For the first time ever, primetime news has been presented by an individual with a Maori face tattoo. 37-year-old Oriini Kaipara presented New Zealand's Newshub's 6 o'clock news while filling in for the regular hosts.
Maori are the native inhabitants of New Zealand and occupied the land for thousands of years before the arrival of Europeans. A marginalised group over the years, the prominence of Maori individuals in New Zealand society is a progressive step within the island nation.
Kaipara said of presenting the news:
"It's really exciting. I'm really enjoying it. I'm not speechless, but it's a buzz. I am proud of how far I've come in being able to anchor 6 pm right now. I'm very much aware that I'm the first [with moko kauae – a Maori facial tattoo] to anchor a six o'clock primetime news bulletin. That is always at the back of my mind, that every step I make is like breaking through a glass ceiling. It's breaking new ground for us as Māori, but also for people of colour. Whether you've got a moko kauae or not."
Kaipara had already presented daytime news, but this was the first time someone with the facial tattoo had presented the most watched broadcast of the day. She added:
"It's definitely a step forward, and a step-up. If there was a goal for me, it would be anchoring prime time news, and that's happened. We've got a good team at Newshub, I don't feel the pressure as much as I used to when I first started out in journalism. But that comes with doing the hard yards, and then actually realizing it and doing it is really exciting."
According to NewZealand.com:
"Tā moko — the art of Māori tattoo – is a unique expression of cultural heritage and identity. As moko is a Māori tradition, and a symbol of integrity, Māori identity and prestige, only tattoos that are done by and on Māori are considered to be moko. Today, moko is experiencing resurgence, both in traditional and modern forms. Where Māori tattoo designs are used for aesthetic reasons, without the traditional significance, this is referred to as kirituhi or skin art."
In 2020 the first ever Maori, and first ever person with a face tattoo, was appointed foreign secretary of New Zealand. Nanaia Mahuta was appointed as part of Jacinda Ardern's progressive Labour government.
[Based on reporting by: Upworthy]
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