Maori people consider tattoo art as sacred, and it is taken as an important marker of the wearer's identity. The move follows local media reports that the filters were proliferating on social media.

After Backlash In New Zealand, Snapchat Removes Maori Face Tattoo Filters Following complaints about its "disrespect" for culture, Snapchat has removed the Maori face tattoo filter.

Women and the Maori community are also strongly represented in the 20-member cabinet, including new Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta, who has a moko kauae – a traditional female Maori tattoo on ...