Newsreader Oriini Kaipara Presents World-First

Newshub broadcaster Oriini Kaipara has made the headlines herself in Britain with the Evening Standard reporting the Whakatane-born journalist is the first person to present a prime time news programme with a moko kauae.

Kaipara, 37, said presenting the show had fulfilled a life-long dream and she hoped it would encourage other Māori women to enter the industry.

“I’m very much aware that I’m the first [with moko kauae] to anchor a six o’clock primetime news bulletin,” she told local media.

“It’s breaking new ground for us as Māori, but also for people of colour. Whether you’ve got a moko kauae or not.”

Kaipara has previously worked on Māori Television and broadcasting with Mai FM.

Original article by Daniel Keane, Evening Standard, December 31, 2021.