A TV presenter with a traditional Māori face tattoo has calmly replied to negative comments from a viewer, proudly standing up for her cultural heritage and identity.
Facial tattoos often spark debates online. Some people think tattoos should only be on the body, while others understand and appreciate their cultural importance.
Oriini Kaipara, 41, made history when she became a newsreader for New Zealand’s Newshub. She is the first primetime TV news presenter to wear a moko kauae, a special facial tattoo for Māori women.
The Māori are the indigenous people of mainland New Zealand. They see moko kauae as important symbols of their heritage and identity. These tattoos, traditionally on the lips and chin, show a woman’s family ties, leadership, and honor her lineage, status, and abilities.
Oriini Kaipara. Credit: Oriini Kaipara / Instagram.
Despite receiving praise, one viewer named David expressed his dislike for Kaipara’s moko kauae in an email to Newshub.
He wrote, “We continue to object strongly to you using a Māori newsreader with a moku [moko] which is offensive and aggressive looking. A bad look. She also bursts into the Māori language which we do not understand. Stop it now,” according to the Daily Mail.
But Kaipara didn’t let David’s negative words stop her. She bravely shared screenshots of his messages on her Instagram story and responded calmly.
“Today I had enough. I responded. I never do that. I broke my own code and hit the send button,” she wrote on her Instagram story alongside a screenshot of David’s message.
Kaipara didn’t just share screenshots of David’s email, she also responded to him. She explained that his complaint wasn’t valid because she hadn’t broken any rules for TV.
She also corrected David’s spelling mistake. He called her tattoo a “moku” instead of “moko”.
In her email back to him, Kaipara said, “I think you don’t like how I look on TV. But tattoos and people with them aren’t scary or bad. We don’t deserve to be treated badly because of them.”
She asked him to stop complaining and to try to understand better. She even joked that maybe he should go back to the 1800s if he couldn’t accept people with tattoos.
Despite David’s negative words, Kaipara says she mostly gets nice comments, and mean ones are rare.
In an interview with the New Zealand Herald, Kaipara talked about how it’s important to have more Māori people in important jobs. She said, “The fact that my existence makes some people upset shows why we need more Māori people in every job.”
Kaipara’s calm response reminds us how important it is to be proud of who you are, even when people are mean. She’s inspiring others to be proud of themselves and stand up to unfair treatment.
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What is that girl wondering about
Have you ever walked past someone and suddenly fixated on their outfit, thinking, I need that shirt!? That’s exactly what’s happening in this viral moment. A young woman glances at another person’s outfit, her expression shifting from curiosity to quiet contemplation. But what’s really going on in her mind? The answer is simple—she admires the shirt but feels too embarrassed to ask where to buy it.
The Fashion Envy Phenomenon
Fashion envy is real. You see someone effortlessly rocking an outfit, and suddenly, you want to know every detail—where they got it, how much it cost, and if it comes in other colors. It’s not just about clothing; it’s about the feeling it creates.
That girl in the viral image isn’t judging. She’s admiring. She’s caught in the internal struggle of admiration versus hesitation. Should she ask about the shirt? Will it seem awkward? We’ve all been there.
Why Do We Hesitate to Ask About Fashion?
There are plenty of reasons why people hesitate to compliment or inquire about someone’s outfit:
- Fear of Awkwardness: Some worry they’ll sound intrusive or odd.
- Social Anxiety: Speaking up to a stranger can feel intimidating.
- Fear of Judgment: People overthink how their curiosity might be perceived.
- Personal Pride: Some want to find the piece themselves, believing it’s a fashion “challenge.”
But guess what? Most people love sharing where they got their clothes—especially if it’s a trendy or unique find.
How to Ask Someone About Their Outfit Without Feeling Awkward
If you’ve ever hesitated to ask someone where they got their outfit, here’s how to do it confidently:
1. Lead with a Compliment
Instead of a plain Where did you get that?, start with I love your shirt! A compliment softens the approach and makes it feel natural.
2. Keep It Short and Sweet
You don’t need an elaborate explanation—just ask casually:
- That top is amazing! Mind if I ask where you got it?
- I love your style! Is that from a local shop or online?
3. Choose the Right Moment
If they’re in a hurry or distracted, they might not respond well. Catch them in a relaxed setting, like waiting in line or casually browsing.
4. Use Social Media as a Backup
If asking in person feels too much, look up similar styles online. Instagram and Pinterest are goldmines for finding outfit inspiration and even direct links to the exact pieces.
The Power of Fashion Influence
What we wear speaks volumes about who we are. Seeing someone wear a specific outfit can trigger inspiration, nostalgia, or even a shift in personal style.
This is why fashion trends spread so quickly. One influencer posts a unique piece, and suddenly, it’s a global trend. That girl in the image? She’s not just staring—she’s processing, mentally bookmarking the style for her next shopping trip.
When Admiration Turns Into Fashion Copying
Liking someone’s outfit is one thing, but copying it exactly? That’s where personal style comes in. Here’s how to get inspired without losing originality:
- Find Similar Styles: If you love a specific design, look for variations that fit your personality.
- Mix and Match: Instead of copying the whole look, incorporate elements into your existing wardrobe.
- Add a Personal Touch: Accessories, layering, and color choices make an outfit your own.
Fashion isn’t just about wearing clothes; it’s about expressing yourself. Taking inspiration is great—just make it your own.
Overcoming the Fear of Asking
If you love something, ask about it. Most people don’t mind sharing, and many are flattered that someone admires their style.
The girl in the image might never ask, and that’s okay. But next time you see someone wearing your dream outfit, don’t hesitate—speak up, compliment them, and get the details.
You never know, you might just make their day in the process.
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