13 September 2019

Steamships Trading Company has once again come on board as the major sponsor of the Hiri Moale Festival.
The company’s partnership with the Motu Koita Assembly saw the signing and presentation of a chq of K100,000 as part of its sponsorship. The major activity to be funded is the construction of the traditional lagatoi.
The iconic vessel with its claw like sail is the centrepiece of the celebration of the Hiri Moale Festival, which includes other activities such as the Hiri Hanenamo competition.
The company also sponsored a video depicting the 2018 construction of the lagatoi. The 16 minute video details the process of the build and the famous legend of the man that built the vessel.
Steamships Chief Operating Officer Rupert Bray said that the company was excited to sponsor the event in 2019.
“Our relationship with the Motu Koita people is an enduring one, with many of the Steamships family coming from the MKA community. Supporting cultural events and preserving rich traditions is something that Steamies takes great pride in”
Chairman of the Motu Koita Council Dadi Toka Jr said “It’s wonderful to see Steamships honouring its close ties with the MKA people through this sponsorship. The festival is a flagship event that showcases our culture and highlights the epic trading voyages of yesteryear. Thank you Steamships for giving us the opportunity to share this story with PNG”
Pacific Towing will be assisting by towing the lagatoi from Manumanu village to Manbada Island.
Highlights of the event include the the arrival of the lagatoi, the gala night and crowning of the Hiri Hanenamo.

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