Photo: RNZ / Jogai Bhatt The 3000-strong Kiribati community in New Zealand were also marking its language week in Aotearoa. The New Zealand Kiribati National Council (NZKNC) hosted an event yesterday in Auckland to mark Kiribati Independence and to end a long week of language, cultural and sporting events for its community. Groups from Wellington, Bay of Plenty, Hamilton and Auckland gathered at the Bruce Pullman Arena, to celebrate and pay tribute to their homeland. Photo: RNZ / Jogai Bhatt Secretary of the NZKNC Lydia Teatao said for her small community the annual language weeks were truly valued. "Everyone looks forward to July because that's the time we come together and celebrate who we are. This is home."