PNG deployment a unique musical moment for Palmerston North cornet player

Performing iconic tunes in front of thousands at the Papua New Guinea Military Tattoo was a unique moment for New Zealand Army band cornet player Private Joe Inman.

07 October, 2025

Band members recently deployed to PNG’s capital Port Moresby for the country’s 50^th anniversary of independence. Musicians from Australia, Fiji, France, India, Japan, New Zealand, Tonga, United Kingdom, United States and Vanuatu joined the PNG military band and local cultural groups for the two-night show.

Private Inman, from Palmerston North, said it was a “substantial and historic celebration”.

“This is an extremely important milestone for the nation and the people of PNG, so to take part in the celebration was an awesome opportunity.”

While Private Inman had deployed to other Pacific islands with the band, it was his first time visiting PNG.

“Playing with musical ensembles from different Pacific nations is always an enjoyable experience, as music is generally a significant part of their culture.

“Being part of the military tattoo in PNG and sharing the experience with other Pacific bands is very rewarding - the passion and energy they have is unmatched.”

Army band members in red jackets and black trousers play musical instruments in front of an empty stand

New Zealand Army band cornet player Private Joe Inman says the passion and energy of Pacific military bands is unmatched after performing at Papua New Guinea’s celebrations of 50 years of independence.

PNG offered challenges to the band, which spent long hours practising at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium in temperatures reaching the mid-30s°C, in the days leading up to the shows.

“The climate in PNG and most places I have travelled to with the band has always been up the other end of the spectrum compared to New Zealand. This does make things slightly more challenging, but it’s never a massive issue.”

The NZ Army band entered the stadium playing The William Tell Overture. They continued with pieces from the Lord of the Rings movie trilogy, Neil Diamond’s Sweet Caroline and an ABBA tribute.

It was the opportunity to travel and work full-time as a musician for a living that drew Private Inman to join the band.

“So far I have been on eight deployments and travelled to 10 countries with the band. This is one of the few professional musician jobs in New Zealand, with an unbeatable travelling aspect, especially while you’re young.

“The experiences you have are wholly unique. Playing for and alongside communities and, on occasion, for the country is exhilarating,” Private Inman said.