New Zealand Aborigines have taken to giving their children Russian names.

Many Maori people have started to use names such as Sasha, Masha and Tanya after converting to Orthodox Christianity. The Maoris are said to be inspired by missionaries from Russia who have moved to the country.

Lyudmila Lauri, who married a New Zealander and moved to the country said: "Many aborigines in New Zealand observe customs and traditions of the Russian nationals and decide to convert to Orthodoxy. They baptise their children and give Russian names to them."