As 2016 draws to a close, we salute those who stayed true to their identity this year.
Clockwise from top left: Jospeh Parker, Krista Kite, Taika Waititi, a burkini on the catwalk at NZ Fashion Week, Aaradhna at the NZ Music Awards, emotikis. Photo: PHOTOSPORT / RNZ / Supplied
Auckland iwi marched against the Trans Pacific Partnership … and refused to perform at its signing. Photo: RNZ / Mohamed Hassan
Actions speak louder…
Six iwi and all of Auckland's usual haka groups refused to perform at the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) signing in the week leading up to Waitangi Day. Not great timing to ask for such a performance, considering concerns the TPP would limit the recognition of Māori rights.
Don't forget to take a matatahi before the year is out
In March, the new Māori word for "selfie" was chosen.
Push them higher
In April, Porirua community constable Krista Kite encouraged more young Māori women to join the police.
Fa'afetai tele lava, Joseph Parker
The celebrated boxer said a few words for RNZ for Sāmoan Language Week, Vaiaso o le Gagana Sāmoa, in May.
Waiata at the Wellington train station. Photo: RNZ/Facebook
Waiata at the train station. That's a good morning
A group including Māori Party MP Marama Fox treated Wellington commuters to waiata at the Central Station as part of July's Māori Language Week. Go on, have a listen.
Women should be allowed to wear what they want
That was the message from New Zealand swimwear designer Carena West who included a burkini in her NZ Fashion Week runway show in August, after 26 French towns banned the burqa.
"I am a singer not a rapper"
Aaradhna refused the "brown" award for Best Urban/Hip Hop album at the NZ Music Awards. She said she felt it would be unfair and gave the award to fellow nominees SWIDT.
Cr Efeso Collins made his maiden speech to the Auckland Council on Wednesday. Photo: RNZ / Todd Niall
From bad comes good
The Auckland Council will develop a diversity strategy and give staff cultural training after a Town Hall usher humiliated councillor Efeso Collins' Samoan family by turning them away from VIP seating at his November swearing in.
See you later sexism
Massey University Chancellor Chris Kelly opted to step down in December, after earlier apologising for saying one woman veterinary graduate was worth two fifths of a full-time vet.
Tell it with an Emotiki
After 18 months of development, an app with a unique Māori selection of emoji was launched. The green tiki face would have 50 different emotions, including a pukana.
