“If anything, racism motivates me to keep my chin held high and carry on.” Moerangi Tetapuhi says that receiving her moko kauae has given her a sense of self worth that she’s never experienced before. Despite experiencing racism and discrimination because of it, she carries on and uses it as an opportunity to inform and educate people about te ao Māori.

This is part of our reo Māori series, Ohinga, created by Mahi Tahi Media, with funding from Te Māngai Pāho.

More stories:

The MMA champion connecting te ao Māori with the world of combat sports

How I fought to get Māori wards on local councils

How Melodownz first visit to his marae for special waiata changed his life