The National Capital District Commission (NCDC) has announced a K800,000 major sponsorship to support the 53rd 2026 Hiri Moale Festival in Port Moresby city.
NCD Governor Powes Parkop on Friday made the announcement and cheque presentation to the Chairman of Motu-Koita Assembly and Deputy Governor of NCD, Mr. Russell Wavik, witnessed by the Motu-Koita Assembly Executive team, the reigning 2025 Hiri Hanenamo Queen, Member for Moresby North-West Lohia Boio Samuel, Motu-Koita LLG leaders and other invited guests.
Governor Parkop said that the people of Motu-Koitabu and the residents of Port Moresby city should come out and celebrate this great achievement in maintaining the festival for the past 52year, with this year marking the 53rd year.
He said it is an important gesture and commitment by the National Capital District Commission as shown over the years in supporting this prestigious festival to celebrate the culture and heritage of the indigenous Motuans and Koitabuans.
Parkop stressed that not only is it a cultural event, but it is also a commitment to the people of Motu-Koitabu to affirm that this city originally was theirs and must equally and continue to be their city.
"They must be part and partial of the city, part of the equation, part of the development, part of the progress, part of the past, part of the present and absolutely part of the future. And it's a commitment that NCDC has made and continues to make, and I am very pleased that we are making this commitment again to support this great event," said Governor Parkop.
Chairman of Motu-Koita Assembly and Deputy Governor of NCD - Russell Wavik thanked Governor Parkop and the National Capital District Commission for their support and unwavering commitment to the Hiri Moale Festival.
Wavik said that for over half a century, this prestigious and premium festival has stood as the bedrock of the people's identity, marking 53 years of hosting this premier and prestigious cultural event that honors the continuous leadership of past and present.
"This continuous and unwavering support is a powerful demonstration of the Governor's leadership and commitment towards preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Motu-Koita people. It is a meaningful recognition of our people as the traditional-indigenous people of this great city Port Moresby," said Waivk.
The Chairman of Motu-Koita Assembly furthermore highlighted that they will be giving full prominence to the people of Gulf Province to be part and partial of this year's festival and celebrations to give a full picture on the rich history shared between Motu-Koitabuans and Keremas as founders of the Hiri Trade.
The 53rd Hiri Moale Festival this year will be held in Port Moresby city from the 8th to 13th September, at Ela Beach as the central location of all the celebrations. Ending with the spectacular 2026 Hiri Hanenamo Quest and the crowning of the 2026 Hiri Moale Queen.
