Motu Koitabu

Nanai, a cherished figure known for her extensive community and church endeavours, was recognized at the Business & Professional Women's Club of POM breakfast held at The Stanley Hotel recently.

The widow of the late United Church Reverend Eava Rau of Vabukori, Nanai was accompanied by three of her eight children as she accepted the honor. The touching moment captured Nanai surrounded by her children: Molly, 61, (standing beside Nanai), Hoeke, 72, and Lydia, 54.

The cheque was ceremoniously presented to the festival's organizing committee today, Friday, 1st March 2024, at Ravalian Haus in Port Moresby by BSP Group Chief Executive Officer Mark Robinson.

Rooted in the historical trade voyages between the Motuan people of Central Province and those of Gulf Province, the Hiri Moale Festival stands as a testament to Papua New Guinea's rich cultural tapestry. Featuring traditional dances, exhilarating canoe races, and captivating handicraft displays, the festival embodies the essence of Motuan heritage.

ExxonMobil PNG Ltd, the operator of the PNG LNG Project, has stepped up again as the proud Gold sponsor of the 49th Hiri Moale Festival with K150,000. This contribution demonstrates EMPNG's respect for the four Motu Koita villages neighboring the LNG Plant site outside Port Moresby.

EMPNG's Chairman and Managing Director, Peter Larden, said the festival is a significant event for the communities of Boera, Papa, Lealea, and Porebada, as well as the people of Gulf Province whom they traded with.

Their lands have been taken away from them and their villages lack basic services, among other things. This will and must stop!

This was the main message to more than a thousand people gathered on Wednesday evening at Gabi village, Hanuabada, to witness the first rally of Moresby north-west candidate Russel Simon Wavik.

Wavik is running under the People’s Progress Party banner.

The message was clear, it was time for the people to choose a person they believe would lead them to fight for their livelihood.

The solemn assembly was organised by the Motu-Koitabu Indigenous Prayer Network (MKIPN).

People travelled as far as Gaire, Tubuserea, Papa and Pari to join Vabukori villagers and the surrounding communities like Taikone and Kilakila, as well as United Church members within the city.

The ceremony began with the blowing of the trumpet and went on to the reading of scriptures, explanation of the Covenant, public reading and repentance of the Ten Commandments.

There was a release of blessing over the nation, city and the land and over the seven mountains of influence.