(ANSA) - ROME, DEC 29 - The Zealander television journalist Oriini Kaipara has become the first anchor to present the news in prime time with a tattoo on the Maori face.
The international media reported this by republishing a journalist's untweet before her debut at 6 pm, on Newshub, Monday 27 December.
"It's really exciting. I'm really enjoying it. I'm not speechless and proud of how far I've come," Kaipara said inviting new generations to use their culture as a strength.
The 37-year-old journalist proudly flaunted her moko kauae, a traditional tattoo worn by Maori women on her lips and lower chin, which she got done in 2017 when she discovered her indigenous origins.
The drawings of the moko kauae tell the role within the community or the story of the person and her ancestors.
Still viewed with distrust and prejudice by many in New Zealand, the tattoo was cleared by the new Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta, the first Maori woman to fill this role.
(HANDLE).
