My name is Karaia Teiwaki, though most know me as Liz. I’m a Registered Nurse currently working at Auckland City Hospital. I was born on the beautiful island of Tarawa, the capital of Kiribati, and migrated to Aotearoa in 1994 with my family.

From a young age, I was lucky to grow up speaking Kiribati fluently. I see it as a vital part of who I am and feel a strong responsibility to preserve it. Living in Aotearoa, I’ve noticed that many younger members of our community, especially those born here, often struggle to keep the language alive — a challenge that I have encountered. I believe Kiribati Language Week plays such an important role; it’s a powerful reminder of who we are and a celebration of the culture and identity we carry with us every day.

Kiribati Language Week is a special time for us to come together and honour our national day — a celebration shared with family, loved ones, and the wider community. This year, I’ll be marking the occasion with my extended family and friends through food, dancing, and singing — embracing the joy and spirit of our culture.

This year’s theme “Mauiakinan te katei ri nanon te tangira ma te I karinerine bon wantongaan te mwenga i bukin te rikirake" which translates to - Living our valued cultural practices through love and respect upholds our dignity and growth for a successful future is deeply meaningful and reflect the heart of I-Kiribati identity community and family life.

As an I-Kiribati woman who has spent most of my adult life in Aotearoa, I carry with me the teachings of my grandparents — that love and respect are not just values, but a way of living.

Love is shown through service to family, sharing what we have, and caring for our community. Respect is reflected in how we speak, how we act, and how we honour our elders and leaders.

When my family migrated to New Zealand, we left our island home behind, but we brought our culture with us. Even in places where the Kiribati community was small, those values kept us grounded — they reminded us of who we are and where we come from.

To live our Kiribati culture through love and respect means honouring our ancestors, nurturing the next generation, and staying connected to our identity — no matter where life takes us.

As part of my contribution to Kiribati Language Week, I’m delighted to be involved with the Kiribati Nurses and Health Professionals Association as we host our 4th annual health promotion event in Wellington. In collaboration with the New Zealand Heart Foundation, this two-day event focuses on strengthening community wellbeing through meaningful engagement. It will include health checks, immunisations, and health-focused conversations delivered in te taetae ni Kiribati — all with the goal of empowering and uplifting our Kiribati communities.

My hope for our language is that we continue to speak it proudly, no matter where we are, and share our culture with others. As a nurse, I’m deeply passionate about supporting our community through health education and promoting wellbeing in a way that honours our identity.

Te bwana n katekeraoi  n wiikin te taetae n Kiribati nakoimi te nati n Kiribati  i aon Aotearoa.

I’d like to extend warm wishes to every I-Kiribati  for a joyful Kiribati Language Week.