Through the Lens of Time: The Legacy of Laurence "Rocky" Roe

For nearly half a century, Papua New Guinea has been more than just a home for Laurence "Rocky" Roe—it has been his canvas, his inspiration, and his great love. A master behind the lens, Rocky has captured the soul of the nation through his photography, preserving moments of history, culture, and progress. He bid farewell to the country he has called home since 1976 in June 2021 and is now retired and living in Australia. We reflect on the extraordinary journey of a man whose work has become an indelible part of PNG’s visual history.

Rocky Roe on Lihir Island, New Ireland, in 2013, capturing images for a landowner company's book. Here, he shares the photos he took with the local girls. Photo by the late Isaac Tauno.

Rocky at work during his long career in PNG.

                                           Click to watch the full interview with Rocky Roe:

 

A Journey Born of Adventure

 

Rocky Roe’s story began in Adelaide, Australia, where he was born in 1947. His adventure in Papua New Guinea started in 1976 when he arrived as a mechanical fitter for Bougainville Copper. But his heart sought more than the structured life of a mining camp. In 1979, he took a leap of faith, moving to Port Moresby and trading a higher salary for a passion—photography. What he lost in pay, he gained in purpose.

 

"I wanted to see Papua New Guinea," Rocky recalls. "And I got an opportunity to get paid to see it."

 

Capturing the Essence of a Nation

 

From corporate photography to historic events, Rocky’s lens has documented the evolution of Papua New Guinea. He was there when leaders rose to prominence, capturing moments that would later adorn national currency—his photograph of Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare graces the K50 note. His work went beyond the formal; he ventured deep into the highlands, the islands, and bustling townships, preserving the heart and spirit of the people.

 

With each shot, he chronicled the changing landscape of Port Moresby. From a city of well-kept roads and modest housing in the 1970s to its present-day urban sprawl, Rocky witnessed and documented it all.

 

The Evolution of Photography

 

Rocky’s career spanned a transformative era in photography—from the meticulous world of slide film, where exposure errors were unforgiving, to the digital revolution, where technology made photography more accessible. "Autofocus hadn’t been invented," he recalls. "Half the world couldn’t focus a camera back then." Yet, through skill and patience, he mastered the art, adapting as the industry evolved.

 

His assignments took him to mine sites, oil fields, and remote locations where only helicopters could reach. "I spent many hours flying with the door off, capturing PNG from above. Looking through the camera made it all feel natural. Without it, I might have been scared."

 

The Man Behind the Camera

 

Despite the grandeur of his work, Rocky remains humble. A storyteller at heart, his greatest joy has been the connections he forged—whether photographing Miss PNG contestants over the years or engaging with young photographers eager to learn. He speaks fondly of his colleagues, the friendships he built, and the country that embraced him as one of its own.

 

His time in Papua New Guinea was not without challenges. He encountered moments of danger, faced armed hold-ups, and saw the country grapple with law and order issues. Yet, his love for PNG never wavered. "It’s the greatest place on earth," he says, reflecting on his journey.

 

A Fond Farewell, But Not Goodbye

 

Now, as Rocky returns to Australia to tend to his health, he leaves behind a legacy that will live on in the countless images he captured. Papua New Guinea will always be home to him, and its people, his extended family.

 

“I may come back if someone brings me back,” he says with a knowing smile.

 

Papua New Guinea bids farewell to a legend, a visual historian who gave us the gift of memories frozen in time. His photographs are not just images; they are stories, emotions, and a testament to a life well-lived in the pursuit of beauty and truth.

 

Farewell, Rocky Roe. Your work will continue to inspire generations to come.

Barike Band Legend Matalau Nakikus: A Legacy of Music, Culture, and Unity

In the heart of Papua New Guinea’s musical history, few names resonate as deeply as Barike, the iconic band that captured the nation’s soul through melody, rhythm, and a message of unity. At the centre of this legendary group stands Matalau Nakikus, a man whose life journey reflects not only the evolution of PNG’s music scene but also the changing tides of a young, independent nation.

Matalau Nakikus

Click to watch full interview with Matalau Nakikus

A Childhood Rooted in Music and Faith

Born into a family where music was a way of life, Nakikus’ earliest memories are of his father playing the piano and leading the church choir. 

“Music was very much a part of my upbringing,” he recalls. 

“Our life revolved around the church, and so did music.”

By the time he reached high school, Nakikus had already found his way into bands, playing with teachers and schoolmates. One of his earliest bands, Pacific Vibration, was just the beginning of what would become a lifelong passion. Despite his growing love for music, education remained a priority. After completing Grade 10, he pursued drama and arts at the National Arts School in Port Moresby before receiving a scholarship to study at the prestigious National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) in Sydney, Australia, where he shared a classroom with Hollywood actor Mel Gibson.

The Birth of Barike

Upon returning home, Nakikus took up teaching but never abandoned his love for music. It was in 1981, while working at Kerevat National High School, that John Wong, a fellow musician, approached him with an idea—forming a new band. Alongside Glenn Low and a few other talented musicians, Barike was born. The name itself, derived from a Rabaul slang term, became synonymous with music that spoke to the heart of Papua New Guinea’s people.

From the outset, Barike distinguished itself by fusing contemporary music with traditional Tolai influences. Their songs, often inspired by string bands and local folk melodies, resonated deeply with audiences, particularly children and families. The hit song Iau Ra Biavi was a turning point, launching the band into national stardom. Soon after, Ringa Maue from West New Britain solidified their reputation as a band that could unite people through music.

Music as a Unifying Force

The 1980s was a defining decade for Papua New Guinea, a time of national growth but also increasing social and political challenges. The Bougainville crisis, in particular, threatened to fracture the unity of the newly independent nation. It was during this period that Barike recorded Wan Kantri (One Country), a song that would become an anthem for national unity.

“We wanted a song that could remind Papua New Guineans that we are one people, one nation,” Nakikus explains.

 “We didn’t want it to be political; we wanted it to be a song of hope and togetherness.”

The song struck a chord with the people. It topped the country’s music charts for over a year and was played across radio stations and at national events. Politicians may have struggled to unify the country, but Barike’s music succeeded in doing what words alone could not. Wan Kantri (One Country) became more than just a song—it became a national treasure, a musical reminder of the country's shared history and common destiny. Its melody and lyrics instilled a sense of belonging and pride, and it remains one of Papua New Guinea’s most powerful musical contributions to national identity.

The Eruption That Changed Everything

In 1994, disaster struck Rabaul. The twin volcanic eruptions devastated the town, displacing families and shattering lives. On the morning they were due to return home from a performance in Goroka, the band received news of the eruption. 

“We couldn’t go back. Our homes were buried in ash,” Nakikus recalls. He lost everything—including a new car he had purchased just two weeks prior.

Barike responded the only way they knew how—through music. They held fundraising concerts in Port Moresby to support affected families. Out of this tragedy came another defining song, Rabaul Town, an emotional tribute to the town they once knew and loved.

“The loss of Rabaul was more than just losing homes and property; it was losing a way of life,” Nakikus reflects.

 “Rabaul was once the Pearl of the Pacific, a vibrant town where music flourished, people thrived, and culture was celebrated. The eruption changed everything, but the spirit of Rabaul lives on in its people and in the songs we continue to sing.”

The destruction of Rabaul was a devastating blow to Barike and the entire community. Many were forced to relocate, and the music scene that had once made the town legendary slowly faded. Yet, the memories and the music endure, carried by those who refuse to let the past be forgotten.

PNG at 50: A Milestone of Reflection and Growth

As Papua New Guinea celebrates 50 years of independence, the nation finds itself at a crossroads—reflecting on its achievements, challenges, and the vision for its future. Music, culture, and unity have been fundamental in shaping the country's identity, and few songs have encapsulated this journey better than Wan Kantri (One Country).

“This anniversary is a time for us to reflect on how far we’ve come,” Nakikus shares. 

“We have faced difficulties, from political upheavals to economic struggles, but music has always been a unifying force. It has carried our stories, our pain, and our triumphs.”

Barike’s music, deeply rooted in national pride, continues to serve as a reminder of the bonds that hold PNG together. As the nation marks this historic milestone, Nakikus urges younger generations to remember the significance of their cultural heritage.

“We must not lose sight of who we are as Papua New Guineans. Our music, our language, and our traditions are what make us unique. As we move forward, we should embrace modern influences but never forget our roots.”

Carrying the Legacy Forward

In recent years, Nakikus has faced significant health challenges. He has been battling chronic kidney disease, requiring regular dialysis treatment. Despite these struggles, his passion for music and his love for his country remain unwavering. He has spoken out about the need for better healthcare access in Papua New Guinea, particularly for those suffering from chronic illnesses.

“I have to get treatment three days a week,” Nakikus shares.

 “It’s expensive, and many of us struggle to afford it. I am lucky to have my family’s support, but many others are not as fortunate.”

Even as he faces these difficulties, Nakikus remains deeply engaged in music. “Music has always been my way of expressing myself, and even now, it keeps me strong. I want to use whatever time I have left to continue inspiring and helping others.”

Though Barike’s prominence waned over the years, their legacy endures. Today, Nakikus’ son, Nathan Nakikus, and nephew, Anslom Nakikus, continue to keep the Barike sound alive, blending tradition with contemporary influences.

Nakikus himself, despite battling health challenges, remains passionate about using music to inspire and heal. 

“Music is the one thing that can still bring Papua New Guineans together,” he says. 

“We want to continue Barike’s mission, not just as a band, but as a movement to support communities, health initiatives, and most importantly, to remind us of who we are as a nation.”

As Papua New Guinea marks 50 years of independence, Nakikus dedicates Wan Kantri (One Country) to the people. “That song still means everything to me. We are diverse, but we are one. And I hope we never forget that.”

Matalau Nakikus and Barike may have started as just a band, but they became something much greater—a voice for unity, a beacon of cultural pride, and a symbol of hope for Papua New Guinea’s future.

Painting the town red

Today I drive through a city literally drowning in buai (betelnut) spit and skins, and litter. 

The roads and infrastructure are spat red. Men and women spit out of cars, PMVs and taxis. 

They throw their rubbish out without a care in the world. It's not only happening in Port Moresby, but all over PNG. 

I wonder why we complain about other things, 24/7, on social media but not buai spitting and ittering.

Government moves to promote citrus industry

The Government will be moving to promote PNG's fledgling citrus industry in a big way, says Agriculture and Livestock Minister.

An impressed Simon said this after visiting the orange orchard of Agriculture and Livestock Secretary, Daniel Kombuk, in the Wahgi Valley of Jiwaka on Sunday (Sept 27, 2020).

Kombuk, PNG's leading breeder and farmer of citrus, grows Israeli and California hybrid oranges in the Wahgi Valley.

Hundreds of people are now growing oranges, purchased from Kombuk's nursery at Aviamp and at Minj, as a cash crop.

Minister Simon said the monetary gains, from just one tree alone, at 250kg per year, were significant for this  sleeping giant import replacement industry.

He said oranges were very expensive in Port Moresby supermarkets, selling as high as K40 for just six, when higher quality ones were being grown in the Highlands.

He urged Papua New Guineans to start growing oranges and in their backyards as a cash crop.

True to form, Simon, himself a farmer, ordered 10,000 orange seedlings to be grown in his Maprik District in East Sepik Province.

A visit to Nowek Coffee Factory in Goroka

 

Nowek Coffee Factory General-Manager, Joe Shelley, takes us through the factory process from factory door to green bean ready for export.

The factory is at Kamaliki just outside of Goroka along the Highlands Highway.

 He also shows us what Nowek is doing to prop up PNG's declining coffee production, including supplying seedlings by the thousands, as well as increasing quality of its product.

Young gun of PNG's coffee industey

 

Young Joe Shelley, 32, is one of the young guns of PNG's coffee industry. 

He is now running  nationally-owned export company, Nowek, after the death of his father, Goroka coffee legend, Terry Shelley, in 2017. 

Joe is a precociously-talented young man who has fitted well into the shoes of his famous dad. 

Joe was in Australia when his father called him back to Goroka and passed on the reins. 

During a recent visit, Joe showed me around the Nowek Coffee Factory at Kamaliki, outside Goroka, and gave his frank views on the  status quo of the industry. 

His major concern is that coffee production is not increasing in PNG. 

Competition among Goroka exporters for the limited coffee available is intense. 

Nowek is helping to alleviate this issue by distributing coffee seedlings free of charge to people who want to get into growing coffee.

54 years in Goroka... and counting...

In the morning of Sunday, September 13, 2020, at Kama in Goroka, I was privileged to be introduced to one of the pioneers of Goroka, 78-year-old Ebung Dambi from  Mape in Finschhafen, Morobe. 

His is an amazing story. 

Mr Dambi, who is related to the Zurenuoc family, first came to Goroka in 1966 as a plumber and has stayed here since. 

He married his Chimbu wife, Sinape, at North Goroka Lutheran Church in 1970. 

Mr Dambi reflects on 54 years in Goroka and his thoughts of the future.