By Kelvin McDonald of Whakaata Maori
The top 20 Māori baby names for 2022 have been released in time for Matariki.
The two most popular names were Aroha/Te Aroha for kōtiro (girls) and Ariki/Te Ariki/Teariki for tama (boys), according to Te Tari Taiwhenua Department of Internal Affairs, which usually releases its list in January but has now switched to Matariki.
Other favourites for baby girls include Aria, Anahera and Maia, while Nikau, Manaia and Kai are popular choices for boys.
