A television presenter, adorned with a traditional Māori face tattoo, gracefully addressed troll comments from a viewer, reaffirming pride in her cultural heritage and identity.

The debate surrounding facial tattoos often sparks discussions online, with some arguing that tattoos should be confined to the body, while others appreciate their cultural significance.

Oriini Kaipara, 41, made history as the first primetime TV news bulletin presenter with a moko kauae, a revered cultural marking worn by Māori women, when she joined New Zealand’s Newshub as a newsreader.

Māori people, the indigenous Polynesian inhabitants of mainland New Zealand, view moko kauae as profound symbols of heritage and identity. These facial tattoos, traditionally inked on the lips and chins, signify a woman’s familial connections, leadership within her community, and honor her lineage, status, and capabilities.

Despite receiving accolades, one viewer, identified as David, expressed dissatisfaction with Kaipara’s moko kauae in an email to Newshub.

“Today I had enough. I responded. I never do that. I broke my own code and hit the send button,” Kaipara wrote on her Instagram story alongside a screenshot of David’s message.

Kaipara also shared her email response to David, where she corrected his spelling of moko and addressed his complaint with dignity.

Despite encountering harsh criticism, Kaipara emphasized that she mostly receives positive comments and that negative trolls are in the minority.

In an interview with the New Zealand Herald, Kaipara stressed the importance of having more Māori advocates in key roles across various sectors.

Ultimately, Kaipara’s dignified response serves as a powerful reminder of the significance of cultural pride and resilience in the face of adversity, inspiring others to embrace their identities unapologetically and challenge discriminatory attitudes.