By Tupou Vaipulu Jr
The Royal Tonga Police Band won best ‘Overall Performance’ in the first Pacific Police Band Tattoo, held in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea yesterday, 22 July 2025.
Tonga Police Band Director, Superintendent Siosaia Mohenoa said, “We feel honoured and grateful. But first of all, and most importantly, we give thanks to God.”
Supt Mohenoa said their mission for the tattoo was to “share our musical talent and connect with our fellow Pacific police band members”.
The Tongan band captivated a crowd with a performance, displaying their characteristic sense of humour, in a setlist that included Mahina Katoa, Kailao, Sipitau and Moana.
The Police Band left for PNG on 17 July and was expected to return to Tonga this week.
Pacific Police Band Tattoo
Held at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium in Port Moresby, the Pacific Police Tattoo featured performances of nine bands from across the Pacific.
Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) Commissioner David Manning, said: “This event has not only deepened the bonds between our organisations, it has demonstrated the strength of regional policing partnerships in action".
The event included police band performances from Australia, Fiji, Nauru, New Zealand, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, and the host PNG.
The bands included the RPNGC Band, PNG Corrective Services Band, AFP Pipes and Drums, New Zealand Police Pipe Band, Samoa Royal Police Band, Fiji Police Force Band, Royal Solomon Islands Police Force Band, Nauru Police Force Band, and the Royal Tonga Police Band.
Golden Juiblee
For Papua New Guinea, the tattoo was not just an event, but also a celebration in commemoration of 50 years of the nation's independence.
Commissioner Manning, said “The Pacific Police Tattoo marks the first time Police Bands from across our region performing together in one coordinated display”.
“As we mark 50 years since our nation’s independence, this tattoo takes place during our golden jubilee year which makes it all more special" he said.
Other Tattoo awards:
- Drill Display: The RPNGC Band
- Fan Favourite: Samoa Royal Police Band
- Spirit of the Tattoo: Fiji Police Force Band
