PICTURES: Māori woman becomes first news anchor with traditional face tattoo

PICTURES: Māori woman becomes first news anchor with traditional face tattoo

This woman has made history in more ways than one… 

maori

Oriini Kaipara, a news anchor on the New Zealand news channel Newshub Live, became the first woman with a chin tattoo to present the news.

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The tattoo is a traditional chin tattoo called a moko kauae that represents a Māori woman’s family heritage and social status. It is also a rite of passage.

Kaipara has said that after a DNA test, she discovered that she is almost 100% Māori, which is impressive since there are thought to be few full-blooded Māoris left.

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Kaipara was raised in Māori culture and speaks the language reo. She believes she is breaking ground for Māori women and people of colour in news broadcasting.

See the pictures below:

Image: @oriinz/Instagram

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