Motu Koita Assembly

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The Motu Koita Assembly is a unique legislative body in Papua New Guinea that represents the indigenous Motu and Koitabu people, who are the traditional landowners of the National Capital District, where the capital city of Port Moresby is located.

🏆 CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR B-GRADE CHAMPIONS! ⛵The Motu Koita Assembly is proud to officially announce the top performers ...
17/09/2026

🏆 CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR B-GRADE CHAMPIONS! ⛵

The Motu Koita Assembly is proud to officially announce the top performers of the B-Grade division from the 2026 Vanagi Heau Helulu at the Hiri Moale Festival!

A massive congratulations goes to Kelequeen for claiming the first-place title, followed closely by Waikato in second, and Tanikiu taking third place, with excellent competitive finishes by Single Bullet (4th) and Ropaiwa (5th).

Thank you to all the B-Grade owners, captains, and crews for putting on a spectacular showcase of traditional seamanship and keeping our Motu Koitabu culture riding high on the waves! 🌊🇵🇬

THANK YOU VANAGI OWNERS & SAILORS! Saturday 12th September 2026.Era Kone (Ela BEach)- The Motu Koita Assembly extends it...
17/09/2026

THANK YOU VANAGI OWNERS & SAILORS!

Saturday 12th September 2026.

Era Kone (Ela BEach)- The Motu Koita Assembly extends its heartfelt gratitude to all the vanagi owners, captains, and sailors who participated in the 2026 Vanagi Heau Helulu (Race) during this year's Hiri Moale Festival.

Thumbs to The Poreporena Canoe racing Associations President and hard working Executives for an incredible job organising the entire event.

Your dedication keeps our sacred seafaring traditions alive, showcasing the incredible spirit, skill, and heritage of the Motu Koita people. The waters came alive with the pride of our ancestors, and it is all thanks to your passion and hard work.

Congratulations to all the crews who competed, and a special shoutout to our official winners of the A-Grade and B-Grade divisions! 🏆

A-Grade Winners:
1. Jalova 🥇
2. Gena Ai 🥈
3. Maulirau 🥉
4. Lese Mori
5. Penekovu

B-Grade Winners:
1. Kelequeen 🥇
2. Waikato 🥈
3. Tanikiu 🥉
4. Single Bullet
5. Ropaiwa

(B- Grade Pictures to follow)

Thank you to the spectators, organizers, and communities who came out to support and cheer from the shores. Together, we continue to honor the Hiri legacy.

Let us keep the sails high until next year! 🌊🇵🇬

MISS ELEVALA LAHARA TAKES THE HIRI HANENAMO CROWNThe Motu Koita Assembly and the Chairman, Hon. Russell Simon Wavik, ext...
13/09/2026

MISS ELEVALA LAHARA TAKES THE HIRI HANENAMO CROWN

The Motu Koita Assembly and the Chairman, Hon. Russell Simon Wavik, extend their highest commendations and heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to the immense success of the 2026 Hiri Moale Festival.

On behalf of the Assembly, the management, and the proud people of the Motu Koitabu region, we express our warmest congratulations to Miss Elevala Lahara, Mary Ruth Kua, on her historic crowning as the 2026 Hiri Hanenamo. Her exceptional display of cultural knowledge, grace, and traditional authenticity perfectly embodies the spirit of our ancestors. We look forward to her reign as a cultural ambassador for our people.

The Assembly further congratulates the outstanding runners-up who competed with immense pride and dignity:

• 2026 Miss Kira Kira Hanenamo - Judith Julie Gadiki – First Runner-Up
• Miss Araira, Cheryl Soilen – Second Runner-Up

We express our deepest appreciation to all the Hanenamo contestants representing their respective villages. Your commitment to preserving our sacred customs—from the intricate tattoos to the elegance of our traditional attire—ensures that our unique heritage remains vibrant and alive for generations to come.

The Motu Koita Assembly also conveys its sincere thanks to the Hiri Moale Festival Committee, the traditional elders, corporate sponsors, security personnel, and the thousands of community members and visitors who gathered to celebrate. Your collective support made this year's celebration a peaceful and spectacular showcase of Motu Koitabu identity.

THANK YOU, MISS LUISA MARGARET UDIA!As the sun sets on a magnificent year, we pause to extend our deepest gratitude to o...
13/09/2026

THANK YOU, MISS LUISA MARGARET UDIA!

As the sun sets on a magnificent year, we pause to extend our deepest gratitude to our reigning 2025 Hiri Hanenamo Queen, Miss Luisa Margaret Udia. Today, as she takes the stage at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium to present her beautiful, final Koe (sway), she prepares to pass the sacred crown to the next cultural custodian—the 2026 Hiri Hanenamo.

From the moment she was crowned, Luisa has carried the pride, grace, and rich heritage of her beloved Tatana Village and the entire Motu Koitabu community. As a true cultural ambassador, she has represented our National Capital and Papua New Guinea with immense dignity—both locally and on the international stage.

Above all, we honor Luisa for her profound contribution toward preserving the continuity of the Hiri Story—ensuring that the sacred tales of courage, trade, and cultural endurance are kept alive for the generations to come.Luisa's reign has been nothing short of extraordinary. Her exceptional knowledge, eloquence, and poise have truly shown what it means to be a modern Hanenamo—balancing her studies in Journalism and Public Relations at UPNG while fiercely protecting and promoting our seafaring identity.

Thank you, Luisa, for your dedication, your leadership, and for being a shining inspiration to young women across our nation. You have raised the bar and done Tatana and PNG incredibly proud!

To the 13 beautiful contestants vying for the crown today: as you perform your final sways before the judges, remember that you are all winners carrying the spirit of our ancestors.

THE DAY HAS ARRIVED! WHO WILL BE OUR 2026 HIRI HANENAMO?The Motu Koita Assembly, in partnership with NCDC and the Hiri M...
13/09/2026

THE DAY HAS ARRIVED! WHO WILL BE OUR 2026 HIRI HANENAMO?

The Motu Koita Assembly, in partnership with NCDC and the Hiri Moale Festival Committee, warmly invites you all to the crowning of the 2026 Hiri Hanenamo!

Come along to the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium TODAY to witness our beautiful cultural ambassadors showcase the pride, grace, and rich heritage of the Motu Koitabu people.

Date: Sunday 13th September 2026
Time: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Entry: OPEN TO THE PUBLIC (Free Entry)
Bring your family, your flags, and your loudest cheers as we celebrate our traditions and find out who will take home the crown this year!See you all there!

THE LAGATOI HAS ARRIVED AT ERA KONE! The Motu Koita Assembly is thrilled to announce the magnificent homecoming of the 2...
12/09/2026

THE LAGATOI HAS ARRIVED AT ERA KONE!

The Motu Koita Assembly is thrilled to announce the magnificent homecoming of the 2026 Hiri Lagatoi to the shores of Era Kone (Ela Beach) today!

Amidst a sea of roaring celebration, singing, and immense cultural pride, the Chairman of the Motu Koita Assembly and Deputy Governor of the NCD, Hon. Russell Simon Wavik, officially welcomed the seafaring vessel.

In keeping with centuries-old sacred traditions, the Chairman received the symbolic gifts from the voyage—traditionally sago and treasures from the Gulf—brought forth directly by the Baditauna (the captain of the voyage). This beautiful exchange signifies the safe return of our brave seafarers, the survival of our people, and the enduring strength of our historical trade alliances.

Adding to the overwhelming joy of the celebration, our 13 local Hiri Hanenamo contestants were beautifully joined by the Hiri Hanenamo Queensland delegation, standing united on the shores to welcome the grand vessel home.

The atmosphere on the beachfront was further elevated by the mesmerizing and powerful cultural performances of the traditional Upara dancers, whose rhythm and chants perfectly echoed the heartbeat of our ancestors.

We were also privileged to have Mr. Boe Eno Daera, Group Manager of WR Carpenters, on the ground to witness this historic lagatoi arrival alongside our community, representing the valuable partnership between our corporate supporters and our living culture.

We extend our deepest gratitude to the people of Manumanu Village for constructing this year's incredible vessel, and to everyone who gathered to witness this breathtaking spectacle. Our ancestors' spirit sails on!
________________________________________

✨HIRI MOALE FESTIVAL SPONSORS NIGHT✨Celebrating Cultural Excellence: Reflections on Day 4 of the Hiri Moale FestivalLast...
12/09/2026

✨HIRI MOALE FESTIVAL SPONSORS NIGHT✨

Celebrating Cultural Excellence: Reflections on Day 4 of the Hiri Moale Festival

Last night, the magnificent APEC Haus provided the perfect backdrop for a spectacular double celebration—the Hiri Moale Festival Sponsor Night and the highly anticipated 2nd round of judging for the Hiri Hanenamo contestants.

Marking Day 4 of our festival, the evening was a profound testament to our living heritage. While the initial round evaluated the grace of our contestants' movements and the intricate details of their traditional attire, last night dug much deeper. In front of our valued sponsors, leaders, and elders, our young women were put to the test strictly on their cultural knowledge and oral history.
The esteemed judging panel looked for a deep and authentic understanding of:

• The sacred history of the ancient Hiri trade voyages and the enduring legacy of Edai Siabo.
• The ancestral stories and family lineages woven into their traditional tattoos (revareva).
• The rich customs, language, and traditional values that define a true daughter of Motu Koita.

To be crowned a Hanenamo is to carry the spirit, history, and identity of our ancestors into the future. We commend all our contestants for their exceptional eloquence, confidence, and dedication to preserving our heritage on such a prestigious stage.
The Motu Koita Assembly also extends its most sincere gratitude to all our corporate partners and sponsors whose unwavering support made this beautiful night possible as we sail closer to the festival's grand conclusion.

THE EXCITEMENT IS BUILDING ON DAY 5 OF THE HIRI MOALE FESTIVAL!The Motu Koita Assembly has officially kickstarted the hi...
12/09/2026

THE EXCITEMENT IS BUILDING ON DAY 5 OF THE HIRI MOALE FESTIVAL!

The Motu Koita Assembly has officially kickstarted the highly anticipated Vanagi & Asiasi Heau Helulu (Canoe Racing) with an exhilarating short gun start at 10 am today!

Our traditional racers are out on the water, pushing their limits and showcasing the true spirit of our seafaring heritage. The energy is electric, and the race is officially ON!

But the excitement doesn’t stop there. We are also eagerly anticipating the majestic arrival of the Lagatoi, expected to grace our shores around lunchtime.

Bring your family, your friends, and your loudest cheers down to the waterfront. Let’s celebrate our rich culture and cheer on our incredible paddlers together!

Gulf Cultural Day Integration Marks Historic Milestone at 2026 Hiri Moale FestivalIn a historic expansion of local tradi...
11/09/2026

Gulf Cultural Day Integration Marks Historic Milestone at 2026 Hiri Moale Festival

In a historic expansion of local tradition, the Motu Koita Assembly (MKA) has officially integrated Gulf Cultural Day into the 53rd annual Hiri Moale Festival, marking a profound milestone in honouring the shared maritime heritage and blood-bound resilience of the region. While the Gulf people have long played an indispensable role in the festival’s history, Thursday’s program at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium placed their unique customs front and centre. It featured live demonstrations of traditional sago making, but the emotional heartbeat of the day was the first official public showcase of an ancient, life-saving cultural exchange.
For generations, the significance of the Hiri trade was a matter of sheer survival. Trapped in the dry, unforgiving rain shadow of the Central province, the Motu-Koitabuans faced brutal seasonal droughts where gardens withered and the spectre of starvation loomed large over their villages. To stave off death, brave Motu seafarers undertook one of the most perilous expeditions in Pacific history. Aboard massive, multi-hulled lagatoi canoes bearing fragile crab-claw sails, these men carried indigenous clay cooking pots (uro) handcrafted by their wives to trade for life-sustaining sago (rabia). Navigating heavy, storm-churned seas aboard heavily burdened watercraft during the volatile lahara monsoon season, countless men risked their lives while their wives endured months of agonizing anxiety, keeping sacred hearth fires burning and fasting in prayer for a safe return.

There was no common tongue to bridge the divide between the two distinct traditions, yet through sheer mutual respect, trust, and shared humanity, ancestors forged an unbreakable pact. "Hiri is our identity—it is who we are," stated MKA Chairman Hon. Russell Simon Wavik. "But to make this story make sense, we involve the Gulf, for there would not have been a Hiri if not for the Gulf people." Championed by MKA Chief Executive Officer Mr Hendry Toua, 2026 Hiri Moale Festival Director Mr Allen Kedea, and the organizing committee, Thursday's program transformed into a powerful narrative-driven tribute. It honoured not just the trade of clay for starch, but the enduring courage of ancestors who stared down the abyss of famine and the fury of the open ocean to keep their people alive.

The Hiri Moale Festival program runs throughout the week, featuring canoe races and the ceremonial arrival of the lagatoi. Festivities will conclude on September 13 with the cultural finale: the crowning of the 2026 Hiri Hanenamo, where one of thirteen traditional village candidates will be chosen as the festival's cultural ambassador.

Honouring Our Shared Heritage: A Sincere Thank You from the Motu Koita AssemblyThe Motu Koita Assembly, under the leader...
10/09/2026

Honouring Our Shared Heritage: A Sincere Thank You from the Motu Koita Assembly

The Motu Koita Assembly, under the leadership of the Chairman, Hon. Russell Simon Wavik, and Management, wishes to express its profound appreciation and respect to the leadership and wonderful people of Gulf Province.

We extend our deepest gratitude to the Governor for Gulf Province, Hon. Chris Haiveta, and the Deputy Governor, Hon. Morris Taudaveni, MPA, for their vision and unwavering collaboration. Your commitment made this first-of-its-kind Hiri Cultural Showcase an outstanding success, beautifully breathing new life into our shared history.

Our sincere thanks also go to the Member for Kikori, Hon. Soroi Eoe, and the Member for Kerema and Minister for Finance, Hon. Thomas Opa, MP, for their presence and steadfast support. We also recognize the vital role of traditional leadership, extending our appreciation to the Chairman for the Moripi Chief Council, Hasu Lokoloko, for anchoring this celebration in true cultural authenticity.

For generations, the Hiri trade forged an unbreakable bond between our people. Through the vast waters of the Gulf of Papua, the Lagatoi sailed to exchange our clay pots (Uro) for your abundance of sago (Rabia) and logs. This showcase was not merely an event; it was a powerful revival of that ancient alliance, celebrating our shared resilience, history, and cultural identity. To our brothers and sisters from Gulf Province who travelled, performed, and stood alongside us: thank you for bringing the spirit of the ancient Hiri back to life.

Our heartfelt thanks also go out to our valued corporate sponsors, local businesses, and community stakeholders:
1. National Capital District Commission
2. Boroko Motors
3. BSP Financial Group Limited
4. Constantinou Group of Companies
5. Steamships Limited
6. Gulf Provincial and Local Level Government
7. Kerema District Development Authority
8. Office of the Member for Moresby North West Electorate
9. National Gaming Control Board
10. PNG Ports Corporation
11. Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority
12. Air Niugini
13. Coca Cola Euro Pacific
14. Trends Beauty International
15. Gemini Jewellers
16. BizPrint

Your financial backing, resources, and physical presence at the event were vital. By choosing to invest in this showcase, you did more than support a festival—you helped preserve a priceless piece of Papua New Guinea's cultural heritage for generations to come.

Thank you to the organizing committees, the stunning cultural performers, our elders, and the general public who came out in numbers to witness history. Together, we have laid the foundation for an enduring celebration that honours our past while building a unified future.

Guinea

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Level 1, City Hall Annex, Waigani
Port Moresby
121

Telephone

+67582253366

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