By Fidelis Sukina – EMTV News, Port Moresby
The Hiri Hanenamo 2018 contest ended with the final day of judging.
Port Moresby residents witnessed the conclusion of the Hiri Moale Festival at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium Oval two in Port Moresby.
Groups from Kairuku and the Motu Koitabu villages entertained the crowd, one of the highlights was a harvest ritual sacred to the Hiri trade. It was re-enacted by the Children’s Ministry of the Tubuserea United Church.
The final day of the two-day event, saw the announcement of the three winners after the first judging took place on Wednesday at the Nature Park, and the second round yesterday at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium Oval Two.
The 14 women were judged on their knowledge of the Hiri trade, the culture of the Motu Koitabu people, the designs of their tattoos and public speaking.
21-year-old Asia Wendy Rarua from Pari was crowned the 2018 Hiri Hanenamo Queen, the runner-up was 25–year-old Iamo Kila Kaema from Boera, while Ms. Hetura went to 22-year-old Nana Douna Leke from Poreporena Laurabada.
