Most-read stories this week

1 Most popular Maori names for babies revealed
2 Tenant unhappy about election signs
3 Crash in central city
4 Election signs need landowner permission
5 Gangs in New Zealand: What the candidates say

Our most popular read online this week ties in well with Maori Language Week - our story on the top 20 Maori names given to babies born in 2013.

The Department of Internal Affairs released the list in association with Maori Language Week 2014, Te Wiki o te Reo Maori. The most popular Maori names were Nikau for boys and Aria for girls.

The figures were collected from registrations of birth in New Zealand in the 2012-2013 financial year and do not include children born overseas.

"This is the second time that this analysis has been carried out between the Department of Internal Affairs and Te Taura Whiri I te Reo Maori.

"Te Wiki o te Reo Maori is a great opportunity to release the top 20 Maori boys and girls names," registrar-general Jeff Montgomery said.

"Maori names are unique in the world - they connect to your history and your whakapapa."

The top 20 Maori names for 2013 were:
Boys: Nikau, Ari, Wiremu, Niko, Tamati, Hemi, Nikora, Te Ariki, Rawiri, Tane, Mikaere, Manaia, Kahu, Tangaroa, Kauri, Ariki, Manaaki, Tama, Ihaia, Matiu.
Girls: Aria, Maia, Ariana, Anahera, Anika, Aroha, Kora, Tia, Kaia, Ana, Ria, Tiare, Mereana, Nia, Tui, Wikitoria, Hinewai, Mahi, Terina, Mareikura.