The Prestigious 2026 Hiri Hanenamo Quest is officially open for aspiring young female contestants from Hiri and Motu-Koita of the Central Province, who are interested to take part in this year’s event.
The official announcement and call out for interested applicants were made today by the Motu-Koita Assembly Chairman and Deputy Governor – NCD, Russell Wavik in Port Moresby city.
He is calling on local leaders across Hiri and Motu-Koita to identify and empower aspiring young women in representing their villages as cultural ambassadors at the highly anticipated 2026 Hiri Moale Festival.
Mr. Wavik said that based on the performances of the past title holders who have proudly represented the Motu-Koita people at elite local and international events, this has raised the need for strict eligibility criteria to safeguard the cultural integrity of this iconic festival.
The criteria announced are, applicants must be between 18 and 25 years of age with a valid form of identification. The candidates are required to demonstrate a genuine cultural connection by representing one specific traditional village along the Hiri Coast and backed by a formal nomination from a local community leader.
Furthermore, the aspiring candidates must fulfil specific educational and linguistic standards to effectively meet and perform in the advocacy and leadership space. Therefore, the interested candidates must hold at least a Grade 12 High School Certificate with strong communication skills, including fluency in English alongside either Motu or Koitabu languages. Applicants must be also physically fit and required to disclose any underlying health conditions, as the demands of the traditional festival activities can be quite rigorous.
Mr. Wavik is calling on all the young women from Hiri East to West and Motu-Koita East to West, who think they have what it takes to be the next Hanenamo Queen and passionate in preserving their ancestors to come forward and secure a space, to showcase what they have.
The launching and call-out for the 2026 Hiri Hanenamo Quest was hosted by the 2025 Hiri Hanenamo Queen, Miss Luisa Margaret Udia, in the presence of Motu-Koita Ward Members, Women’s representatives Motu-Koita Assembly Deputy Chairman and other senior executives of Motu-Koita Assembly.
Interested applicants must formally apply through the Motu-Koita Assembly by completing a registration form, while all applications will close on August 13th, 2026.
