Preparations are progressing well for the 2026 National Kenu and Kundu Festival, with organisers confirming the annual cultural event will be held from 6–8 November in Alotau, Milne Bay Province.

National Kenu and Kundu Festival Chairman Habona Tasman said planning is already underway, with the organising committee working closely with district coordinators and stakeholders to ensure another successful festival.

"Our first coordinators' meeting was held on June 10, and the second meeting is scheduled for July 10," Mr. Tasman said.

He said coordinators from all four districts of Milne Bay Province will attend the meeting, along with a representative from the Mailu area on the Central-Milne Bay border, who is expected to participate in this year's festival.

Mr. Tasman said the festival executive is also engaging with government agencies and private companies to secure sponsorship.

"We are working hard to secure sponsors, and several private businesses have already expressed interest in supporting this year's festival," he said.

The chairman welcomed the continued support from the National Government, saying the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) and the National Cultural Commission (NCC) have committed to supporting the event.

He said Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Belden Namah visited Milne Bay in June and presented funding towards preparations for the festival.

To complement sponsorship efforts, organisers recently hosted a fundraising dinner at APEC Haus in Port Moresby recently with support from Alotau Open MP Ricky Morris, Milne Bay Tourism Bureau Chairman, the festival's communications team and other supporters.

The National Kenu and Kundu Festival is one of Papua New Guinea's premier cultural events, celebrating the country's maritime traditions, canoe-building heritage, music, dance and cultural diversity. Organisers are expecting strong participation from cultural groups across the country when the festival opens in November.