Katekeimoa and Teariki families were key to the celebrations across the Wellington Region.

Kam na bane ni mauri! Greetings everyone, last week was Kiribati Language Week and our very own Katekeimoa and Teariki families were key to the celebrations across the Wellington Region. 

These included the celebration of Kiribati Independence Day on the 12th of July held for the very first time at Aotearoa New Zealand Parliament. Tearima Katekeimoa and his family members sang alongside members of the Kiribati community and performed beautifully with Tearima leading the singing of the Aotearoa NZ National Anthem. 

Kaure Katekeimoa is a cultural advisor to the community and has been instrumental in passing on traditional songs and dances, producing resources to nurture the Kiribati language and sharing his knowledge of carving traditional Te Wa (waka). The latest model he has been working on will soon be displayed in Te Papa. 

Borenga, Kaure and Ba (Tearima's family) are an incredibly talented group who are instrumental in cherishing, nurturing and sustaining Kiribati language (tungaru) and culture in Aotearoa. 

Tearima said, when reflecting on his week "the one thing I really like is that I will now be a big part of my culture and community. I am not fluent yet in my language but I want to be. My parents are going to push me and send me some work in my language. I will accept the challenge". 

We are so proud of Tearima's achievements and aspirations and privileged to have his family share their knowledge, language and culture with our TWA and Mana College whānau.