Five moments that made us proud to be Kiwi this year

As 2023 draws to a close, there are plenty of moments to reflect on that made us proud to be Kiwis.

Whether it's sport, politics, or extreme weather events, New Zealanders have been united in more ways than one this year.

Regardless of individual political views, I think we can all agree former prime minister Jacinda Ardern's final speech was incredibly heart-warming.

Ardern delivered the emotional speech to Parliament as she made her exit from politics on April 5.

She began by looking back on her maiden speech in Parliament from when she was 28. She said she was proud to have accomplished the aspirations she set for herself.

"They’re all there in my maiden speech - climate change, child poverty, inequality. I am after all, a conviction-based politician, and I’ve always believed this to be a place you came make a difference. I leave, knowing that to be true."

Later in the speech, she addressed Neve, her four-year-old daughter: "To my darling girl Neve. Gosh, I love how independent you are already.

"It means you won’t grow up being known as the ex-prime minister’s daughter, but rather, I will happily be known as Neve’s mum, and I wouldn’t have it any other way."

She concluded with her final thoughts about leaving Parliament.

Ardern said: "I cannot determine what will define my time in this place. But I do hope I have demonstrated something else entirely. That you can be anxious, sensitive, kind and wear your heart on your sleeve.

"You can be a mother, or not, an ex-Mormon, or not, a nerd, a crier, a hugger – you can be all of these things, and not only can you be here – you can lead.

"Just like me."

Our National woman's football team made the country proud this year.

The Football Ferns opened this year's Women's FIFA World Cup with a piece of history when they earned their first win at the tournament with a 1-0 win over former world champions Norway.

Despite not advancing from their group, the team captivated the world and inspired a nation.

Cyclone Gabrielle was an extreme weather event that devastated parts of Aotearoa.

Despite the horrific circumstances, Kiwis banded together to support one and other.

In October, five police officers awarded for their bravery during the cyclone opened up about their experiences rescuing people from the floodwaters.

The officers were honoured at the Police Association's bravery awards.

Detective Sergeant Heath Jones and Detective Constable Jaime Stewart both rescued a mother, two children, and an elderly couple from rising flood waters.

"The current, and the strength of it, was possibly the scariest," Jones said.

While the All Blacks didn't manage to bring the World Cup home, they still made us incredibly proud this year.

Captain Sam Cane told media on the morning after the loss: “It’s actually hard to find words to explain it. It’s so, so hard. I’m feeling so much hurt, but I am so proud of the group the way they fought back and gave ourselves a shot of winning that game. It speaks volumes for the group as a whole."

“It is a fantastic group of men who care so much for playing for the All Blacks and making New Zealand proud. So there is a lot of heartbreak in the sheds right now. It is hard.”

The team arrived home on to an airport full of friends, fans, and family on November 1.

Earlier this year, Campbell Johnstone made headlines around the world for coming out as the first openly gay All Black.

Johnstone spoke about his sexuality exclusively to Seven Sharp, saying he wanted to "take away the pressure and stigma surrounding the issue" to help others.

"Then the public will know that there is one in amongst the All Blacks and it could be one of the final pieces in the puzzle sports-wise that gives everyone closure," Johnstone said.

After sharing his story, Johnstone was met with a flood of supportive messages on social media including from both New Zealand Rugby and the All Blacks.