Asking my friends with moko whether I should get one too

By Mahi Tahi Media

The tradition of tā moko has had a turbulent history here in Aotearoa. Lost and unseen for a number of generations, for many years, moko kanohi could only be seen on portraits of our tupuna. 

However tā moko has had a resurgence and today there’s a new wave of young Māori who feel the pull to receive tā moko and in particular, moko kanohi.

Moeawa Tamanui-Fransen is among those who are wanting to take on this taonga. 

She invited some of her peers who wear moko kanohi to discuss the kaupapa and the experiences they’ve had.

What were their motivations behind receiving moko kanohi and has it had any impact on their lives?

This is part of our reo Māori series, Ohinga, created by Mahi Tahi Media, with funding from Te Māngai Pāho and the NZ on Air Public Interest Journalism Fund. Stay tuned for a new episode every week.

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