Tabar Island

An elder of Tabar Islands explains that this ceremony, which pays respect to the dead, has over 30 sub-traditions and included among them is the use of a ginger root plant commonly known as ‘gorgor’.

One of the elders of Tatau village on Tabar Island, Noah Lurang, says Malagan is used to commemorate deaths, welcome people or used for rites passages.

A part of the Malagan culture involves the use of gorgor, which to date, has the power to halt projects from progressing in New Ireland Province.

The annual event, which started in 2009, is unique to New Ireland Province.

180 local men and women leaders started arriving by boat on November 6^th for the three-day forum at Tatau, which was officially opened that same evening by chairman of the Council of Elders, Sir Noel Levi.

The official opening was witnessed by Governor Sir Julius Chan and his guest, Northern Province Governor Gary Juffa.