The title of the Kiribati Conceptual Framework is ‘Boutokaan Te Mweeraoi’, which can be translated as the supporting beams or structures for uplifting or enhancing wellbeing in the home. ‘Boutokaan’ refers to beams or posts (Sabatier 1971: 79); ‘mwee’ means to raise up or lift (Sabatier 1971: 254); and ‘raoi’ is a state of goodness or wellness (Sabatier 1971: 303).

The Working Group asserts that marin abara (a healthy environment and ecology); tetoronibwai (skills of self-reliance related to subsistence and spiritual communion with nature); te katei (customary practices unique to I-Kiribati); and te karinerine (the demonstration of respect) within te utuu (the family), te kaainga (the extended family hamlets), and te mwaneaba (the customary hall of community governance) are fundamental to Kiribati concepts of te maiu raoi or the good life.