1.BRIEF BACKGROUND

 Abaiang, also known as Apaiang, Apia, and in the past, Charlotte Island, in the Northern Gilbert Islands, is a coral atoll of Kiribati, located in the west-central Pacific Ocean. Abaiang was the island of the first missionary to arrive in the Gilberts, Hiram Bingham II. Abaiang has a population of 5,872 (2020 census).

Abaiang Atoll is in the northern Gilberts, located not very far to the north of Tarawa. Abaiang is the fourth most northerly in the Gilberts chain of atolls, with a total land area of 4,102.8 acres (16.603 km2). The atoll has a lagoon 16 by 5 miles (25.7 by 8.0 km) that provides sheltered anchorage.

2. ABAIANG COUNCIL ESTABLISHMENT

Abaiang Island Council was established on the 28th March, 1967. It was signed by Michael Milness Townsend.

3. ABAIANG WARDS

Abaiang consists of 14 wards:

  1. Ribono
  2. Takarano
  3. Ubwanteman
  4. Tebunginako
  5. Borotiam
  6. Aonobuaka
  7. Koinawa
  8. Evena
  9. Tebero
  10. Tuarabu
  11. Tanimaiaki
  12. Taniau
  13. Tabontebike
  14. Nuotaea

4. ELECTED COUNCILORS 2025 - 2026

Abaiang councilors for 2025 - 2026 consists of 15 councilors. The Mayor and 14 councilors.

     Name:                                                            Wards:

  1. Mayor  Tawaia Berenato Ioakim       Tabontebike
  2. Councilor - Ekeuea Moanibe              Ribono
  3. Councilor - Kaotibiira Teaoti              Takarano
  4. Councilor - Kaoma Kanoo                    Ubwanteman
  5. Councilor - Otimoa Kabunare             Tebunginako
  6. Councilor - Ianetama Kaititaake        Borotiam
  7. Councilor - Tebabure Kakoroa (Titiku)      Aonobuaka
  8. Councilor - Kibannang Bitaki               Koinawa
  9. Councilor - Kabuaua Tokiaba               Evena
  10. Councilor - Aroita Uriam                       Tebero
  11. Councilor - Tororo Teaoti                     Tuarabu
  12. Councilor - Nakau Itimaroroa             Tuarabu
  13. Councilor - Baraniko Metutera          Tanimaiaki
  14. Councilor - Teekea Bitamoana           Taniau
  15. Councilor - Taukaban Toaua                Nuotaea

5. SPECIAL MEMBER

Abaiang special member for the council for 2025 - 2026 is only one which is Te Unimwaane.

6. EX-OFFICAILS MEMBERS

Ex-Officials from Makin Island Councils consist of 3 which are the Honorable Minister Dr Teuea Toatu, Honorable Betero Atanibora, and Honorable Ravinia Jacob

For this record, the total number of Full Council Members is 21 from the 14 villages of Abaiang.

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