  We study S=1 kagome antiferromagnets with isotropic Heisenberg exchange $J$
and strong easy axis single-ion anisotropy $D$. For $D \gg J$, the low-energy
physics can be described by an effective $S=1/2$ $XXZ$ model with
antiferromagnetic $J_z \sim J$ and ferromagnetic $J_\perp \sim J^2/D$.
Exploiting this connection, we argue that non-trivial ordering into a
"spin-nematic" occurs whenever $D$ dominates over $J$, and discuss its
experimental signatures. We also study a magnetic field induced transition to a
magnetization plateau state at magnetization 1/3 which breaks lattice
translation symmetry due to ordering of the $S^z$ and occupies a lobe in the
$B/J_z$-$J_z/J_\perp$ phase diagram.
