Two new teachers’ houses were recently opened by Huon Gulf MP and Minister for Community Development, Youth and Religion, Jason Peter, at Lakala Lutheran Primary School in Laukanu Village and Lababia Primary School in Salamaua Local Level Government, Morobe Province.The projects were delivered under the Huon Gulf District Development Authority (HGD-DDA) Teachers Housing Scheme, which aims to improve teacher accommodation and encourage educators to continue serving in rural and remote communities.Huon Gulf District Education Manager Sam Gesamg joined Minister Peter at Lakala Lutheran Primary School, where a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to officially commission the completed teachers’ house.The district has 66 primary schools, with 52 teachers’ houses already completed and occupied. The remaining 14 schools are expected to receive teachers’ houses before 2027.During the visit, Minister Peter’s Electoral Office also continued the rollout of Operation Rausim Morata, a community housing support program launched in 2024.The program provides families with roofing materials to help them build permanent homes. The first 42 families in Ward 10 received roofing iron, ridge capping, roofing screws and other materials.Families who complete their homes become eligible to receive a 1,000-litre rainwater storage tank to improve access to safe and reliable water.The program has now delivered its first round of roofing materials to all 65 wards in Huon Gulf District, benefiting 2,730 families.A further two rounds of distributions are planned, with the program expected to support 8,190 families across the district by 2027.Later in the day, Jason Peter travelled to Lababia Village, Ward 7, where another teachers’ house was opened at Lababia Primary School.Jason Peter said improving teacher accommodation, education infrastructure and supporting families through practical community programs remain key priorities for Huon Gulf District.He said the projects are part of his Bottom-Up Planning approach, which focuses on identifying community needs at the grassroots level and delivering targeted development support.Additonally, his vision is for Huon Gulf District to become the “Morning Star” of Morobe Province and Papua New Guinea through strong education, infrastructure, community development and service delivery.The HGD-DDA will continue working with communities, schools, churches and development partners to deliver projects aimed at improving living standards across the district.

The ABG Department of Education has received a K100,000 from the Office of the National Member for South Bougainville and Minister for Communication and Information Technology, Timothy Masiu, to support the 35th National Senior Education Officers Conference (SEOC) in Bougainville.ABG Minister for Education, Thomas Pa’ataku, when receiving the cheque, acknowledged Minister Masiu for his timely and generous support towards the national event. “I am honored to be able to get a positive response from the Minister because we made it our business to write to our National Members of Parliament to support this conference as it was a national event,” he said.Minister Pa'ataku said the conference would bring Provincial Education Advisors and senior education officials from across Papua New Guinea to Bougainville, providing an opportunity for the Autonomous Bougainville Government, through the Department of Education, to showcase Bougainville's values, culture and progress as it advances its preparations for independence.“Today we are hearing a lot being said about the Bougainville issue and through this national event, I believe in us portraying our values, who we are and this can be another way to tell Papua New Guinea that we are ready for independence – we must host a memorable event in the region,” Minister Pa’ataku added.Minister Pa’ataku reiterated that education remains one of the fundamental institutions for transforming society, and he was thankful to the Member for South Bougainville for his support towards Education initiatives in the region. “I am thankful to Timothy Masiu in that we are portraying education as one of our number one priority that can change our society to make it better for our generation tomorrow,’’ he said.Presenting the cheque on behalf of Minister Masiu, Second Secretary, Mr. David Itanu encouraged the Committee to ensure that the funds given will support the successful delivery of the Conference.  “As we’re preparing for independence and Papua New Guineans are coming into Bougainville, I also want to encourage the grounds committee and Bougainvilleans to ensure that we look after the officers that are coming to Bougainville,” Mr. Itanu said, adding that these are people who are going to make comments and decisions on how Bougainville progresses as it prepares for independence.Mr. Itanu added that National Member for South Bougainville is committed to work with ABG to ensure such events are a success and portrays Bougainville’s preparations for independence. Vice Chairman of the Conference Grounds Committee, Mr. Felix Sarimu also expressed appreciation for the contribution and assured the Member that the funding would be used responsibly to support the successful delivery of the conference.“I wish to express our gratitude to the Member for South Bougainville for the gesture and support on behalf of the Chairlady for the grounds Committee Ms. Mary Remi, and I want to assure you that these funds will be used to cater for the various activities planned for the duration of the conference. The 35th National Senior Education Officers Conference will be held in Bougainville from the 11th to 18th July, with participants expected to begin arriving this Saturday.  

The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG), through the Department of Education, will host the 35th National Senior Education Officers’ Conference (SEOC) in Bougainville from 11–18 July 2026.ABG Secretary for Education, Ms. Dorothy Kenneth confirmed that the conference will bring together approximately 200 senior education officials from Port Moresby and all twenty-one provinces.“Bougainville will be playing host to the 35th Senior Education Officers’ Conference from the 11th to 18th July 2026 and preparations are currently underway with support from the Autonomous Bougainville Government and the National Members of Parliament as well,” she said.“In accepting to host the 2026 SEOC in our region, we aim to not just come and discuss policy matters but to showcase our culture and to enable them to appreciate the challenges that we face in terms of education in the region and also to enable them to come and experience how peaceful our region is.”The 2026 conference will be held under the theme ‘Leading Quality Teaching and Learning through Partnership’, aligned with the National Education Calendar for 2026.Ms. Kenneth explained that SEOC is an important education program that is held each year to discuss current and new education policy initiatives and make important decisions on policy matters. Participants will include Provincial Education Advisors, Provincial Education Planners from all twenty-one provinces, and the top management team of the National Department of Education, led by Acting National Minister for Education Hon. Kinoka Feo and National Education Secretary Dr Uke Kombra. The Chairman of the Teachers Services Commission and the Director General of the Office of Libraries and Archives will also attend.She also confirmed that the ABG Department of Education has gone ahead with preparations since November last year, working closely with a team from the National Department of Education, adding that a grounds committee has been set up headed by the ABG Deputy Education Secretary Ms. Mary Remi.Ms. Kenneth also acknowledged the Church Agencies in the region for working in partnership with the ABG Education to plan and host this major event.The official opening of the conference will be on Monday 13th of July at the Hutjena Sports oval in which sixty schools will be participating at the opening ceremony. The Conference proper will begin after lunch on Monday at Hutjena Secondary School Hall and continue to Thursday 16th of July 2026. School visits are scheduled for Friday 17th of July in which fourteen schools in Bougainville have been identified and the schools include Bougainville Technical College, Koromira Technical High School, Mabiri High School, Tinputz High School, Callan IERC Centre, Burunotui Vocational School, Siara Vocational School, Hahela Primary School, Hahalis Primary School, Lontis Primary School, Petatz Primary School, Saposa Primary School, St. Joseph The Worker Centre and Roha Early Childhood Centre. Ms. Kenneth noted that safety considerations were raised by the National Department of Education in light of ongoing national parliamentary discussions on Bougainville’s political future. She confirmed that assurances were provided at the highest level that education programmes will proceed without disruption.“ABG President His Excellency Hon. Ishmael Toroama gave the assurance that despite the political discussions in parliament, Education is one area where the National Government and ABG have common interest and cooperation in ensuring that there is continuity in the provision of Education and that discussions in parliament should not disrupt education programs in the region,” she said.Secretary Kenneth thanked the ABG for supporting the Education Department to host this important conference and called on Bougainvilleans in the region to accord the best hospitality to the visitors in the Bougainville way. “Bougainville is playing host to this delegation, and I appeal to us all to accord them that Bougainville way so that they can feel safe and free while here and bring back with them some good Bougainville experience and memories,” she said. 

China Fires Intercontinental Ballistic Missile into Pacific, Sparking Regional ConcernsFor the first time, Beijing has fired an intercontinental ballistic missile into the waters of the Pacific from a nuclear-powered submarine.The missile carried a dummy warhead, Chinese state media said, and the exact landing location is still unknown.The head of Taiwan's national security council, Joseph Wu, posted an image on social media showing the missile arcing across Micronesia and Melanesia, before plunging into the ocean.The ABC has been told the missile, which was armed with a dummy warhead, flew over the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) of at least three Pacific island states, including the Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru and Kiribati.It landed closest to the EEZs of Tuvalu and Kiribati, about 1,000km north-east of Solomon Islands, and seems to have hit the water near the border of Tuvalu's EEZ, or potentially even just inside it.Speaking in Honiara alongside the prime minister of the Solomon Islands, Matthew Wale, Anthony Albanese said Australia has raised the test with China directly."We have made clear our concerns to China in both Beijing and Canberra, and I am making clear our concerns here as well in Honiara," he said.The Australian prime minister also noted that ordinarily a test like this would come with 48 hours' notice, which he said was not provided by China.Matthew Wale directly criticised the missile test, becoming the first Pacific leader to do so and acting as the current chair of the Pacific Islands Forum."China is a good friend of the Solomon Islands, but this is not something a friend does. This is not good in our region," he said."And as chair of the Pacific Islands Forum I have registered my strong protest yesterday with the ambassador. Solomon Islands also lodged a protest note."We don't want to see any more countries — China, America, anybody — testing [intercontinental ballistic missiles in the Pacific Islands region, that's the bottom line."Be our friend, but don't threaten us."ABC Pacific

Four major education infrastructures projects valued at more than K2.58 million were officially commissioned and handed over by East New Britain Governor Michael Marum recently, to Kokopo Technical Secondary School, East New Britain Provincial FODE Centre, Don Bosco Technical Secondary School and Vunamami Farmers Training Centre.The projects included a new classroom each for Kokopo Technical Secondary School, East New Britain Provincial FODE Centre and Vunamami Farmers Training Centre, including a funding handover for Don Bosco Technical Secondary School.Governor Marum recognized the strong partnership between the East New Britain Provincial Government and the Kokopo District Development Authority, led by the Member for Kokopo, Ereman ToBaining Jr., in delivering projects that directly benefit the people of Kokopo District.“Today’s commissioning demonstrates what can be achieved when the Provincial Government and our districts work together with a shared commitment to improving services for our people.”He continued saying that the Provincial Government is determined to ensuring that all four districts—Kokopo, Gazelle, Pomio and Rabaul—receive equitable investments in education, infrastructure and essential services.“Our development agenda is for the whole province. Every district has priorities, and the Provincial Government will continue working closely with all Open Members to ensure development reaches every community across East New Britain.”According to Governor Marum, the Provincial Government invested:K796,000 for the construction of the new classroom at Kokopo Technical Secondary School;K795,000 for the new East New Britain Provincial FODE Centre classroom;K246,000 towards infrastructure support at Don Bosco Technical Secondary School; andK745,000 for the new classroom at Vunamami Farmers Training Centre.He added that the projects were delivered by locally owned small and medium enterprises, including Belo Constructions, Paveks Constructions Limited, and Gugu Building Constructions.“I am particularly pleased that these projects were undertaken by our own local contractors.”“Supporting local SMEs means the Provincial Government is not only delivering quality infrastructure but also creating jobs, building local capacity and ensuring provincial development creates economic opportunities for our own people.”He then commended the Provincial Administration, the Education Division, school boards, principals, church agencies, community leaders and all stakeholders who worked together to deliver the projects successfully.Institutions receiving the new facilities were encouraged to conduct proper maintenance to ensure longevity.“These facilities belong to our people. I encourage every school board, administration and surrounding community to take ownership of these investments by maintaining them and ensuring they continue to provide quality learning environments for years to come.”

The Cabinet is expecting a major reshuffle this week as the government moves to make changes to ensure better delivery of its commitment to the people before the 2027 National General Election.Prime Minister James Marape said the reshuffle is expected to occur tomorrow or Friday.It follows an extensive review of ministerial performance, integrity, and the progress of key Government priorities since the Pangu-led Coalition Government assumed office in August 2022.“My department is completing its final assessment, and later this week I will announce changes to Cabinet that will position Government to deliver strongly during the remaining months of this parliamentary term,” Prime Minister Marape said.  “I have listened carefully to the concerns expressed by our people regarding ministerial performance, integrity and the pace of implementation. As Prime Minister, it is my responsibility to ensure the Government remains focused on delivering results.”Marape said he had already advised Ministers several months ago that their performance would be closely monitored and assessed against the commitments made to the nation in 2022.“Our commitments to the country are being measured every day. With approximately nine months remaining before the issue of writs for the 2027 National General Election, we cannot afford complacency. Every remaining month must count.”He stressed that the reshuffle was not motivated by politics or the approaching election but by the need to utilise time in office to maximise Government performance and ensure the successful delivery of national priorities.“This exercise is about strengthening the Government, not simply changing personnel. It is about placing the right people in the right portfolios to complete the important work that still lies ahead. Nine months is long enough if all of us run and do work correctly and not walk and waste time, the Prime Minister said.

The PNG Chiefs have issued a public warning against the sale and purchase of counterfeit merchandise bearing a fraudulent version of the club's logo, saying no official club merchandise has been launched.The club said it is aware that unauthorized products are being produced, distributed and sold across Papua New Guinea through markets, retail outlets and online platforms.Meanwhile, the official logo and merchandise are yet to be launched, meaning any PNG Chiefs-branded items currently on sale are counterfeit and are not endorsed or approved by the club.PNG Chiefs Chief Executive Officer Lorna McPherson said the club was taking the issue seriously and urged supporters to remain vigilant."The pride our people have shown in the PNG Chiefs has been extraordinary, and it is disappointing that others are seeking to exploit that pride for their own gain.”"We want to be very clear with our fans: our official logo and merchandise have not yet been released. Anything you see being sold today is not the real thing."She said earnings from counterfeit sales do not support the club, its development pathways, community programs or the future growth of rugby league in Papua New Guinea.The PNG Chiefs said the official club logo, merchandise and sales launch will be announced in the coming months through the club's official digital platforms and traditional media.Supporters have been encouraged to wait for these announcements before purchasing any club merchandise.Anyone with information about counterfeit merchandise being produced or sold is encouraged to contact the club at Peggy.Maha@pngchiefs.com.pg.The PNG Chiefs will work with the relevant authorities and will pursue all available legal avenues against those involved in the production, distribution and sale of counterfeit merchandise.The club's name, logo and branding are protected intellectual property, and any unauthorized use constitutes a serious infringement.

The Catholic Professionals Society (CPS) of Papua New Guinea has marked a year of institutional growth, spiritual formation, and expanding national initiatives, while preparing for a leadership transition ahead of its 2027 elections.Presenting the President's Report at the Society's 2026 Annual General Meeting, CPS President Paul Harricknen described the past year as one of renewal and succession, pointing out achievements in governance, membership growth, and faith-based leadership development."Over the past year we have strengthened our governance, commissioned our Rule of Life, expanded our membership, developed new formation programs, launched important national initiatives, and positioned the Society for sustainable growth.”An important milestone reached was the commissioning of the Society's Rule of Life in February 2026, followed by induction workshops and a spiritual retreat.The framework is designed to help members integrate Catholic faith, ethical leadership, and professional excellence into their daily lives.The Society plans to extend the program to its diocesan chapters in Lae, Alotau, and Madang.Membership has grown to 161 members across five chapters, with renewed interest from Lae and Alotau reflecting increasing support for the Society's mission of promoting servant leadership and professional integrity within the Church and the wider community.The Society is also reviving its Catholic Platform Project ahead of the 2027 National General Election.This project aims to provide Catholic-inspired values and principles to guide candidates, voters, and public discussion, while encouraging ethical leadership and informed civic participation.Building on the canonisation of Saint Peter ToRot in 2025, CPS has launched a quarterly formation series to strengthen Catholic identity and encourage members to live out their faith in public life.The Society has also expanded its communication efforts through its Voice of the Church program on Radio Maria and its monthly newsletter, The Catholic Professional.Work is also underway to develop an official CPS website to improve communication and engagement with members.Institutionally, CPS achieved incorporation and secured a Certificate of Good Standing under the amended IPA Act, strengthening its legal and governance framework.Among its advocacy priorities, the Society continues to call for the establishment of a National Constitution Day to promote civic responsibility, constitutional awareness, and greater respect for Papua New Guinea's democratic institutions.During the meeting, members endorsed Dame Jean Kekedo for honorary membership in recognition of her lifelong service to the Church and the people of Papua New Guinea.Looking ahead, Harricknen announced he will not seek re-election when the current Board's term concludes in 2027, describing the coming year as an important period of succession planning."Leadership is a sacred trust entrusted to us for a season, and every season calls for renewal.”“I am confident that God is already preparing new leaders who will continue to build upon the foundations we have laid together.”As it prepares for its next chapter, the Catholic Professionals Society says it remains committed to forming professionals who embody integrity, competence, servant leadership, and a commitment to the common good, both within the Church and in workplaces, communities, and public life across Papua New Guinea.

The Minister for Provincial and Local Level Government (LLG) Affairs, Soroi Marepo Eoe has revealed that he will be taking actions against many provincial governments after citing serious issues relating to the misuse of public funds.He said this when addressing the people of Ihu Local Level Government recently during the official opening of the newly built Ihu Market and the launching and commissioning of integrated infrastructure and community development projects.Referring to his role as a State Minister responsible for Provincial and Local Level governments, Eoe said, “I am a Minister who governs the Organic Law on Provincial and Local Level Governments, I can walk into any provincial governments and check their books. So much money has been squandered and misappropriated by few people. For most of the provincial governments, I’m taking that action.”Minister Eoe stressed that so much money has been given to provincial governments, but the output is so little or nothing at all. And as the minister responsible for provincial and local level governments, he will be taking action against some provincial governments soon.“I want honest public officers. They must be honest when they are dealing with people’s money, public money. That’s where the problem lies, and these are issues we as the government need to address, so that we can develop this country,” said Minister Eoe.He also made the call to the people to stop being lazy and start working on their land. He told them not to sit around waiting for free hand-outs or expect the government to come and save them. He said it is up to them to mobilize and utilize the resources they have and do something for themselves, and eventually they will be rewarded.Minister Eoe explained to the people that being elected and getting in as a parliamentary leader is one thing. But when you are actually there and get to know and understand the government system, it is not that easy.“As a former long serving public servant been elected to the parliament, I had a lot of expectations, confidence and belief that I can deliver services. But I found out, it doesn’t work that way. Waigani is different. Different priorities and different games are played until, you realigned with these priorities, then you’ll start seeing funds been allocated and services been delivered,” said Eoe.For the National Government to deliver services, there has to be strong collaboration effort with the Provincial, District, and Local Level governments. When all three levels are systematically connected and working in synchronization, development takes place, and that is the kind of system which the good Member and Minister wants to see practiced in every province across the country.

Hekari Women FC have stormed into the semi-finals of the OFC Women’s Champions League after a dominant 9-1 victory over hosts Henderson Eels, securing top spot in Group A in emphatic fashion.The Papua New Guinea champions knew only a big win would guarantee progression at the top of the group, and they delivered in ruthless style, scoring twice inside the opening three minutes and reaching their target of a six-goal lead before halftime.Hekari struck inside 61 seconds when Hortance Kimit reacted quickly to tap into an empty net after Henderson goalkeeper Betty Sade denied her initial effort. Moments later, Phylis Pala doubled the advantage after Maria Veronika’s low cross caused confusion in the box.The pressure continued as Sewruwaia Laulaba made it 3-0 from close range before an own goal from Anna Ellen added to Henderson’s misery. Veronika then took centre stage, scoring twice before halftime to push Hekari into a commanding 6-0 lead at the break.Hekari maintained control in the second half, with substitute Calista Maneo adding further pressure on the Henderson defence. Veronika continued her outstanding performance, setting up Maneo for two quick goals as the lead stretched further.Despite Hekari’s dominance, Henderson Eels continued to battle and were rewarded late in the match when Edith Nari struck a superb long-range effort, finding the net in the closing minutes to register the home side’s only goal of the contest.Hekari added a ninth through Nenny Elipas before the final whistle confirmed a comprehensive victory and their place in the semi-finals.The win sets up a semi-final clash against Puaikura FC on Wednesday at the National Stadium in Honiara, while the other semi-final will see Auckland United face Tafea FC.

The Madang Provincial Government (MPG) under the leadership of the Governor, Hon. Ramsey Pariwa, on Friday, July 3, 2026, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the PNG National Rice and Grain Board (NRGB) for the development of the rice and grain production in the fertile Ramu Plain in Madang.Other parties to the MoU included the Manam Resettlement Authority (MaRA) and the Department of Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs (DPLLGA) who would jointly work with the MPG for the implementation of sustainable rice and grain production.The instruments for the project MoU were signed by the Provincial Administrator for Madang, Daniel Aloi, and witnessed by Governor Pariwa, while for the other parties saw the Executive Chairman of the PNG Grain and Rice Board, Koren Rokas Maso, Chairman of MaRA, Dr. Boga Figa, and the Secretary of the DPLLGA, Philip Leo, signed their respective organizations.The project background as initiated by the NRGB is for the development of domestic rice and grain industry in Madang Province, including activities aimed at promoting food security, sustainable agriculture and commercialization of rice and grain production (“Rice Development Program ”).The Madang Provincial Government and MaRA are responsible for coordinating provincial development initiatives within Madang Province, including agriculture development, rural economic growth, and support farming communities in the Ramu Plain.The role of DPLLGA is to coordinate the customary land conversion from Customary into State Lease and oversight the implementation is coordinated within agreed framework of MaRA and results are achieved as per MaRA agreement. Moreover, the parties recognize the mutual benefit in establishing a public sector partnership to strengthen rice and grain production, agricultural infrastructure, farmer participation, and investment opportunities within Madang Province.The parties jointly agree to collaborate in implementing agricultural development initiatives, training, extension services, infrastructure support and related activities in furtherance of the Rice Development Program upon the terms of the MoU.According to the project documentation, the NRGB would provide technical and advisory services related to rice and grain development activities;coordinate national-level support and stakeholder engagement relevant to the joint project;assist in project planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation activities; facilitate farmer training program, technical workshops and extension support services; support the distribution and promotion of rice varieties, farming technologies and sustainable agriculture practices;facilitate engagement with government agencies, development partners, research institutions and private-sector stakeholders relevant to the Joint Project;mobilize resources and funding support where possible for agreed projects and activities.Furthermore, the project would support the scaling and adoption of successful rice and grain production systems within the Manam Resettlement Authority (MaRA) economic zone within Ramu Plain of Madang Province for large scale production and downstream processing through the setup of the Momase Regional Rice and Grain Industrial Hub as per the MoU.

Residents, motorists and business houses in Hohola are set to benefit from safer and more reliable road access as National Capital District Commission (NCDC) continues rehabilitation works on Hibiscus Street, Kunai Street and Bombax Street.The project is being supervised by NCDC's City Works Division and carried out by 168 Enterprise Limited as part of NCDC's ongoing commitment to improving road infrastructure throughout Port Moresby.The three roads were identified as priority locations after assessments found they had deteriorated beyond routine maintenance and required urgent rehabilitation. The condition of the roads, coupled with drainage issues, had affected accessibility and road safety for residents and motorists travelling through the area.To address these challenges, the project includes comprehensive road rehabilitation works as well as the cleaning and restoration of storm water pits and open-lined drains. Improving drainage is a critical component of the works, helping to reduce water damage and extend the lifespan of the roads.The rehabilitation covers approximately 938.6 metres of Hibiscus Street, 895.19 metres of Kunai Street, and 941.7 metres of Bombax Street.Together, the three projects represent an investment of K3.6 million in improving critical road infrastructure for Hohola residents and road users.Once completed, the upgraded roads will provide smoother and safer travel conditions, improve connectivity within the community, and support the efficient movement of people, goods, and services.NCDC remains committed to delivering infrastructure projects that provide lasting benefits for residents while supporting the growth and development of the nation's capital.