Can anyone use a Māori name?

RNZ20 Jul, 2026 11:21 PM5 mins to readPrime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Clarke Gayford with their daughter Neve Te Aroha Ardern Gayford. Photo / RNZ, Cole Eastham-FarrellyPrime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Clarke Gayford with their daughter Neve Te Aroha Ardern Gayford. Photo / RNZ, Cole Eastham-FarrellyBy Isra’a Emhail of RNZWith the revitalisation and growing popularity of te reo Māori, some parents may want to gift their pēpi a te reo name - but what should you consider first?

The kōhanga reo movement has helped reclaim Māori personal names and boosted

Can anyone use a Māori name?

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