RNZAF helps bring Pacific music to PNG’s 50th celebrations

Pacific voices and music have provided the soundtrack for Papua New Guinea’s military tattoo, held as part of the nation’s celebrations of its 50th anniversary of independence.

09 September, 2025

The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) was pleased to support Pacific neighbours, flying military bands from Tonga, Fiji and Vanuatu on board a Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) Boeing B757 to Papua New Guinea for the celebrations, which also included an air show and aircraft static display.

Papua New Guinea Defence Force Joint Task Force Air planner, Major Darius Kaule, said it was important the NZDF was able to support Pacific partners for these important events.

“Having nations provide military bands to take part in the tattoo was only possible because of the Boeing flight,” Major Kaule said.

“It’s been excellent having them here to take part in the celebrations and their performances provided a rich addition to the atmosphere.”

Personnel from Pacific militaries on board the RNZAF Boeing 757, sitting in red leather plane seats.

Pacific military bands flew aboard a RNZAF Boeing 757 to take part in the military tattoo held during Papua New Guinea’s 50th anniversary of independence celebrations

Lieutenant Colonel Taulama Aleamotua is the principal director of music for His Majesty’s Armed Forces in Tonga.

The band was excited to be part of PNG’s celebrations, he said.

“We have travelled the world with the band, including next year coming to New Zealand to perform at the Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

“We are very thankful to the NZDF for supporting the celebration and providing air support by coming over to Tonga on the way to Papua New Guinea.”

Officer in Charge of Fiji’s military band, Captain Netani Dauvere, said the group was also really enthusiastic about taking part in the celebrations.

Their performance incorporated traditional dance, music and military marches.

“We have performed around the world including at the 2017 Edinburgh Military Tattoo and Queen Elizabeth II’s 90th birthday.”

The band had a wealth of experience, and also some new members, Captain Dauvere said.

“For some it’s their first military tattoo and also first experience in a plane.”

Being able to fly in an RNZAF aircraft to Papua New Guinea was incredibly helpful and an example of the strong relationship between Fiji and New Zealand, he said.

“New Zealand is looking after their Pacific neighbours.”

The band members will be flown home on another RNZAF aircraft following the week of celebrations.