meaning that there are likely countless people waiting for their chance to celebrate who they are while also existing in the professional world like Kaipara.
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She explained to Stuff that,”It’s also a big win for this generation and the next 10 generations—don’t let identity or your culture hold you back from anything. In fact, you use it as your power, to be greater and do great things for everyone.”
Her tattoo isn’t just an accessory
In most cases tattoos represent something meaningful for the people who get them—or they get them on a drunk impulse. However, for Kaipara, it was about keeping her tribe’s traditions alive. The moko kauae chin tattoo that Māori women get is considered “a physical manifestation of their true identity.” Like many colonized communities, the tradition was almost lost, but has resurfaced over the years. The moko kauae isn’t just for style, it’s to keep the legacy of the Māori people breathing.
Kaipara is inspiring others
In so many cases, people need to see someone like them succeed to know that they can too. Representation is key for marginalized communities dreaming of greatness without the need to give up or minimize aspects of who they are. Twitter user Lynnaire MacDonald cherished the news of Kaipara’s triumph as a win for other Māori girls, like herself.
Her news team continues to be supportive
When they say team work make the dream work, we’re pretty sure they’re talking about Kaipara and her fellow news team members. They welcomed her for the live show with open arms and continue to giver her opportunities to use her talents as an anchor.
She was making an impact before 2021
Kaipara took home the award for best female television presenter for the work she’d done as an anchor, translator, and entrepreneur. Kaipara made a name for herself as a leader and advocate for her culture.
Kaipara credits her success to her the powerful women in her life
Kaipara shared with CNN, “When I doubt myself, and I see my reflection in the mirror, I’m not just looking at myself. I’m looking at my grandmother and my mother, and my daughters, and hers to come after me, as well as all the other women, Māori girls out there and it empowers me.” Even though her mother passed away years ago, Kaipara carries her lessons of empowerment with her.
Kaipara was inspired by Tina Molyneux
Kaipara had another Māori trailblazer to help lead the way for her to greatness, including Tina Molyneux. Molyneux is a Māori Affairs correspondent for One News who’s known for her role in changing the was Māori are treated.
“It’s time for us to treat the Māori language as something living,” Molyneux said, “for too long we’ve treated it as this delicate taonga that needs to be preserved. That’s not what it’s about.”
She continues down a groundbreaking path
As Kaipara’s career continues, there’s no telling what she’ll accomplish next. With already so much greatness under her belt, there’s no stopping her and the value of her moko kauae chin tattoo.
