OTHER KEY 50TH ANNIVERSARY EVENTS As well as the PNG Story in July which focused on the four PNG regions, there have been several other key celebrations. Hiri Queen 2025, Luisa
Udia of Tatana village, waves from a float
May 16: The celebrations officially launched with a Grand Float Parade from City Hall to Ela Beach featuring the British Army’s Pipe & Drum Majors, a Māori Kapa Haka group, plus Pacific and Asian cultural dancers. PM James Marape inaugurated the program, initiating a symbolic motorcade representing 22 nations significant to PNG’s independence. A main showpiece were the three giant Chinese- designed floats – a panda/dragon, a 10 drum float and eight lion figures, with China PNG Friendship Association president Michael Lin describing the parade as “a brilliant chapter in the friendship between our two countries”. Pacific Story / Asia Story May 17: New Zealand, Samoa, Tuvalu, Kiribati Sir Hubert Murray Stadium came alive during the day with performances from New Zealand’s Māori Kapa Haka group, Samoan ‘siva’ dancers, and cultural presentations from Tuvalu and Kiribati, before internationally acclaimed DJ Noiz electrified the crowd, joined by artists DJ Kennyon Brown and singer Bina Butta. Despite the rain, fans flocked to the stage, with DJ Noiz’s performance lauded for uniting attendees, transforming the stadium into a vibrant dance party and fostering camaraderie among Pacific Islanders. May 24: Tonga, Cook Islands, Kiribati, Hawai‘i, Tahiti May 31: West Papua & Melanesian neighbours June 7: Australia Community Day Bringing a “slice of Australia” to Port Moresby, this day of sausage sizzles, footy clinics and Australia Awards stalls fostered community spirit. A highlight was Cricket
PNG hosting mini six-a-side cricket with national captains Asad Vala, Brenda Tau, Gaba Frank and Dika Lohia, plus NCD Governor Parkop and Australian High Commissioner Ewen McDonald joining in. “As we count down (to the anniversary), we are proud to be part of events like these that bring people together through sport and culture,” Cricket PNG chairman Michael Harrison said.
Tahitian Fire Dance performed during the Pacific Story
Māori Kapa Haka group
VOLUME 44 2025
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