Oriini Kaipara a journalist from New Zealand made history, again, by becoming the first person to present the news, on prime time, with an indigenous tattoo on her face.
Kaipara, who has been sporting her traditional tattoo for three years, as of Monday, December 27, became the informative presenter of Newshub Live, at 6 p.m. In this way, she is proclaimed as the first woman with a moko kauae to present news on a prime time in her nation.
“It’s really exciting. I’m really enjoying it. (…) I’m not speechless, but it’s a buzz. I’m proud of how far I’ve come to be able to present myself at 6 pm right now, ”the journalist told local media.
“It is definitely a step forward. If there was a goal for me, it was to present the news in prime time, and that happened, “added the journalist.
Oriini’s rise to head the 6 p.m. newsletter comes after he made headlines in 2019 with the conventional news program.
Kaipara is aware of the impact and importance of presenting the news in front of a national audience and proudly displays her moko kauae to viewers.
“I am well aware that I am the first (with moko kauae). That is always in the back of my mind, that every step I take is like breaking a glass ceiling. This is breaking new ground for us as Maori, but also for people of color. Whether you have a moko kauae or not, “said the journalist.
The communicator is committed to revitalizing the Maori language and customs. The woman understands that her presence on the news during primetime can inspire others to narrow their culture while constantly working toward their dreams and aspirations.
“I have realized for a while that it is much bigger than just reading the news or making stories that we all care about. It is also a great victory for this generation and the next 10 generations: do not let identity or your culture prevent you from doing anything. In fact, you use it as your power, to be bigger and do great things for everyone ”, he highlights.
The communicator explains that she has been overwhelmed by the positive comments she received after the first two primetime bulletins. She notes that many viewers told her about the impulse they felt to see and hear her use and pronounce Maori terms and place names correctly.
“This morning someone said that seeing me is uplifting in the sense that it makes them proud to be Maori first and foremost. (…) Little things like saying Maori place names and starting with the Maori name first, like Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland. Just hearing a bit of Maori really lifts them up, ”he said.
Source-larepublica.pe