KiwiParent from Parents Center NZ Test Volume | Page 68

what’s in a name? The thorny issue of what to call your new baby absorbs a lot of attention for expectant parents. There are many things to take into account… do you want to use a family name, the name of someone you admire, or perhaps a name that has a special resonance for you and your family? This is a huge decision that will last – literally – a lifetime. This year, during Te Wiki o te Reo Maori 1-7 July 2013 (Maori Language Week) Kiwis are being encouraged to consider giving their little one a Maori name. Maori names used to be closely linked with waka, history, origin stories and identity. Before the time of colonisation, surnames were not a feature amongst Maori, but this changed after the British arrived and introduced ‘Christian’ and surnames. At this time, children were often given non-Maori names by teachers and even midwives as they were more familiar and easier for non-Maori to pronounce. Even today, there can be some reluctance to giving a new baby Maori names: parents want to avoid the hassle of continual mispronunciation and questions of “how do you spell that?” There may be a perception of disadvantage and of course the influence of mass media can be powerful. Popular names often reflect the popularity of TV and movie stars, successful sporting personalities and the ever fashionable royal family. So why would you consider giving a Maori name to your baby? Besides being an intrinsically Kiwi thing to do, you might like to choose a Maori name for your new boy or girl because it acknowledges te reo Maori as one of New Zealand’s three official languages – the other two are English and sign language. It could be a way that you celebrate your Maori heritage or your recognition of Maori as holding a special place among this country’s many cultures. Many people choose names which translate as a characteristic that you’d like your child to have, such as Areta – ‘noble’, Rawiri – ‘beloved’ or Ngaio – ‘clever’. Check out some of the Maori names on the next page – not only are they beautiful to say, but have powerfully positive translations and will stand out from the crowd of current popular names, which tend to be European in origin. Sometimes the Maori version of an English will be a perfect fit for your baby – such as Hemi which is a Maori version of James and Makareta, the translation of Margaret. Naming your child in a way which honours a respected elder in your family, or even an admired ancestor would be certain to delight the extended family. Of course, you don’t have to be Maori to choose a Maori name for your little boy or girl. Kiwis descended from other nationalities often choose a name that reflects their connection with their adopted homeland and respects the indigenous people. Whatever name you choose for your baby, it is a good idea to consider carefully before you fill out the birth cert