Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare was given a hero's welcome at the Kavieng airport today.
Sir Michael was invited to New Ireland by Governor Sir Julius Chan, to farewell him the New Ireland way.
The elders and Maimais (chiefs), including Sir Julius and other New Ireland MPs, were at the airport this morning.
Sir Michael, who flew in on a chartered plane was given a motorcade around Kavieng town.
School children and residents lined the streets, chanting "thank you Grand Chief for giving birth to PNG”.