Kiribati community gathers in city to celebrate independence day in New Zealand

[Stacey King]

By NATASHA HOLLAND - The Southland Times Last updated 05:00 13/07/2009

TRADITIONAL DANCE: Jacinta Lucas performs during Kiribati independence day celebrations in Invercargill on Saturday. Photo: Jill McKee

A small, tightknit community came together in Invercargill at the weekend to celebrate their independence from British rule. The Southland Kiribati Community, which includes members from Dunedin, gathered at the Te Tomairangi Marae, in Eye St, Invercargill, to mark the 30th anniversary of independence.

The New Zealand International Aid and Development Agency allocates about $6 million in aid to Kiribati, which is made up of three groups of coral atolls in the Pacific. Southland spokeswoman Rosie Teuauaa said it was important to celebrate their independence from British rule.

"We sang, had traditional dancing and raised our national dance, told traditional stories and raised our national flag," Ms Teuauaa said. She came to Invercargill a couple of years ago because the city was near the sea, and although small it offered opportunities not found at her home.

"I do miss home, especially in the winter," she joked.

DID YOU KNOW? Kiribati is made up of three groups of coral atolls that span more than 3000km of the Pacific, right on the equator. wMost of the land is only 1 metre above sea level. wKiribati is vulnerable to climate change and rising sea levels. wHalf of the 100,000 people who live in Kiribati live on part of Tarawa atoll.
Source: www.nzaid.govt.nz