Hundreds gather at Havelock North Domain in support of woman with moko kauae
Hundreds showed solidarity for a woman with a moko kauae, who was subject to racism at the Havelock North Domain, in an act of reclaiming their mana and educating others.
The gathering, held this afternoon, came 11 days after Jay Scott was told her moko kauae scared children in the playground by two women.
Despite not previously knowing Jay, Helena Winiata, her sister Piri Galbraith and her mother Te Raina Ferris organised the event.
"We came with aroha, to share our stories and educate people by putting it out there. Jay was brave enough to put it out there. It's a fantastic turnout. This has been beautiful, and it came from Jay talking about it," Winiata says.
IronMāori founder, Hawke's Bay District Health Board member, and 2020 parliamentary election candidate, Heather Skipworth, says it was important to come and tautoko the kaupapa, and "show how beautiful our culture is".
Skipworth received her moko kauae in 2019 along with her sister. While she was "a little nervous at first", she feels it was part of her "rebirth as Maori" and who she was.
"I think if anyone is sadly put in the same position as Jay, the way you approach it is exactly the way you felt the day you received your moko kauae, with those feelings of why because it is a beautiful feeling."
Iwi Liaison Officer Constable Yvonne Tremain and Samantha Peters.
Iwi Liaison Officer Constable Yvonne Tremain, who has a moko kauae herself, says it is important for Māori to participate in "our cultural practice that is our inherent right".
Dressed in uniform, Tremain's eyes welled up as she spoke of the importance of the kaupapa, and why she decided to attend.
"More importantly, it's for all of New Zealand to see that Maoridom comes in many, shapes, forms, professions and that we should be able to come to our park with our pēpi, be able to go to a restaurant without being hurt or harmed in any way shape or form, like anyone else in New Zealand."
Cara Ward receives a printed moko kauae.
Cara Ward says she felt compelled to attend to support Scott.
"I'm Māori and I feel she shouldn't have to leave an environment just because of having a moko kauae. That's a part of her, and it's discrimination."
While she doesn't have a facial covering, she says she has experienced racism because of her culture and being Māori.
"Wahine who have moko kauae should stand staunch and tall and be proud."
