Full Breakdown
Argentinian Uber Driver Diego Acuña Embraces Maori Culture Through Tattoo
3/5/2026, 11:48:07 PM
Cultural Connection and Personal Transformation
Diego Acuña, an Argentinian Uber driver from San Carlos de Bariloche, has drawn attention for his full-face mataora tattoo, which he describes as a profound connection to Maori culture. Acuña, who identifies as Argentinian, states, "I feel like a Maori," emphasizing that his "soul and body live as a Maori." His fascination with Maori culture began during a year-long trip to New Zealand, particularly during the 2011 Rugby World Cup, where he was captivated by the Maori people and their traditions. Upon returning to Argentina, he began to incorporate Maori-inspired tattoos into his life, culminating in the decision to tattoo a mataora on his face in late 2025 after a significant personal transformation.
The Significance of the Mataora
Acuña's mataora took six sessions to complete and was inspired by images he sourced online. He views the tattoo as a way to honor Maori culture, stating, "I feel Maori and tell people this is my way of honouring the Maori culture." He plans to visit New Zealand with his wife, Sol Gadea, to share his appreciation for the culture he admires.
Perspectives on Cultural Appropriation
Rangi McLean, a Tuhoe kaumatua and cultural adviser, has expressed mixed feelings about Acuña's tattoo. While he acknowledges that Acuña did not follow traditional Maori protocols in receiving the mataora, he is willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. McLean noted that the tattoo appears to have been done with purpose and good intent, although he recognizes that there will be critics who view Acuña's actions as cultural appropriation. "There will be a lot of haters who will say he has no right to do what he has with our cultural taonga," McLean remarked, reflecting on his own evolving perspective on cultural exchange.
The Spiritual Essence of the Mataora
McLean emphasized the spiritual significance of the mataora, stating, "There is a wairua (spiritual essence) that goes alongside a mataora." He expressed a desire to discuss the cultural and spiritual implications of the tattoo with Acuña, highlighting the importance of understanding the deeper meanings behind such symbols.
Official Statements & Responses
Acuña has expressed his intention to contact McLean to discuss the cultural significance of his tattoo further. He maintains that he does not wish to denigrate Maori culture and wears his mataora with pride. "I feel the mana of the Maori people, and I tell people here the story of why I tattooed my face," he stated.
Verbatim Quotes
- “When people see me, they ask if it’s real. ‘Is that Maori?’, and I say, ‘Yes, it is’,” — Diego Acuña, Argentinian Uber Driver
- “I wear this with pride and honour.” — Diego Acuña
- “The mataora has clean lines and the tattooist looks to have had some kind of guidance.” — Rangi McLean, Tuhoe Kaumatua
- “Don’t get me wrong, there will still be a group out there angry with what he has done.” — Rangi McLean
Acuña's journey reflects a complex interplay of admiration, cultural exchange, and the challenges of navigating cultural boundaries in a globalized world.
