Television presenter Oriini Kaipara, proudly wearing a traditional Māori face tattoo, responded gracefully to online trolls, reaffirming her cultural pride and identity.
Kaipara, a trailblazing 41-year-old newsreader for New Zealand’s Newshub, made history as the first person to deliver a primetime news bulletin while wearing the moko kauae, a significant cultural symbol worn by Māori women. The moko kauae, traditionally placed on the lips and chin, reflects a woman’s heritage, status, leadership, and familial connections within the Māori community, the indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand.
Despite the praise Kaipara has received, one viewer named David expressed his displeasure through an email to Newshub. According to the Daily Mail, David’s message criticized Kaipara’s appearance, calling her moko “offensive and aggressive looking” and dismissing her use of the Māori language as “incoherent.”
Rather than ignoring the remarks, Kaipara confronted them head-on. She shared the email exchange on her Instagram story, handling the situation with grace and dignity. In her response to David, Kaipara pointed out that his complaints were based on personal preferences about appearance and corrected his misspelling of the word “moko.” She made it clear that moko kauae represents no threat, and such expressions of cultural pride do not deserve intolerance or discrimination.
“We mean no harm or ill intent,” Kaipara wrote. “Neither do we deserve to be treated with such disregard.” She added a sharp rebuke, telling David to hold off on expressing his “cultural ignorance and bias” until a time more suited to such views—“ideally the 1800s.”
Despite this negative comment, Kaipara emphasized that most responses to her are positive, and trolls like David are the exception. In an interview with the New Zealand Herald following the incident, Kaipara spoke about the importance of having more Māori advocates in prominent positions. “The fact that my existence triggers some people is testament to why we need more Māori advocates in key roles across every sector,” she said.
Kaipara’s composed response serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of cultural pride and resilience. Her actions inspire others to embrace their identities with confidence and stand up against prejudice.
From Storage Wars to Today: This Is Her Now
Brandi Passante, best known for her role on the reality TV show “Storage Wars,” has been up to quite a bit since her days bidding on storage lockers. After the show’s success, Brandi has been focusing on various endeavors and enjoying time with her family.
One significant development in Brandi’s life is her transition from TV personality to business owner. Alongside her partner, Jarrod Schulz, she opened a second-hand store called “Now and Then Second Hand Store” in Orange, California. The store offers a wide range of items, from clothing and furniture to antiques and collectibles, catering to fans and enthusiasts alike.
Additionally, Brandi has ventured into the world of social media, where she engages with her fans on platforms like Instagram. She shares glimpses of her daily life, including moments with her children and updates on her business ventures. Through these platforms, Brandi has built a loyal following and continues to connect with fans who have supported her throughout her career.
Aside from her professional pursuits, Brandi remains dedicated to her family. She prioritizes spending quality time with her children, teaching them life lessons and creating lasting memories together. Despite the demands of her career, family remains at the forefront of Brandi’s life, and she cherishes every moment she gets to spend with her loved ones.
In summary, Brandi Passante has transitioned from her role on “Storage Wars” to focus on her business ventures, social media presence, and family life. While she may no longer be bidding on storage lockers, Brandi continues to captivate audiences with her entrepreneurial spirit and genuine personality.
After her breakup, Brandi decided to get a tattoo of the word “Free” to mark the occasion and symbolize her newfound independence. Since then, she has embarked on a new romantic journey with someone special.
Brandi is currently dating Clifford Beaver, and their relationship seems to be blossoming. In a heartwarming Instagram post, Clifford expressed his love for Brandi on her birthday, saying, “Wishing a happy birthday to Brandi. I am deeply in love with you, and I’m grateful every day that our paths crossed.”
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