The Constantinou Group of Companies has jumped on the band wagon to support the 53rd Hiri Moale festival in Port Moresby city with a massive sponsorship announced today, just days after the National Capital District Commission (NDCD) announced its sponsorship for the event.Today the Constantinou Group Chairman and Governing Director – George Constantinou reaffirmed their commitment with a Gold Sponsorship of K100,000 in support of the 2026 Hiri Moale Festival. The cheque presentation ceremony was done at the Airways Hotel, in Port Moresby.According to Mr. Constantinou, today’s presentation marks the third consecutive year for the Constantinou Group to partner with the Motu-Koita Assembly as a Gold Sponsor of the Hiri Moale Festival, reflecting the Groups ongoing commitment to preserving and celebrating the traditions of the Motu Koitabu people.“The Constantinou family has proudly called Port Moresby home for three generations, building enduring relationships with the Motu Koitabu community through decades of partnership, support and shared history. This continued sponsorship of the Hiri Moale Festival reflects that commitment to strengthening local culture and investing in initiatives that celebrates Papua New Guineas identity,” said Constantinou.He concluded his short remarks by stressing that, the Constantinou Group remains committed to supporting initiatives that strengthen communities, preserving cultural traditions and contribute to the continued growth of Papua New Guinea.In welcoming this sponsorship, Chairman of the Motu-Koita Assembly and Deputy Governor of NCD, Mr. Russell Wavik extended his sincere gratitude on-behalf of the people of Motu Koitabu, the Motu-Koita Assembly and the organizing committee of the 2026 Hiri Moale Festival to the Constantinou Group of companies for its continued support and confidence for the Festival.Mr. Wavik emphasized on the Hiri Moale Festival as not only just another annual event, but it is a celebration of the Motu Koitabuans Identity, cultural heritage and leadership of their ancestors that shows their sea fairing courage and skills to the spirit of trade that birthed the Hiri Trade.“We remain committed to presenting this event, that honors our tradition and showcases the rich cultural diversity of PNG. The festival will bring communities together, through culture, music, dance, art performances, and community participation. This sponsorship is more than just a financial support. It is an investment in preserving our culture, empowering our people, supporting local business, promoting tourism and strengthening national unity,” said Mr. Wavik.He further commended the Constantinou Group for their recognition of this event as their cultural representation and community development. He said the support can help make this year's Hiri Moale Festival a memorable and successful event.“I want to assure our sponsors and shareholders that our partnerships will be managed with transparency, accountability and mutual respect. Today’s sponsorship is a meaningful partnership built on culture community and progress. We look forward to this year's Hiri Moale Festival as we celebrate our past, embrace our present and inspire our future,” concluded the Chairman of Motu-Koita Assembly.The 53rd Hiri Moale Festival, 2026, will be celebrated from the 8th to the 13th of September in Port Moresby, with Ela Beach (Era Kone) as the central venue for all activities and events.

Police have used a police helicopter to rescue a man who was among four other people who were seriously wounded after being accused of practicing sorcery in Wenaiyo village, Karimui Local Level Government, Simbu Province.Simbu Provincial Police Commander Superintendent Mazuc Rubiang, who escorted the team to the site, thanked Police Commissioner David Manning for deploying police officers via the police helicopter to respond to the complaint in this extremely remote part of Simbu Province. PPC further thanked the Seventh-day Adventist Church for their quick response in evacuating three of the wounded men to Kundiawa Hospital on Tuesday. PPC Rubiang said the police helicopter, supported by Mobile Squad 13 members from Lae, was deployed today (Friday, July 17, 2026) to rescue the remaining wounded victim and transport him to Kundiawa, where he is currently receiving medical treatment.He said the helicopter relieved a lot of stress for his police officers, who otherwise would have had to walk for days to respond to the incident.He also confirmed that nine suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident and will be investigated and charged accordingly.PPC Rubiang said that according to the police brief, it is alleged that at around 5:30 a.m. on Sunday, the 12th of July,2026, fifteen men armed with offensive weapons surrounded the victims and seriously wounded them. The attack resulted in one death, while the other survivors were taken to the hospital.The suspects alleged that the victims were sorcerers involved in the death of one of their elderly tribesmen a month earlier."I want to thank my police officers from Kundiawa and the others who responded and rescued the seriously wounded men.""Those who have been arrested will be thoroughly investigated and charged accordingly. Sorcery-related violence (SARV) cases in Simbu have increased, and police are doing their best to raise awareness so that people respect one another, "PPC said.Rubiang reminded the locals that when there is respect, there will never be violence.

A student population of about 4,000 at Wardstrip Primary School in Port Moresby has welcomed a new values-based program aimed at improving student behaviour, discipline and character development.The school’s Student Representative Council (SRC), made up of teachers, the head boy and girl, and prefects, took part in a program awareness session conducted by the Education Department’s Guidance and Counselling Division and the PNG Tribal Foundation team from Senisim PNG.Following the session, the SRC agreed to introduce the Value of the Month program, beginning next week, by sharing the values with teachers for implementation in classrooms.SRC Coordinator Gabriella Bata said the program would benefit students as the school caters for 4,000 learners from elementary to Grade 8.She said the program will be introduced to the school management before it is rolled out into classrooms.Education Department First Secretary for the Guidance and Counselling Division, Allan Jim, said many schools were facing challenges with student discipline and needed programs that could help develop responsible future leaders.The Value of the Month program was introduced to schools this year, with one value taught and practised over a four-week period.Values covered from January to June include Compassion, Punctuality, Teamwork, Humility, Courage, Mindfulness and Commitment, with the program continuing throughout the year.Assistant Coordinator Kylie Bellam said Wardstrip Primary School would also participate in the 11-week Transformation Table program.She said SRC members would be the first participants before becoming facilitators to deliver the program to their classrooms and peer groups.Senisim PNG Program Officer Anges Andrias encouraged students and teachers to take the program seriously, saying it promotes good character, leadership skills and qualities that can benefit students in their future careers.The Transformation Table program is free and available to schools, communities, groups, homes and families interested in participating.

The Autonomous Bougainville Government's (ABG) Minister for Education, Hon. Thomas Pa’ataku, has reaffirmed that education is the bedrock of the region’s future, describing it as the “number one priority” for building a better society. Speaking at the closing of the 2026 Senior Education Officer’s Conference (SEOC) this week in Buka, Minister Pa’ataku emphasized that the region’s recovery from past conflict depends on a robust and effective education system.The Minister expressed his deep appreciation for the newly appointed National Education Minister, Hon. Francis Kikin Siune, who chose Bougainville for his first official visit just two days after taking office. Pa’ataku noted that this visit signals a strong commitment from the national government to work with Bougainville."We believe that a better society will only come about if we must make sure we make education our number one priority," Pa’ataku stated, adding that the ABG is eager to utilize national strategies to achieve maximum benefits for Bougainvillean students.He also called for a revitalization of local leadership within the education department to ensure that the transferred powers effectively serve the people. "In Bougainville, the people who have voted to become independent too will be able to see that this department—our departments—can work together to make sure that we must have a better system that can effectively serve our communities," he remarked.Following Minister Pa’ataku’s address, the National Minister for Education, Hon. Francis Kikin Siune, delivered his speech committing to significant infrastructure development and the formal decentralization of educational authority. Minister Siune described the education portfolio as a "challenging" but "vital" responsibility that requires total cooperation between national and regional leaders.Minister Siune also announced the official transfer of 22 education functions to the ABG, including school registration, compliance, and the Government Free Education Policy (GFEM). This shift allows Bougainville to have full authority over its schools' status and management. "Our country can be destroyed if we do not fix our education system," the Minister warned, emphasizing that policymaking must focus on the people.Minister Siune pledged tangible support, including a K400,000 commitment to a 4-in-1 classroom to be built for Haku Day High School and a promise to build education facilities in all nine districts of Bougainville. "We are going to build infrastructure in all the districts in Bougainville," he said, stating his goal to ensure every child has a proper chance at learning. "I believe in cooperation. Cooperation. Partnership... It's very important for us all to work together to serve our people in improving education,” Minister Siune added.The 35th SEOC hosted in Bougainville was officially closed on Thursday this week. The 37th SEOC will be hosted by Eastern Highlands Province in 2027. 

Five Papua New Guinean swimmers: Joanna Chen, Thomas Chen, Roxanne Kirarock, Josh Tarere, and Jhnayali Tokome-Garap have been selected to represent Team PNG at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.Papua New Guinea Swimming Inc. (PNGSI) confirmed the selection of the five athletes who will compete at the Games which is scheduled for July 23 to August 2, 2026.The swimmers selected are all from the Boroko Amateur Swimming Club.The team was officially announced by the Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee and Team PNG Chef de Mission Elaine Iorove during the Team PNG Reveal Function held in Port Moresby on July 7.PNGSI said the swimmers earned their places after maintaining strong performances in Target Squad rankings through sanctioned competitions, including the PNG Swimming National Championships in March and the Oceania Swimming Championships in May.The team will be led by Head Coach Rick Van Der Zant, with Team Manager Carly Pini providing athlete support during the Commonwealth Games campaign.The swimmers, who are mostly based in Queensland, will join more than 50 Team PNG athletes and officials travelling to Glasgow on July 19 ahead of the Opening Ceremony, thus the swimming competition will begin on July 24 and conclude on July 29, with the athletes set to compete against some of the best swimmers from across the Commonwealth.PNGSI President Ryan Pini said the selection was a proud moment for the athletes and recognised their years of dedication and commitment to the sport.“Selection to the Commonwealth Games is an honour that reflects years of discipline, resilience and unwavering commitment.”He said success was not only measured by medals, but also by athletes’ consistency, passion for improvement and courage to compete against world-class opponents.Pini congratulated the five swimmers, saying they had earned the opportunity through hard work and determination and would carry the pride of Papua New Guinea on the international stage.PNGSI also acknowledged the support of the athletes’ families, coaches, clubs and supporters, including the Boroko Amateur Swimming Club and Lae Amateur Swimming Club, for contributing to the swimmers’ development.“Congratulations to our swimmers — your hard work, determination, and passion have earned you this incredible opportunity.”

The National Parliament has established the Special Parliamentary Committee on Child and Youth Wellbeing as a permanent parliamentary committee, creating an enduring mechanism to oversee legislation, policies and government programmes affecting children and young people in Papua New Guinea.The decision follows Parliament's approval of a motion to make the committee a standing body, reinforcing its commitment to safeguarding the rights, wellbeing and future of the country's children and youth.Committee Chairman and National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop welcomed the move, describing it as a significant milestone for Parliament and for future generations of Papua New Guineans."The establishment of the Committee as a permanent body provides Parliament with an enduring mechanism to oversee legislation, policies, programmes and budget allocations affecting children and youth," Parkop said.He said the permanent committee will strengthen parliamentary oversight, improve accountability and provide a dedicated platform for engaging with government agencies, development partners, civil society organisations, faith-based groups, communities and young people.Parkop thanked Speaker of Parliament, Prime Minister James Marape, Opposition Leader Douglas Tomuriesa, and Members of Parliament from both the Government and Opposition for supporting the motion.He said the bipartisan support reflected a shared understanding that investing in children and young people is an investment in Papua New Guinea's future.The committee will oversee the implementation of laws, policies, programmes and budget allocations relating to children and youth while monitoring the performance of relevant government agencies and promoting stronger accountability.It will also work closely with stakeholders to advance policies that improve access to education, health, protection, and opportunities for children and young people throughout the country.Parkop acknowledged the contributions of the committee's secretariat, parliamentary staff, government departments, development partners and other stakeholders whose support helped demonstrate the need for a permanent parliamentary body dedicated to child and youth issues.He said the committee remains committed to ensuring that the rights, wellbeing and aspirations of children and young people remain at the forefront of national policy and parliamentary decision-making.The establishment of the permanent committee marks one of Parliament's most significant institutional reforms in child and youth governance, ensuring that issues affecting young Papua New Guineans remain a standing priority of the legislature.

IBS University through the Nadesalingam Foundation for Education (NFFE) has expanded its scholarship opportunities beyond Port Moresby after signing 11 scholarship Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with secondary schools in Eastern Highlands and Morobe provinces.The university conducted a week-long outreach program from July 6 to 10, establishing academic pathways for high-performing students.The scholarship partnerships were signed with two schools in Eastern Highlands Province — Kainantu Technical Secondary School and Aiyura National School of Excellence.In Morobe Province, agreements were signed with nine schools including Markham Valley Secondary School, Lae Christian Academy, Bugandi Secondary School, Busu Secondary School, Lae Secondary School, Bumayong Lutheran Secondary School, Malahang Technical Secondary School, Lae International School and Wawin National School of Excellence.The Sir Mick Nades Scholarships will provide opportunities ranging from 50 percent to full tuition coverage for eligible students undertaking degree programs at IBSUniversity.Scholarship recipients may also have employment opportunities with IBSUniversity after completing their studies.School principals welcomed the partnership, describing it as a significant opportunity for students to access higher education.Markham Valley Secondary School Principal Billy Kaiyo said the partnership opened new opportunities for students, including pathways for Grade 10 and Grade 12 school leavers through the IBS College of TVET.Lae Christian Academy Principal Anna Mand described the scholarship opportunity as a major support for students pursuing university education.Bugandi Secondary School Principal Dennis Miall said the partnership would help students from different backgrounds achieve their career goals.Beyond the scholarship agreements, the IBSUniversity team conducted information sessions for students on career pathways, industry skills, and campus life.The team also visited the Lae FODE Centre, Lae Community College and Lutheran Emmanuel School to promote flexible learning opportunities.

Preparations for the Yabem District Women’s Conference have received further support from the Huon Gulf District Development Authority (HGD-DDA) through the provision of water supply materials for the upcoming event.The conference will be held from July 20 to 26 at Asini Village, Ward 13, Salamaua LLG, bringing together women from across the district.As part of its support, HGD-DDA provided black poly pipes, pipe fittings and a water tank to improve water access for conference delegates and provide a lasting benefit for the host community.The support follows an earlier contribution of K60,000 towards preparations for the successful hosting of the conference.Huon Gulf MP and Minister for Community Development, Youths and Religion, Jason Peter, said churches and faith-based organisations remain important partners in promoting unity, peace and social wellbeing.He extended his support to the Yabem District Women’s Fellowship, church leaders, organisers and delegates, saying the conference would provide an opportunity for spiritual renewal, fellowship and empowerment.

Digicel PNG has joined the Digital Transformation Summit 2026 (DTS26) as a Gold Sponsor, reaffirming its commitment to supporting a more connected and digitally inclusive Papua New Guinea.The telecommunications provider announced its participation in the national digital development event, which is led by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and brings together government leaders, industry partners, development organisations, innovators and digital stakeholders.DTS26 will focus on advancing Papua New Guinea's digital transformation agenda under the theme: "Building Papua New Guinea’s Digital Public Ecosystem: Trust. Infrastructure. Innovation. Inclusion."Digicel PNG said its sponsorship reflects its ongoing commitment to expanding reliable connectivity, supporting innovation and improving digital access for communities, businesses and government services across the country.Through its participation in the DTS26 Expo, the company will showcase how digital connectivity and services are creating opportunities in areas such as education, commerce, public service delivery and economic development.Digicel PNG Interim Chief Executive Officer Brett Goschen said digital transformation begins with connectivity and collaboration."Digital transformation starts with connection. When people, businesses and government are better connected, opportunities grow and communities thrive," Goschen said.He said the company was proud to support DTS26 because it provides an important platform for collaboration, innovation and discussions around Papua New Guinea's digital future."As Papua New Guinea's leading telecommunications provider, we remain committed to building a better connected nation by investing in the networks, technologies and partnerships that help empower our customers and support the country's digital future," he said.Digicel PNG said its involvement in DTS26 will also contribute to national conversations around digital inclusion, infrastructure development and the role of technology in accelerating sustainable development.The company said its sponsorship demonstrates its continued commitment to working with government, industry and community partners to strengthen Papua New Guinea's digital ecosystem and create opportunities for current and future generations.

National St John Ambulance (NStJA) has welcomed Prime Minister James Marape's commitment to strengthen ambulance services across Papua New Guinea, describing the announcement as a major step towards improving emergency medical care nationwide.The Prime Minister announced in Parliament on Wednesday that the Government intends to introduce legislation to formally recognise and support National St John Ambulance's role as the country's national emergency ambulance service.National St John Ambulance Commissioner and Chief Executive Kai Tane said the Government's commitment would provide greater certainty for the organisation as it continues delivering emergency medical services throughout the country."On behalf of the National St John Ambulance Council, our staff, volunteers and the thousands of Papua New Guineans who rely on our services each year, I sincerely thank Prime Minister James Marape for his leadership and his strong commitment to strengthening emergency medical services in our country," Tane said.He said the Prime Minister's recognition of ambulance services as an essential public service reflected the realities faced daily by frontline emergency responders."Our ambulance doctors, nurses, health extension officers, paramedics, ambulance officers, emergency dispatchers, educators, volunteers and support staff respond to people during some of the most difficult moments of their lives, often under challenging conditions," he said.Tane said the proposed legislation would establish a stronger legal and institutional framework to support the long-term growth and sustainability of ambulance services in Papua New Guinea.He said National St John Ambulance looked forward to working closely with the Government, the National Department of Health and other stakeholders as the legislation progressed through consultation and Parliament.According to Tane, the strengthened legal framework would help expand ambulance services, improve clinical governance, strengthen the country's ambulance workforce and enhance coordination between National St John Ambulance, Provincial Health Authorities, hospitals, police, fire services and disaster response agencies."The National St John Ambulance remains committed to delivering safe, professional and clinically excellent pre-hospital emergency care for all Papua New Guineans," he said.Tane also welcomed the Government's commitment to developing sustainable funding arrangements to support the continued delivery and future expansion of ambulance services, acknowledging the challenges of providing emergency care across Papua New Guinea's diverse and often difficult geography.National St John Ambulance reaffirmed its commitment to working in partnership with the Government, the National Department of Health, emergency service agencies and communities to build a stronger, sustainable and nationally coordinated ambulance service aimed at improving access to emergency medical care and saving more lives across the country.

Planning for retirement should focus not only on when members want to retire, but also on how much they will need to maintain their desired lifestyle, says Nasfund.The superfund's boss highlighted the importance of target-based retirement planning during the Finance in Resources & Energy session during the PNG Resources Week 2026.Nasfund Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Rajeev Sharma said members often set retirement goals around a specific age, such as 50, 55, or 60, without identifying the level of savings required to support their desired lifestyle after leaving the workforce.Aligning a retirement age with a savings target provides a clearer and more realistic pathway to long-term financial security. Sharma said inflation is one of the most important factors members should consider when setting retirement savings targets.For example, a member requiring K1,000 per month in living expenses today could need approximately K2,500 per month in 30 years' time to maintain the same standard of living. "Retirement planning should be about a target amount, not just a target age.Members need to understand the amount they'll need, and how inflation affects that amount over time, so they can plan a retirement that actually works. Helping members accumulate sufficient savings for retirement remains a core focus for Nasfund.Achieving this requires both disciplined investment management by the fund and informed financial planning by members throughout their working lives. With a membership base spanning multiple age groups, including many members approaching retirement, Nasfund's investment decisions must balance reliable liquidity and cash flow needs with opportunities for long-term growth.This balanced approach supports members nearing retirement while continuing to deliver sustainable returns for younger members, building their savings over time. Approximately 65 per cent of Nasfund's total portfolio is currently invested in Papua New Guinea, reflecting the fund's commitment to generating value for members while contributing to national economic development.Sharma's comments were part of a broader address to the Finance in Resources & Energy session, hosted by the PNG Chamber of Resources & Energy (PNG CORE), on the role of superannuation funds in supporting long-term financial security for members while contributing to national economic development.

More than 30 residents, including youths and Mothers from Taikone Village in Port Moresby city recently participated in a Phase 2 gender-based violence (GBV) awareness conducted by the Pilai Long Senis Program.Pilai Long Senis is a community-based program delivered through a partnership between AFL PNG and PNG Tribal Foundation.Senisim Pasin National Coordinator Marjorie Finkeo said the second phase of the awareness focused on helping participants identify common domestic issues, their causes, and the impacts they have on families and communities.Participants took part in interactive group activities and discussions on gender-based violence (GBV) and sorcery accusation-related violence (SARV).They were also introduced to non-violent communication tools, referral pathways, and support services available to survivors, including police, safe houses, counselling centres, family support centres, and health clinics.During the discussions, a participant, Ms. Rose Vavine identified intercultural marriage as one of the common issues affecting families.“Different beliefs and cultural norms between husbands and wives can sometimes lead to misunderstandings, conflict, and violence,” she said.Participants also raised concerns about the lack of action on issues reported to community police and leaders, which they said has contributed to increasing law and order problems.Alcohol and drug abuse were identified as major contributors to violence in the community, often resulting in arguments, family breakdowns, child neglect, unemployment, and other social challenges. Ms. Finkeo said the first phase of the program, conducted in March, involved documentary screenings focused on gender appreciation and promoting positive attitudes towards women.“The second phase builds on that foundation through interactive learning and discussion aimed at changing attitudes and behaviours, while encouraging men to value and respect women in their homes and communities,” she said.The next Phase 2 awareness will be conducted in the Gerehu community next week. Ms. Finkeo thanked AFL PNG for supporting the program through funding provided under the Australian High Commission’s Team Up Program.