The most popular Māori names of 2015 have been released, with Maia and Nikau topping the list.
The information was released by the Department of Internal Affairs and based on data collected from all registered births between July 1, 2014 and June 30, 2015.
All names included were confirmed to be of Māori origin by the Te Taura Whiri I te reo Māori, the Māori Language Commission.
"Many parents choose a Māori name for their child to honour their commitment to the Māori language and to symbolise their identity as a New Zealander," says Registrar-General of Births, Deaths and Marriages, Jeff Montgomery.
"It’s pleasing to see non-Māori people choosing to use te reo in this very personal way."
Overall, Oliver and Olivia were the most popular baby names in the country for 2015.
1. Maia
2. Manaia
3. Anahera
4. Ana
5. Aroha
6. Kaia
7. Hana
8. Ataahua
9. Tia
10. Kora
11. Amaia
12. Tui
13. Te Aroha
14. Kahurangi
15. Awhina
16. Manawa
17. Kara
18. Aaria
19. Rui
20. Te Ao
1. Nikau
2. Ari
3. Manaia
4. Wiremu
5. Kauri
6. Mikaere
7. Rawiri
8. Ihaia
9. Kai
10. Manaaki
11. Tai
12. Tane
13. Tamati
14. Taika
15. Kahurangi
16. Tangaroa
17. Manawa
18. Ihaka
19. Tama
20. Tawhiri
Source: Department of Internal Affairs
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