Lae City Tourism Bureau

Lae City Authority Pipes and Drums First Appearance leading 3,000 Four-Square Ladies Convention

Lae Morobe Province
Tuesday 23rd 2026

The Lae City Authority (LCA) Pipes and Drums made their highly anticipated public debut, bringing energy and immense pride to our streets. It was an absolute honor to watch them lead the grand procession for the National Four-Square Women’s Convention, guiding over 3,000 women who travelled from across Papua New Guinea for this monumental event. From Eriku Oval, up through Top Town, down 1st Street, and straight into the Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium.

Hosting a massive national event which only happens once every four years is a massive win for Lae’s local economy and tourism sector.

With over 3,000 visitors in town, our local economy is buzzing. PMV operators, taxi drivers, market mothers, kai bars, and accommodation providers are seeing a direct financial boost. Local families benefit through the tourism because of the tourism connections.

These thousands of visitors are experiencing our renowned Lae hospitality firsthand. Arriving as guests, but will
leave as proud ambassadors who will take the spirit of Morobe back to their home provinces.

While our newly formed LCA Pipes and Drums band is still in its development phase, yesterday was the perfect opportunity for these young performers to hit the streets, build their confidence, and show the public the incredible hard work happening behind the scenes. They are still perfecting their craft, but they have already made our city so proud. Huge congratulations to the team.

Want to see them perform next? The full band will be in action during the 51st PNG Independence Celebrations on September 16! The Pipers will officially join the drum corps in their full performing uniforms. You won't want to miss it!

For A Better Lae and Tourism

Lae City Authority Lae Pipes and Drum Reserve Police

🪵✨️ MEET THE MASTER CAVER; Cletus Junior – The Indigenous Carver of New Guinea 🇵🇬

Meet Cletus Junior, a remarkably talented 66-year-old wood carver originally from Tambunum village in the Angoram District of East Sepik Province, now residing in the Bumbu Settlement (China Town), Lae.

Cletus discovered his passion for wood carving at just 13 years old while in grade 2. After noticing tourists eagerly buying traditional carvings in his village, he decided to leave school and dedicate himself fully to the craft, driven by a desire to provide for his future.

At age 15, Cletus moved to Lae with his parents. For decades, carving has been much more than just a regular job—it was a proud tradition carried from his home province and his primary means of survival in the city. Today, he stands as a dedicated member of the Indigenous Carvers who have historical roots carving all across Papua New Guinea.

Representing Lae on the International Stage
His lifelong dedication and master craftsmanship have earned him a prestigious spot as one of four wood carvers chosen to represent Lae in the Sister City Exchange Program between Lae and Cairns, Australia!
Cletus has been working tirelessly and is now nearly finished creating a magnificent totem pole that will be proudly displayed in Cairns.

His totem pole is a beautiful fusion of his identity, featuring intricate carvings of: Aquatic creatures representing his adopted home of Morobe.

Traditional face masks representing his ancestral roots in Tambunum village, East Sepik.
Through every precise cut and deliberate design, Cletus is not just shaping wood—he is actively preserving cultural heritage and strengthening the historic bond between two sister cities.

Stay tune as we share two of our other covers??✨

Nestlé uses Rosso Mountain Bike Race to promote healthy lifestyles in Lae Nestlé PNG is using the Rosso Mountain Bike Race to encourage healthy living and active lifestyles among families and young people in Lae.

The number of enthusiastic cyclists has recently increased around Lae city, in anticipation of this weekend's Rosso Mountain Bike Race.

This is Lae's biggest family event and attracts not only residents and the business community in the city, but also families and cyclists from the nearby districts of Huon Gulf, Bulolo and Nawaeb.

Over 1,000 participants are expected, with chairman of the event and Lae Chamber of Commerce and Industry president, John Byrne, detailing that the event keeps growing every year.

Tickets are going for K1 only at the Lae Showgrounds entry, opposite the St Paul's Primary School.

Additionally, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners has jumped on board with K25,000 - covering both the bike race and Lae Festival 2026.

The main arena is currently being set up at the Lae Showgrounds while bikers are waiting to register outside the grounds.

Visit:https://tvwan.com.pg/ for more Stories

Coca-Cola backs Lae bike race with K25,000 Coca-Cola Europacific Partners has given K25,000 to support the 2026 Rosso Mountain Bike Race in Lae and the Lae Festival.

MEET THE MASTER CARVER: Joshua Waiekisa 🪵✨

As part of the exciting Lae and Cairns Sister Cities Botanical Gardens Exchange Program, master carvers from Morobe Province are bringing our rich cultural heritage to life.

Today, we are proud to introduce Joshua Waiekisa!

Age 48 from Tami Islands, Finschhafen District, Morobe Province. Joshua's passion began in his early childhood. While he spent part of his early school years in Buka attending Grade 3, his true calling was discovered back in his village.

There, he started as a young helper, assisting experienced craftsmen. Through FODE, he completed Grade 10, proving that true talent and dedication know no boundaries. Over the years, he has shaped those early lessons into breathtaking works of art that represent cultural preservation, conservation, and his personal livelihood.

One of the traditional carvings from Joshua’s home village is actually featured on Papua New Guinea’s 10 Kina banknote! It is a proud symbol of the rich artistic heritage of the Tami Islands that is now being shared with the world.

Joshua is currently working tirelessly at the Morobe Agricultural Showgrounds (Waratas Club), carving a massive totem pole that will soon be installed at the Cairns Botanical Gardens in Australia.

His spectacular carving features a mermaid carrying a sacred symbol on her head—a powerful reflection of culture, identity, and artistic excellence.

Stay tuned as we share the work of the other three master carvers 🇵🇬🤝🇦🇺