The National Capital District Commission (NCDC) has committed K800,000 towards the 2026 Hiri Moale Festival.
NCD Governor Powes Parkop said the funding will help empower the Motu Koitabu people, preserve their cultural identity and promote Port Moresby as a tourism destination.
Governor Parkop announced the financial sponsorship during the festival launch at Sir Hubert Murray Stadium in Port Moresby on Friday. The 53rd Hiri Moale Festival will be held at Ela Beach from September 8 to 13.
Governor Parkop said the Motu Koitabu people, as the traditional landowners of Port Moresby, should remain visible and celebrated as the city continues to grow and modernize.
He said the festival provides an important platform to preserve their language, customs and traditions while ensuring they are not marginalized in their own city.
“The Hiri Moale Festival is more than a cultural celebration. It is about recognizing and empowering the indigenous people of Port Moresby and ensuring their history and identity remain at the center of our city’s future,” Governor Parkop said.
He said NCDC’s commitment goes beyond financial support and reflects its determination to keep the Motu Koitabu culture alive for future generations.
“Our commitment will always be here in terms of finance and whatever support that we can provide. I am sure our support will go beyond K800,000,” he said.
Governor Parkop said the festival also complements NCDC’s Amazing Port Moresby initiative by showcasing the capital’s unique cultural heritage to local and international visitors.
He said cultural tourism has become an important part of the city’s development, with events such as the Hiri Moale Festival helping attract visitors, stimulate small businesses and strengthen Port Moresby’s image as a vibrant destination.
The sponsorship launch was attended by Moresby Northwest MP Lohia Boe Samuel, NCD Deputy Governor and MKA chairman Russell Simon Wavik, Port Moresby City Manager Ravu Frank, members of the Hiri Moale Association and representatives of the Motu Koitabu community.
Chairman Wavik thanked Governor Parkop, City Manager Mr. Frank and NCDC for their continued support, saying the funding would help organizers deliver another successful festival celebrating the history and traditions of the Motu Koitabu people.
The Hiri Moale Festival commemorates the famous Hiri trading voyages and remains one of Papua New Guinea’s premier cultural events, celebrating the heritage of the Motu Koitabu people while promoting cultural pride, tourism and community unity.