M\u0101ori, the indigenous Polynesian people of mainland New Zealand, regard moko kauae as profound symbols of heritage and identity. These facial tattoos, traditionally received on the lips and chins, symbolize a woman\u2019s familial connections, leadership within her community, and honor her lineage, status, and capabilities.<\/p>\n
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However, amidst the accolades, one viewer, known as David, voiced his discontent with Kaipara\u2019s moko kauae in an email to Newshub.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe continue to object strongly to you using a M\u0101ori newsreader with a moku [moko] which is offensive and aggressive looking,\u201d he wrote, per the Daily Mail. \u201cA bad look. She also bursts into the M\u0101ori language which we do not understand. Stop it now.\u201d<\/p>\n
Undeterred by David\u2019s disparaging remarks, Kaipara bravely addressed the issue head-on, sharing screenshots of the messages on her Instagram story and responding with grace and dignity.<\/p>\n
\u201cToday I had enough. I responded. I never do that. I broke my own code and hit the send button,\u201d she wrote on an Instagram story accompanied by a screenshot of David\u2019s message.<\/p>\n
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Kaipara also shared her email response to David, where she wrote that she was unable to take his complaint seriously \u201cgiven there is no breach of broadcast standards.\u201d<\/p>\n
She also made a point of correcting his spelling of moko, as David had referred to hers as \u201cmoku\u201d.<\/p>\n
In her email, Kaipara continued: \u201cI gather your complaints stem from a place of preference on how one must look on-screen according to you. Moko and people with them are not threatening nor do they deserve such discrimination, harassment and prejudice.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe mean no harm or ill intent nor do we\/I deserve to be treated with such disregard,\u201d she continued. \u201cPlease refrain from complaining further, and restrain your cultural ignorance and bias for another lifetime, preferably in the 1800s.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Despite David\u2019s harsh criticism, Kaipara was quick to state that she mostly receives comments of praise, and that cruel trolls are few and far between.<\/p>\n
In an interview with the New Zealand Herald shortly after she responded to David\u2019s complaint, Kaipara spoke about how important it is to have more M\u0101ori advocates: \u201cThe fact that my existence triggers some people is testament to why we need more M\u0101ori advocates in key roles across every sector.\u201d<\/p>\n
All in all, Kaipara\u2019s dignified response serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of cultural pride and resilience in the face of adversity \u2013 and she\u2019s inspiring others to embrace their identities unapologetically and challenge discriminatory attitudes.<\/p>\n
What do you think of this story? Let us know in the comments!<\/p>\n