Oriini Kaipara Becomes First Person On National Television To Host Primetime News With Traditional Māori Tattoo

CNN reported that reporter Oriini Kaipara recently made history as the first person on national television to host primetime news with a Māori face tattoo. With her distinct chin tattoo, the 38-year-old was added as a host for the 6 PM slot at Newshub, a New Zealand news program.

On the impact that her historic move could have on others, Kaipara shared with CNN, “For a long time our people, our ancestors, our tipuna, and us now, have done so much work to get to where we are. As a young woman, as a young Māori, what you do today influences and affects what happens tomorrow. So all I ask is that they see the beauty in being Māori, and they embrace it and acknowledge that and do what they can with it for positive change.”

According to the news outlet, Kaipara received her chin tattoo in January 2019. Per News Hub, Kaipara can speak both the English and Māori language, and is of “Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Rangitihi and Ngāi Tūhoe descent.” 

Māori refers to the indigenous people in New Zealand. According to newzealand.com, Tā moko, also known as the art of Māori tattoo, “reflects the individual’s whakapapa (ancestry) and personal history. In earlier times, it was an important signifier of social rank, knowledge, skill and eligibility to marry.”

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While men’s markings are traditionally placed on the face, thighs and buttocks, women typically receive their Māori tattoos on the chin and lip area.

“When I doubt myself, and I see my reflection in the mirror, I’m not just looking at myself,” she told CNN about her traditional Māori tattoo. “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.”