30/03/2026
PRESS RELEASE
Office of the Elevala Mirigini Electorate
Motu Koita Assembly
Port Moresby
30 March 2025
I, the Honourable Member for the Elevala Mirigini Electorate of the Motu Koita Assembly, wish to assure the public and our community that all actions being taken in Mirigini are fully grounded in law.
The Motu Koita Assembly Act 2007 (No. 7 of 2007) establishes the Motu Koita Assembly as the legitimate government for the Motu Koita people of the National Capital District, pursuant to Section 4 of the Constitution.
The core objectives of the Act under Section 4 are:
to protect and strengthen the identity of the Motu Koita people as the original landowners of the National Capital District;
to promote equal opportunity and popular participation in government by the Motu Koita people;
to provide for the Motu Koita people, especially basic human needs including social order through economic self-reliance; and
to protect customary land and natural resources.
These objectives are supported by , which require strengthening the social, economic and cultural wellbeing of the Motu Koita people, in this case, the Elevala Mirigini Electorate residents and future generations, maintaining traditional knowledge for sustainable development, and upholding ecological integrity.
In Mirigini, our by-laws on
control,
behaviour,
consumption and
disturbances are aligned with these objectives.
Under Section 36(1) of the Act, the Assembly has power to make laws on the;
of alcohol and betel nut (Section 36(1)(n)) and the
environment (Section 36(1)(r)),
among other matters supporting public order.
Our by-laws are not arbitrary; they give practical effect to the Act’s focus on social order and community wellbeing. They will be formally submitted to the Motu Koita Assembly for adoption to ensure full legal enforcement.
In the meantime, we will continue working with the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary, village courts and community leaders to maintain peace.
Excessive noise, drunken behaviour, public disturbances and actions disrupting families will not be tolerated in Mirigini.
This community will be governed with respect, order and accountability in accordance with the Motu Koita Assembly Act 2007.
Authorised and Released by:
Honourable Graham Nao Boge
Member for Elevala Mirigini Electorate
Motu Koita Assembly
