Hon. Willie Tokataake – Biography

Life Background

Born on 25 May 1956 in Abemama, Kiribati.

Political Career

Member of the House of Assembly (Abemama Constituency)
Elected in 1994, succeeding Baitongo Taburimai, and served until 2024, succeeded by Tokaibure Rabaua 

Minister of Education, Science & Technology (1994–1998)
Served under President Teburoro Tito’s administration 

Minister for Information, Communications, Transport & Tourism Development (2016–2020)
Took charge of this combined portfolio; his term continued until 11 July 2020 

Minister for Infrastructure and Sustainable Energy (from 2 July 2020)
Appointed under President Taneti Maamau’s cabinet 

Speaker of the House of Assembly (from 13 September 2024)

Though he lost his parliamentary seat in the 2024 elections, he was nominated and elected as the sole candidate for Speaker. His appointment was officially confirmed in Parliament by the Chief Justice 

He succeeded Hon. Tangariki Reete 

Summary

Period / Role    Position Held

1994–2024    Member of the House of Assembly (Abemama)
1994–1998    Minister of Education, Science & Technology
2016–2020    Minister for Information, Communications, Transport & Tourism Development
From 2 July 2020    Minister for Infrastructure and Sustainable Energy
From 13 September 2024    Speaker of the House of Assembly