By GEORGINA MICHAEL
STEAMSHIPS Trading Company has come on board as Gold Sponsor for the 2026 Hiri Moale Festival with K100,000, reinforcing a partnership with Motu Koita communities that spans more than four decades.
The 53rd Hiri Moale Festival will run from September 8 to 13, 2026. The dates have been shifted to September to coincide with PNG’s 51st Independence celebrations and to attract more tourists.
Steamships has been a continuous major sponsor of the festival for the past 45 years, reflecting its long-standing footprint in Port Moresby.
Speaking at the launch, General Manager for Corporate Affairs Mrs. Ruth Kissam said the sponsorship aligns
with Steamships’ Corporate Social Responsibility strategy of building trust with host communities.
“The Motu Koita communities are an important part of that footprint. Many of our investments, employees, customers and operations are connected to traditional Motu Koita land,” Mrs. Kissam said.
She said the story of the Motu Koita people and Steamships is connected by sea.
“Long before modern ports and roads, the Motu Koita were master navigators and traders. Through their Hiri voyages they connected communities through trade, trust and cooperation,” she said.
Mrs. Kissam highlighted the shared maritime history, noting the first native captain of a Steamships vessel in 1929 was Captain Pipikari from Hanuabada. She added that Steamships employs many Motu Koita staff and continues to support cultural programs, including employment opportunities for Hiri Moale Festival contestants.
Motu Koita Assembly Chairman Hon. Russell Simon Wavik thanked Steamships for the continued support.
“On behalf of the Motu Koita Assembly and the Motu Koita people, I extend our sincere appreciation to the board, management and staff of Steamships Trading
Company Limited for your confidence in the festival,” Mr. Wavik said.
He said the festival is more than an annual celebration. It is an expression of Motu Koita identity, history and connection to land and sea.
“For us the sea is part of our life,” he said.
Mr. Wavik said the new September dates will create business opportunities and attract tourists. The Assembly looks forward to strengthening the partnership in the spirit of mutual respect and shared responsibility.