Talesha and Kiki

Talesha and Kiki

Mother (Kiki) and daughter (Talesha) came to Bondi last weekend to do the coastal walk. It was impossible to walk past them and we’re so glad we stopped for a chat. They were lovely and Kiki was very happy to talk about her chin tattoo which is what drew us to her.

The moko kauae is for Maori women only and is unique to each individual and informed by their whakapapa (ancestry) and whānau (family). It represents mana (life force), standing in community, abilities, and tribal identity.

Kiki got hers a year ago. It’s not something you take lightly and do on a whim. There’s a lot of storytelling in those markings.

Kiki was born in New Zealand but has lived here for 28 years. Talesha was born here and is therefore unlikely to get the tattoo.