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🇳🇿 New Zealand /Elections & Politics

Nauru officially changes name to Naoero, bypassing referendum

From RNZ Pacific · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement New plan
  • Nauru has officially changed its name to 'Naoero' following a constitutional amendment passed in May.
  • President David Adeang stated the change honors the nation's heritage, language, and identity.
  • The government decided against a referendum, asserting 'Naoero' is already the people's identity.

The Micronesian island nation of Nauru has officially changed its name to 'Naoero,' its government announced Wednesday night. The Nauruan parliament passed a constitutional amendment in May to enact the change, a proposal initially put forth by President David Adeang in January.

more faithfully honour our nation's heritage, our language, and our identity

— President David AdeangExplaining the rationale behind the name change.

President Adeang explained that while 'Nauru' has been the internationally recognized name since independence, the proposed change aims to "more faithfully honor our nation's heritage, our language, and our identity." The government stated that the name 'Naoero' is not new but rather the existing identity of the people, already present on the national coat of arms and spoken within the community.

The Republic of Naoero is the new official designation for what was previously known as Nauru. The abbreviated form will be Naoero, with the code updated to NRO, and the people will be referred to as dei-Naoero

— Nauruan Government StatementAnnouncing the official designation and forms of address.

Despite initial expectations for a national referendum to finalize the constitutional procedures, the government decided against it after "thoughtful deliberation." They concluded that a referendum was unnecessary as 'Naoero' is an established part of their heritage and allowed by the Constitution. The amendment was certified by Speaker Marcus Stephen on May 13, and international organizations, including the United Nations, have been formally notified.

The decision not to pursue a referendum was reached after thoughtful deliberation that Naoero is not a new name seeking acceptance by the people.

— Nauruan Government StatementJustifying the bypass of a referendum.

The government views the change as the "beginning of renewed national pride, and a new chapter founded on unity, responsibility, patriotism, better health, education, and sustainable development." They believe the future of Naoero will be built on learning from past mistakes and making wiser decisions for future generations. The Republic of Naoero will use the abbreviated form 'Naoero,' with the code updated to 'NRO,' and its people will be referred to as 'dei-Naoero.'

Naoero is the beginning of renewed national pride, and a new chapter founded on unity, responsibility, patriotism, better health, education, and sustainable development.

— Nauruan Government StatementDescribing the aspirations following the name change.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by RNZ Pacific in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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