Kiritimati Island proudly became the first place on Earth to greet 2026, with a beautiful celebration led by TAK and Aibwea and supported by MLPID.

 

The morning featured vibrant cultural performances, meaningful tree planting, and warm refreshments shared in true I‑Kiribati spirit. The Honourable Minister MLPID Mikarite Temari reminded us that this sunrise symbolizes hope, unity, and our shared responsibility to care for one another and our islands.

 

As we begin 2026, we share the blessings of Te Mauri, Te Raoi ao Te Tabomoa—Health, Peace and Prosperity.

 

The MLPID spearheaded an inter-agency cleanup of the VIP Lounge area at Cassidy International Airport in preparation for the upcoming Micronesian Presidents’ Summit (MPS).

 

This initiative aimed to ready the grounds for a planting and beautification exercise scheduled for early 2026. Medium-scale machinery was deployed to dig trenches, which were then lined with organic matter to initiate composting. The next phase will involve planting and landscaping to enhance the airport’s presentation and environmental appeal.

 

The MPS brings together Heads of State from the Federated States of Micronesia , Nauru , Palau , the Marshall Islands , and Kiribati . These leaders convene regularly to address shared priorities including regional transportation, climate resilience, maritime security, and sustainable development.

 

Location of clean up site: https://www.google.com/maps?q=1.983056,-157.355278

The French Navy vessel FS Bougainville arrived in Kiritimati on Saturday, 25 October, as part of France’s ongoing maritime cooperation in the Pacific region.

 

Bougainville, a multi-mission support vessel (BSAOM) based in Papeete, French Polynesia, is a key asset in France’s Overseas Support and Assistance fleet. The primary objective of this deployment was to conduct maritime surveillance operations targeting illegal, unregulated and unreported (IUU) fishing activities within the Line Islands. The mission was carried out in close collaboration with the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources (MFOR) and the Kiribati Police Services (KPS).

 

During its stay, the vessel successfully tested Kiritimati’s refueling and restocking capabilities. The crew expressed high satisfaction with the port’s logistical support, reinforcing Kiritimati’s strategic value in regional maritime operations. Honourable Minister Mikarite Temari was formally welcomed aboard Bougainville on Saturday morning for a guided tour of the vessel, which concluded with a ceremonial three-course luncheon featuring traditional French cuisine.

 

On Saturday, crew members took the opportunity to explore cultural local sites around Ronton and Tabwakea. On Sunday, MLPID organised a picnic at Paris Point — a gesture of goodwill and friendship between the people of Kiritimati and the French Navy.

 

This marks Bougainville’s second visit to Kiritimati, the first having taken place under restricted conditions during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2021.

Location of Paris Point: https://www.google.com/.../1%C2%B056'06%22N+157%C2%B029...

The new Kiritimati dumpsite was officially inaugurated today by the Minister MLPID, Hon. Mikarite Temari.

The ceremony was attended by the Minister MEHR, Hon. Auria Kitina; the Mayor and Clerk of Kiritimati Urban Council (KUC); church leaders; and staff from both MLPID and MELAD.

 

This milestone follows months of careful planning and coordination. Construction commenced on 1st September, with the official groundbreaking held on 4th September. The site was completed on 28th September.

The project was made possible through the support of the Government of Kiribati’s partner in Solid Waste Management, the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (NZMFAT). Logistics were coordinated by Mr. Alice Leney, while local consultant Mr. Harry Langley oversaw the final development of the site.

 

With a total capacity of 7,000 cubic metres, the dumpsite is projected to accommodate Kiritimati’s waste disposal needs for the next 4 to 6 years, based on current generation rates.

Today’s event also marked the formal handover of the facility from MELAD to the Kiritimati Urban Council. An Environmental License was signed to formalize this transition.

 

MLPID contributed to the project by providing heavy machinery for site clearing and levelling, ensuring the successful establishment of this critical infrastructure.

Location of new dumpsite: https://www.google.com/maps?q=2.027056,-157.476389

Tuesday 30 September

 

A team from the Australian High Commission in Tarawa convened a ‘maroro' with government officials at the Linnix backyard. The discussion focused on two key Australian-funded initiatives benefiting the people of Kiribati:

 

- Australia Awards Scholarship (AAS)

- Direct Aid Program (DAP)

 

Application procedures and timelines were presented, and participants engaged actively with questions and feedback.

The programs were introduced by Ms Nicola Roth (Second Secretary – Development) and Mr Timaio Nauto (Assistant Program Manager – Employment & Labour Mobility). Attendees included Heads of Departments (HODs), Officers-in-Charge (OICs), Branch Managers of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), and representatives from non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

 

While on Kiritimati, the Australian High Commission team will continue consultations with local high schools and community groups. They will also attend the graduation ceremony at the Kiribati Institute of Technology – Kiritimati Campus.