Kiribati master weaver
 
Kaetaeta Watson is a master weaver from Kiribati. Her art work and collaborations advocate for and support the maintenance and transmission of Kiribati culture and heritage.
Biography.
Watson was born on the island of Tabiteuea in Kiribati in Eita village. In 1973 she moved to New Zealand. Watson is based in the Coromandel Peninsula.
Watson often collaborates with Louisa Humphry to create artworks. In 2021 the national museum of New Zealand Te Papa acquired into their collection a piece called "Otintaai", by Watson and Louisa Humphry made from harakeke (flax), nets, and copper. At the ceremony Denise Ratieta, president of Ribanaia Women’s Club (Wellington branch) said: "Their work shows a lot of authentic artistic skill that is both inspirational and very encouraging to us I-Kiribati women." 
Watson is part of a revival of weaving techniques. Part of this research is to see examples in museums, seek out traditional knowledge, and recreate the techniques applying masterful weaving skills. An example of this is a traditional suit of armour made by Watson, Chris Charteris, Lizzy Leckie and Tungaru: The Kiribati Project team. Through this research and weaving a community is strengthened, Watson says: "I think it's part of me as a Kiribati person to be ready to share, otherwise these skills won’t survive." 
In 2019 Watson was awarded Pacific Heritage Artist Award at the annual Arts Pasifika Awards (Creative New Zealand) along with Louisa Humphrey. 