VINZEALHAR NEN COCONUT YOGHURT
V inzealhar started learning about the health
potential of vegetables, herbs and other non- processed
A papaya fruit and nut ‘boat’ with a dollop of Vinzealhar’s coconut yoghurt
foods as a child in order to make
nutritious juices for her sick father, so it was a natural progression to “get into” coconuts – identified as the tree of life across the Pacific and readily available in PNG all-year-round. Her first coconut product – a coconut cream and pineapple ‘pina colada’ jam – was chosen as a finalist for the 2022 competition, then in 2023 her coconut yoghurt, made from kulau (nutrient-rich coconut water) and probiotic pills to boost good gut bacteria, was chosen. She learned
the recipe from a hotel chef during an April 2023 visit to Bali where she says the weather is similar but the people put more effort into developing food resources, something she strives to do by adding value to a 50t coconut and creating a range of byproducts, including coconut syrup, jam and chutney, nut butter and herb-infused coconut oil. – Haus Bilong Moss
KIDUA YONON WOVEN BUSH CANE HATS
K idua started weaving hard small-brim hats from pandanus cane, bamboo and orchid stems over 30 years ago to sell to people in his home village Sapmanga in Kabwum District, Morobe. Disabled by a leg weakening condition that prevents him walking, Kidua persevered in the craft even though others told him it was pointless if he could not leave his home to
market them. The process of preparing materials for weaving is long, particularly for orchid stems that must be sun-dried for a week then submerged in mud for two to three days to turn dark brown or black. But despite the challenges, Kidua’s hats have gained recognition over the years, including in 2006 when they were presented as gifts to visiting VIPs who opened a new village school. Since 2007, the Tree
Kangaroo Conservation Program has been working closely with the Yonon family (who gave land for use as wildlife habitat), and buy hats from Kidua at a rate of 50 per month for K200, providing him with both a wider market and a regular stream of income. Kidua’s son Kzeal, who is based in Lae, helps his father weave and sell the hats under their newly registered business Yonon Feno Agro Business. – Yonon Feno Agro Business
Kidua (right) teaches younger members of his family his craft of hat-weaving
VOLUME 38 2024
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