Pomp and spectacle came to Papua New Guinea (PNG) on 22 July 2025 in the form of the inaugural Pacific Police Tattoo. Police bands from eight nations put on a magnificent display of music and culture during a partly overcast and humid morning at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium in the PNG capital of Port Moresby.

Music and dance are intrinsic parts of the Pacific islands’ culture. The idea to bring bands together to showcase cultural pride within Pacific islands policing and demonstrate the strength of the partnerships between Pacific islands police was warmly embraced by Pacific police chiefs.

The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) hosted the event as part of the nation’s ongoing celebrations of 50 years of independence.

Bands from Australia, Fiji, Nauru, New Zealand, PNG, Samoa, Solomon Islands and Tonga were each allocated a set time to play and entertain the gathered crowd. After each band performed their own setlist, they came together for a moving session which included the playing of 'Amazing Grace', a song of lament (in tribute to officers killed in the line of duty) and PNG’s national anthem.

To end the tattoo, the group of 178 musicians performed a combined march off, while receiving enthusiastic applause and cheers of support.

Inspector Alu Kapa from the RPNGC Band said, “It was a great honour for us to host the tattoo and to be joined by our friends from the Pacific, New Zealand and Australia.

“I’ve been a policeman for almost 50 years and will retire later this year. I’m very happy that my last tattoo was in PNG, and proud that I conducted the combined bands at this wonderful event.”

Australia and New Zealand provided a combined band, consisting of musicians from the AFP Pipes and Drums (AFPPD) and the New Zealand Police Pipe Band (NZPPB).

AFPPD Pipe Major Stephen Ladd said, “Playing alongside our New Zealand colleagues was fabulous, as was the whole event. In song, we are all brothers and sisters across the Pacific region.”

NZPPB Pipe Major Adam Wesley-Miller-Tonkin was similarly reflective: “The effect of the experience on our team has been incredible, giving us a greater appreciation of those communities we have touched with our music. It was a proud moment for our band and an absolute pleasure to represent the people of New Zealand.”

Four awards were presented at end of the event.

The Drill Display Award was presented to the RPNGC band, who, along with an honour guard of RPNGC officer cadets, performed an immaculate display of precision and cadence. The Fan Favourite Award was presented to the Samoa Royal Police Band, who performed with entertaining passion and gusto.

The Fiji Police Force Band received the Spirit of the Tattoo Award in recognition of their dedication and passion for music and camaraderie with other participants, both on and off the field.

The Royal Tonga Police Force Band took out the Best Overall Performance Award in recognition of their vibrancy and captivating performance.

Towards the end of the spectacular, acting PNG Prime Minister John Rosso addressed the gathering and affirmed that the tattoo symbolised the strengthening partnership between Pacific island countries.

“Our strength lies in our communities, our cultures, and in the way we come together in moments like this,” Mr Rosso said.

“Let this Pacific Police Tattoo stand as a reminder of what is possible when we unite as neighbours, as partners, as brothers and sisters.

“We look forward to strengthening our relationships and assisting each other towards making our Pacific, making our home a safer, better place for all of us and our children to come.”

RPNGC Commissioner David Manning told the crowd that “I extend my deep thanks to our traditional security partner, the Australian Federal Police, for the continued support and logistical assistance in delivering this historic event.

“It’s support like this that showcases the strength of our Pacific policing family, our shared history, and our shared future.

“To the talented performers, our bands, drill teams, flag bearers, and support staff, on behalf of a very grateful RPNGC and Papua New Guinea, ‘thankyu tumas’. You’ve performed with discipline and pride. You’ve represented your nations with honour and given our people a memory for years to come.”

The Fiji Police Force will host the next Pacific Police Tattoo in 2027.