Member for Moresby Northeast and Minister for Environment, Conservation and Climate Change, John Kaupa, has announced a K1 million allocation for a major string band competition to celebrate the upcoming Christmas season with his constituents.

Minister Kaupa revealed the initiative during the 51st Independence Anniversary celebrations at the 6Mile SME Centre on September 16, 2026.

The event aims to promote traditional culture and music, showcase local talent, and foster unity and harmony across Moresby Northeast during the festive period.

To participate, interested community members must form a string band group and supply their own acoustic equipment, as electronic instruments will not be permitted.

“Don’t come and ask me to buy you guitar or ukulele, you must provide your own instrument,” Kaupa stated, adding that groups must bring sufficient instrumentation to ensure proper sound projection.

“You must have ten to twenty guitars and ukuleles so you can produce enough sound, no power instrument will be used.”

In addition to instrument requirements, participating groups must adhere to a strict cultural dress code to qualify for the event.

“All band members must be in their traditional attire during the time of the string band show because this is a requirement if you want to participate.”

The competition offers substantial cash rewards to ensure broad participation.

“The best string band will be rewarded money, the 1st place prize money will be about K50,000 and then 2nd, 3rd price including consolation prize money, so all participants leave the competition happy.”

To enter, each band must pay a registration fee of K1, 000.

The contest will take place at either the Sir John Guise Stadium or Unagi Park, with the confirmed venue to be announced shortly.

Minister Kaupa urged local youth to begin practicing immediately and prepare their groups to take full advantage of the upcoming competition.