Taberannang v Toani [2025] KIHC 8; Civil Case 30 of 2023 (17 March 2025)

IN THE HIGH COURT OF KIRIBATI

HIGH COURT CIVIL CASE 30 of 2023

IN THE MATTER OF ADOPTION OF CHILDREN ACT 1958 AND IN THE MATTER OF TIERA TEWANIA MOANIKUNA (female)

BETWEEN: KORIMOA TABERANNANG & PETER LIONEL MALAVISI
Applicants

AND: TEITINNATA TOANI & MOANIKUNA TEORABATI
Respondent

Date of Judgment: 17 March 2025

For the Applicants: Ms. Taaira Timeon
For the Respondents: Ms. Henty Grace Pine

R U L I N G

I have reviewed the application for adopting Tiera Tewania Moanikuna (female). The supporting affidavits from both the adoptive and natural parents, along with other references, demonstrate that the application is complete. This court is satisfied that, in the best interest of the child, Tiera Tewania Moanikuna, an adoption order should be issued.

The respondents are the biological parents of the adoptive child. Both parents provided evidence of their approval of the adoption by the applicants and confirmed that the applicants have been very supportive of the child since birth. They also acknowledged their understanding that they would lose their parental rights over the child once the adoption is approved, as those rights would be transferred to the applicants.

I am confident that the applicants are medically and financially able to support the child. They will be able to provide the proper care and love that the child needs.

For the above reasons, the adoption application is approved, and the child, Tiera Tewania Moanikuna, is adopted by Peter Lionel Malavisi and Korimoa Taberannang. The respondents' parental rights have now shifted to them.

Order accordingly.

THE HON TETIRO SEMILOTA MAATE MOANIBA

CHIEF JUSTICE