New Ireland families co-own airport kiosk

By SHIRLEY MAULUDU
THE idea to serve passengers who travel long distances to Kavieng to board their flights prompted two families in New Ireland to open a kiosk at the terminal.
Co-owner Maryanne Lavarabin told The National that the idea came up when she used to drop off her guests at the airport from the guest house the family operated.
She noticed passengers waiting around for their flights and did not have anywhere to grab a snack or cup of coffee, especially when flights were delayed.
The kiosk is co-owned by the Lavarabins and Paula Francis’ family.
“We sell assorted goods – soft drinks, hot coffee and tea, cupcakes, cookies, sandwich, bacon and egg,” Lavarabin said.
“The demand to provide hot tea, coffee and sandwich is big, in the mornings especially, when there are flight delays.
“We will soon be selling items unique to the province such as necklaces, laplaps, baskets and T-shirts.”
Lavarabin from East Sepik is married to Steven from New Ireland. The Francis family is from Manus.
The two families have children who lend a helping hand at the kiosk when needed. The two families used to live in Tabubil, Western when they were working at Ok Tedi mine.
“We were family friends back in Tabubil,” Lavarabin said.
During our time there, we told ourselves: What is the fall back option when the mine is closed? What would we do?”