Thousands of people are at Te Papiouru Marae in Rotorua to farewell Sir Robert Gillies (Bom) for the final time.

Survivors and advocates have criticised the decision to hold the government's abuse in care apology in Parliament today, as it's meant hundreds have missed out on seeing it in person.

For Māori survivors, who make up the majority of an estimated 200,000 people abused, what was inflicted on them has created long-lasting impacts on their sense of identity and belonging.

If you thought naming your beloved pooch or feline Luna was innovative think again - as it's the most popular pet name in NZ for the sixth year in a row.