Welcome to our village wee one.
That's how PM Jacinda Ardern and Clarke Gayford
announced the birth of their baby daughter last night.
And the happy tidings
have generated a massive wave of goodwill from royalty,
world leaders, celebrities and the general public.
And it seems the Maori world
is no different in embracing the birth of the PM's first child.
And as Te Okiwa McLean reports,
confirmation the couple want te reo Maori
to be a part of their baby's upbringing
has raised their stocks with Maori even higher.
The PM and her new whanau which is the talk all around the world.
With many acknowledgements from world leaders such as the Queen,
the British PM,
the Canadian PM on social media.
The PM's first child was born in Auckland Hospital
at 4:45pm yesterday afternoon weighing in at 3.3 kilograms.
The Minister of Maori Development
is also sending her regards to Ardern
but Nanaia has this message for us.
We must leave Jacinda to be with her family,
be a mother and all aspects of being a mum.
I send them all the best from the Maori world to the PM and Clarke.
It has been confirmed that she does want her baby
to be around te reo Maori.
She grew up around Ngati Haua and she went back to them
when she became PM.
If she reaches out about Maori culture
they are in the best position to help her.
But what does the Maori community think?
Her baby should enrol into kohanga reo
and from there enrol into a kura kaupapa.
I know that she strongly encourages Maori as a subject in schools,
so perhaps she can lead the way.
Maoridom has fussed over this pregnancy
- suggesting a number of Maori names for the baby.
Today I asked the general public for their name suggestions.
Maybe Labour!
Maybe baby could be called Te Rangiataahua.
And the minister has some parenting tips for the PM.
When they're asleep, take a nap,
because baby will wake up when hungry!
There will be no public appearance from the PM,
Clarke Gayford or their daughter today.
They will be staying in Auckland Hospital again tonight.
Te Okiwa McLean, Te Karere.
Earlier today we asked our Facebook followers
to post their mihi in Maori to the new parents
and the country's newborn celebrity.
Here's the best selection,
Te Kakenga Kawiti-Bishara says
‘greetings and love to the countries new baby,
what an amazing day for us all.’
Atakohu Middle had this one to add,
‘welcome prime miniature to this ever-changing world.’
And Waina Reo says,
‘many greetings to you two and your new gift.’
Make sure to head over to our social media platform
to send your blessings to the first whanau.