04:30PM
BY JERRY SEFE
Ms Barakau, Hebou Nou has been crowned the 2017 Hiri Moale Festival Queen, Ms Araira Tatana Rizza Tupa won the title of Runner-up and Ms Tatana Jessie David taking home the Ms Friendship title.
The three young contestants all 18-years of age shook the judges’ panel and stole the attention of the spectators, tourists and public during the 2017 Hiri Moale Festival (HMF) held at Ela Beach in Port Moresby.
The Queen after being crowned by the Governor of Gulf Province Chris Haiveta said it was a very important moment and achievement for her and her tribe and village while taking the Honor to acknowledge the very important people behind her performance.
“I would like to thank everyone who have one way or the other contributed to host the show this year especially our major sponsor ExxonMobil PNG Limited (EMPNG), operator of PNG LNG, for supporting the festival for the third consecutive year with a K50, 000 donation” Ms Nou said.
“And not forgetting the HMF councils, judges and the government representatives for bestowing the honor onto me as the new Hiri Queen, and not forgetting my people from Barakau and Tubuserea, I love you all” said Nou.
Briefly the HMF is a celebration of the people of Motu Koitabu culture who are the traditional landowners of Port Moresby which originated from the four villages close to the PNG LNG plant; Boera, Papa, Lealea and Porebada.