PNG Haus Bung

The East New Britain Provincial Administration has acknowledged and commended the National Fisheries Authority (NFA) for its continued support towards the development of the East New Britain Fisheries Development Strategy (ENBFDS) 2025-2033.The acknowledgement was made by Acting Deputy Provincial Administrator- Socio-Economic Services Mr. Alkan Mararang, on behalf of the East New Britain Provincial Administration and the people of the province, following the successful ENBFDS Validation Workshop held from the 11th-12th of August 2026.Mr. Mararang expressed sincere appreciation to NFA for providing the financial support that enabled the province to successfully conduct both the Formulation and Validation Workshops.He also recognized the valuable contribution of NFA technical officers, whose technical guidance, expertise and oversight helped ensure the strategy was thoroughly reviewed and aligned with relevant national policies and priorities.“The development of this strategy has been strengthened through the commitment and contributions of our partners.”“We sincerely appreciate NFA for its financial and technical support throughout this important process.”The province also acknowledged the contributions of national government departments, state agencies, institutions, representatives of the fishing industry, non-government organizations, businesses, and individuals who participated in the validation process.Their presentations, technical knowledge, data, and practical insights have helped strengthen the strategy and provide a broader foundation for its successful implementation.Following the validation workshop, the East New Britain Provincial Division of Fisheries will work closely with NFA to finalize the strategy documentation and prepare it for formal adoption.The strategy is expected to be formally commissioned in November 2026, on the margins of the East New Britain Economic Sector Bi-Annual Conference.The commissioning will mark an important milestone for the province as it moves towards establishing a more sustainable, inclusive and commercially viable fisheries sector.A key focus of the strategy is the proposed Rabaul Tuna Terminal, which remains one of the province’s flagship economic development initiatives.The ENBFDS will provide an important policy framework to support the delivery of the East New Britain Initiative and help attract long-term investment while creating economic opportunities, employment and improved food security for the people of the province.The Provincial Administration looks forward to continued collaboration with NFA as the province moves into the finalization and implementation stages of the strategy.NFA’s continued partnership will be critical in translating the strategy into tangible outcomes and ensuring that East New Britain’s fisheries resources are sustainably managed while delivering meaningful economic and social benefits to its people.

A fatal hit-and-run accident claimed the life of a 34-year-old man at Mirigeda Junction along the Magi Highway on Monday, August 17, 2026.The victim, identified as Jepstar Nobi, a Papua New Guinean national originally from Garaina in the Wawaria District of Morobe Province, died at the scene from injuries sustained during the collision.Preliminary reports indicated the incident occurred between 5:30 AM and 6:00 AM.Nobi, who was single and unemployed, was struck by an unidentified vehicle near the junction.The driver involved fled the scene immediately following the impact, leaving behind no immediate details regarding the make, model, or registration of the vehicle.Local police launched a full investigation into the crash to trace the driver responsible.The exact circumstances surrounding the tragedy remained unclear, though the incident renewed widespread public concern over pedestrian safety along the Magi Highway, particularly during dawn hours when low visibility presented significant hazards for both drivers and commuters sharing the road.Authorities appealed to the public for assistance as inquiries continued.Family members and friends of Nobi were left devastated by his sudden death while investigators worked to bring closure to the grieving community.

The PNG Chiefs are pleased to confirm the signing of two-time NRL Premiership winner and New Zealand international Joseph Manu, on a two-year deal as the club continues to build a strong roster ahead of its inaugural season.Currently playing for Racing 92 in French rugby union, Manu will become Chiefs Player #007- joining Jarome Luai, Alex Johnston, Connor Watson, Matty Lees, Zac Lomax, and Brian To’o as players signed to the club for the 2028 season.He will link up with the Chiefs on a two-year deal for the 2028 and 2029 seasons.Born in New Zealand with Māori and Cook Island descent, Manu made his first-grade debut in 2016 after an impressive junior rugby league career which included appearances in the Under 19 Commonwealth Games in 2014 and Junior Kiwis in 2015.Having won both the Under 18’s (2014) and Under 20’s (2016) competition with the Roosters, he won his first NRL Premiership with the Tricolours in 2018- helping the club repeat their efforts the following year as they won the title again in 2019.In addition to his 69 tries scored in 181 NRL games, Manu has also made 17 Test match appearances for New Zealand and was named the Golden Boot winner in 2022.The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for PNG Chiefs Lorna McPherson, said the star outside back was another significant signing for the club both on and off the field.“Joey is another key signing for us and a further demonstration of the ambition we have for this club in making an impact for the people of Papua New Guinea.”“His connection to the Pacific, his character, experience and standing in the game will have a profound impact on our club.”“He understands the responsibility that comes with representing something bigger than himself, and we believe he can have a genuine impact on our young players and the next generation of Papua New Guineans- who we are proud to represent as a club.”Meanwhile, PNG Chiefs General Manager- Football Michael Chammas said Manu would offer a great attacking threat and experience to the Chiefs’ roster.“We are thrilled to add Joey to our squad moving forward,” Chammas said.“He is a world-class footballer with versatility across several positions and can change a game in a single moment with the skills he possesses.”“His experience and demonstrated success at the highest level will be a great benefit to our team and we can’t wait to see him have a significant impact in the Chiefs jersey.”

The Australian Government is supporting improved student facilities at Siassi Lutheran Secondary School at Lablab station on Umboi Island in Morobe province through a small infrastructure grant.Financed through the Direct Aid Program (DAP)- the Australian High Commission’s small grants initiative for locally led development, the funding covers the purchase and transport of building materials to renovate the school mess.Handed over by officers and sailors from HMAS Leeuwin during a regional survey deployment, the project enhances flooring, plumbing, water storage, roofing, solar housing, cooking equipment, interior works, and painting to create a safer, more functional environment for students and staff in this remote community.Education remains a cornerstone of the Papua New Guinea-Australia Partnership, spanning from community DAP grants to larger strategic investments in learning outcomes, teaching quality, and school leadership.This project also builds on the Australian High Commission’s longstanding engagement with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Papua New Guinea (ELCPNG) and its educational institutions.Australian Consul-General Mr Brenton Kanowski highlighted that education is one of the most important investments for young people's futures.“Australia is pleased to support infrastructure works at Siassi Lutheran Secondary School on Umboi island through this grant.”“By improving essential school facilities, this project will help create a better environment for students to learn, grow and succeed.”“We are proud to partner with Church education institutions and our local Morobe communities as we have done for many years, to support opportunities for young Papua New Guineans and strengthen the longstanding education links between our two countries.”Meanwhile, Principal of Siassi Lutheran Secondary School Mr. Wesley Kalipe noted that the support will significantly enhance learning in a disadvantaged part of the province.“K223, 000 has now been used for the Mess Refurbishment for Siassi Lutheran Secondary School to be completed towards the end of the year and will be launched with the first Grade 12 students Graduation.”“It is one of the first external funding projects and I appreciate and thank you Australian Government through the Lae Consulate-General for their continuous support to improve education, health and social programs around Morobe and PNG.”

The residents of Morobe Province continue to face severe power instability, accessing electricity from the Yonki Grid, the Baiune Power Station in Bulolo, and the Lae Diesel and Munum Power Stations- all distributed across the region by PNG Power Limited.Vice Minister for Mining and Sports and Member for Bulolo Sam Basil Jnr, voiced strong frustration over the prolonged blackouts, stating that power supply is cut off daily between four to five hours which has been continuing for months.Highlighting the crippling impact on critical infrastructure, he stressed that electricity is essential for health and education facilities, public services, and local businesses.“It is appalling that every business now has to purchase power generators as a necessity whilst the people and small business are basically at the mercy of PNG Power,” Minister Basil said.“The people of Morobe have been without power for well over six months. We cannot put up with this poor negligence of good service.”Addressing the persistent excuses regarding utility operations, Basil argued that the state-owned supplier must take immediate responsibility.“We cannot continue to be told that PNG Power has issues and problems. We need to start solutions in some districts or provinces.”“PNG Power may be bankrupt, but that blanket excuse cannot be applied everywhere. We must be serious with managing risks and situations.”Emphasizing the province’s key economic role, Basil reminded authorities of Morobe’s vital contribution to Papua New Guinea.“Morobe is the industrial capital of PNG, an air, sea, and land transport hub that serves PNG and hosts many educational institutions,” he noted, citing major agricultural and industrial operators such as the Hidden Valley Mine, Zenag Chicken, New Guinea Table Birds, Ramu Agri Industries, Trukai Industries, Homestate, Goodman Fielder International, PNG Forest Products, Kenmore Industries, and Lae Biscuits.“PNG Power must know that Morobe is not a random province with transmission lines running across without distribution.”“Power generation and supply for Lae, Bulolo, and the Morobe Province directly impacts the economy.”Calling for urgent state intervention, Basil urged PNG Power to act immediately.“Whether it is the power generation in Yonki, fallen transmission lines, blown-up transformers, or fallen power poles, PNG Power must stand up and deal with this critical matter.”“If it means investing immediately in Lae and Morobe Province, this must happen, as so much money is generated by PNG Power in Morobe Province.”Reiterating the basic rights of his constituents, Basil concluded with a direct appeal to leadership: “The people of Bulolo and Morobe are citizens of PNG and are entitled to electricity. Do we have to wait for 12 months?”“We need constant and consistent supply of electricity for public administration, schools, churches, the community, and general industry.”“I am asking the Minister for State Enterprises, Kumul Consolidated Holdings Limited (KCHL), the Minister for International Investment and Trade, and the PNG Power Ltd Board and management to immediately address this issue.”

Detectives from the National Fraud and Anti-Corruption Directorate (NFACD) have arrested and formally charged a former Acting and Deputy Bursar of the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) following an investigation into an extensive financial fraud and database manipulation scheme.According to Director of the National Fraud and Anti-Corruption Directorate, Detective Robert Volo, police investigations revealed that between 2018 and 2021, the suspect leveraged unauthorized access to the University Student Information System (USIS) and targeted the university's accounting system.Police allege that between December 2020 and March 2021, the suspect accessed the USIS database on 20 separate occasions to execute fraudulent transfers totaling K602,785.87.Investigators further allege that the suspect recruited student intermediaries to facilitate the fraudulent registration of 194 students for the second semester of 2021.An internal UPNG audit verified that the university lost K445,860.00 as a direct result, prompting the University Council to approve the immediate de-registration of all 194 affected students.It is further alleged that the suspect manipulated fee credits, including funds allocated from government grants such as the Kompiam Ambum District Services Improvement Program (DSIP), to unlawfully credit non-qualifying accounts and facilitate unauthorized degree certifications.Following a formal complaint and an extensive investigation that began in May 2024, arrest warrants were issued by the Waigani Committal Court.Detective Volo confirmed the suspect was apprehended and interviewed on August 4, 2026, before being formally charged and detained at the Boroko Metropolitan Cells.

The owner of Malolo Inn, MNM Investment Limited, alongside community leaders in Jiwaka Province, voluntarily surrendered six illegal firearms, ammunition, and a live hand grenade to the State on Tuesday, August 11, 2026.This voluntary surrender follows the Operation Kumul Peace awareness campaign, which was officially launched in July 2026 by Clement Dalla, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Highlands Eastern End Command, to remove illicit weapons from various parts of the region.Jiwaka Provincial Police Commander (PPC), acting Superintendent Laimo Asi, expressed confidence that more individuals across the province will step forward as the awareness efforts continue.PPC Asi encouraged the residents of Jiwaka to reject the possession of illegal weapons, warning that keeping them has the risk of causing harm, deaths within families, or unnecessary imprisonment.He noted that handing over these arms will give the community confidence as they prepare for a free, fair, and safe 2027 national general election.The Operation Kumul Peace awareness campaign and amnesty program on illegal firearms and ammunition began on Monday, July 27, 2026, and is moving forward in three distinct phases.Phase one focuses on community engagement and awareness, running from July 27 to August 15, 2026.Phase two is dedicated to the voluntary surrender of illegal arms from August 16 to August 31, 2026.Phase three marks the final enforcement stage, where police and army personnel from Kumul 23 operating in the upper Highlands will move in to enforce the Terrorism Act and hunt down remaining illegal firearms and ammunition.Police officers have carried out phase one across three primary zones in Jiwaka:Zone 1 covering North Waghi and Jimi districts;Zone 2 covering Anglimp, Kuli Kuli, and Kudjip LLGs; andZone 3 covering Minj and East Kambia LLGs.Awareness sessions have directly targeted Local Level Government (LLG) Presidents, Ward Councillors, and local community leaders, educating them on the legal implications and severe social consequences of maintaining illegal weaponry.“We have so far targeted the Local Level Government (LLG) Presidents and Ward councillor with the community leaders where the awareness conducted was on the effects of holding onto the illegal firearm in their possession in the communities and their legal implications,” PPC Asi said.“The main agenda is violence and destruction among the family units, community disturbances and tribal fights where innocent lives are lost.”He noted that criminals frequently use illegal weapons to carry out violent acts against the public, local businesses, and commuters along the main highway, but he remains convinced that the outreach has successfully reached all corners of the province and will ultimately prove successful for the people of Jiwaka.

The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) is now working towards strengthening the capacity of local contractors to understand and meet government tendering, procurement, and contract management requirements through a two-day Local Contractors Conference that is being held in Buka this week. The conference, organised by the ABG Department of Infrastructure and Utilities (DIU) in partnership with the Australian Government, brought together local contractors, construction service providers, engineers, procurement and contract management officers, development partners, senior public servants, and representatives from the National Department of Works and Highways.The conference is focused on improving local contractors’ understanding of the tendering and procurement processes of DIU and the ABG Government, including compliance requirements, technical and financial capacity, reporting systems, contract management, and the overall tender process.It also forms part of the ABG’s broader efforts to strengthen local capacity and institutional readiness as Bougainville prepares to exercise greater powers under self-government from 2027 and works towards its stated goal of independence in 2030.Acting Secretary for DIU Wilfred Hanette said the conference provides an important platform for local contractors to better understand government requirements and the standards expected in the delivery of publicly funded infrastructure projects.He said the conference would also help contractors understand the direction of DIU and reposition their businesses to participate more effectively in Bougainville’s infrastructure development as the ABG prepares for the next stages of its political development.President of the ABG, His Excellency Ishmael Toroama, officially opened the conference, welcoming the initiative as an opportunity to strengthen local contractors’ understanding of the Bougainville Tenders and Supplies Board Act 2015.“I welcome the opportunity provided by DIU to encourage local contractors to honour the Bougainville Tenders and Supplies Board Act 2015,” he said, adding that the Act also recognizes the participation of Bougainville contractors in government procurement. Meanwhile, ABG Minister for Infrastructure and Utilities Patrick Nisira, said the conference represented an important partnership between the ABG and Bougainville’s local contracting industry. “Its purpose is to help Bougainvillean businesses compete fairly, win contracts and deliver projects professionally, so that every kina invested in infrastructure brings lasting benefits to our people.”Minister Nisira thanked the contractors who attended the conference, saying their participation demonstrated a commitment to improving their businesses, understanding government requirements, and strengthening their contribution to Bougainville’s infrastructure development.“Your attendance shows a commitment to improve your businesses, understand Government requirements and strengthen your participation in Bougainville’s infrastructure development.”The conference is expected to strengthen the capacity and professionalism of local contractors and support greater participation of Bougainvillean businesses in government-funded infrastructure projects.

The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) and the Office of the Auditor-General of Papua New Guinea have renewed their commitment to strengthening public financial management, accountability, transparency, and good governance in Bougainville.The commitment was formalised through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed recently in Port Moresby. ABG Chief Secretary Mr. Kearnneth Nanei said the renewed partnership was an important step in strengthening the systems and institutional capacity required to uphold good governance and responsible management of public resources.“Today is another significant milestone and a momentous occasion for a renewed commitment to public sector finance, accountability, good governance, transparency, and partnership between the Auditor-General’s Office and the Autonomous Bougainville Government,” Mr. Nanei said.He acknowledged the previous MOU between the two institutions, which established an important platform for cooperation and technical support, particularly in strengthening the capacity of the ABG’s internal audit function.Mr. Nanei said the continued support and expertise of the Auditor-General’s Office had contributed significantly to improving the ABG’s governance and public financial management systems.“The result of our collaboration and partnership has enhanced and has supported and is continuing to support our good governance platforms in Bougainville,” he said.He highlighted the contribution of internal auditors in providing guidance on due diligence, vetting, and public finance accountability measures, noting that these functions were critical in ensuring government decisions and processes remained consistent with established standards of accountability and good governance.Mr. Nanei said the ABG remained committed to supporting its internal audit function and implementing the commitments under the renewed MOU, despite ongoing resource and capacity constraints.“We are limited with resources. But that doesn't stop us from ensuring that we conform to the best practices of good governance and public sector management.”The Chief Secretary also emphasised that public funds must be managed in the public interest and that government institutions had a responsibility to remain accountable to the people of Bougainville.“At the end of the day, we are accountable to the people. The funds that we receive are all public funds, and they should be used for the public interest.”He said the renewed partnership would also provide an opportunity to further strengthen the ABG’s internal audit capacity and support external oversight of the government’s financial management systems.Moreover, Chief Secretary acknowledged the Auditor-General of Papua New Guinea Gordon Keka, the Deputy Auditor-General, and senior management of the Auditor-General’s Office for their continued support and partnership with the ABG.He stated that ABG remained committed in taking this partnership to the next level by strengthening its internal audit capacity and ensuring that the renewed MOU translated into practical improvements in public financial management and governance across the ABG administration.

Papua New Guinea has entered the second half of 2026 in a stronger economic position than anticipated at the start of the year, supported by elevated commodity prices, stronger resource-sector activity and ongoing International Monetary Fund (IMF)- backed reforms.This according to Westpac’s latest WAILIS PNG Economic Update and Outlook in which the report notes that PNG’s headline macroeconomic picture remains encouraging, with the economy benefiting from higher export earnings, improved activity across both mineral and non-mineral sectors and continued government infrastructure spending through the Connect PNG programme.Westpac Pacific Senior Economist Shamal Chand noted that PNG’s headline position is encouraging, but the benefits of growth need to reach more people. “PNG is benefiting from stronger commodity prices, improved resource-sector activity and IMF-backed reforms,” Mr. Chand said.“The bigger task now is making sure growth supports livelihoods, service delivery and broader economic resilience.”The report highlights that the Bank of Papua New Guinea (BPNG) maintained the Kina Facility Rate at 5.0%, while the kina continued to depreciate under a crawl-like exchange rate regime. In 2026 year-to-date, the exchange rate moved from 0.2352 to 0.2267, a decline of around 3.6%.Westpac notes that FX conditions have improved, although remaining FX queues and central bank auctions show the market is not yet fully market-clearing.Formal employment grew by 2.4% in 2025, mainly driven by hiring in mining and resources.However, Westpac emphasized that the formal employment remains small compared to PNG’s informal economy, reinforcing the need for better data to understand livelihoods and household condition.

Malabunga Secondary School has received a new school truck from the East New Britain Provincial Government under Governor Michael Marum's Provincial Services Improvement Program (PSIP) support.The vehicle was purchased through PSIP funding allocated to the education sector and is expected to assist the school with administrative operations, transportation, and other essential activities.Governor Marum said the support formed part of the province's 2026 allocation aimed at supporting educational institutions and improving their capacity to deliver services.Malabunga Secondary was among several education institutions benefiting from the provincial government's investment this year, alongside Malasaet Primary School, Kokopo Business College and Boisen Secondary School.Marum said the funding ultimately belonged to the people of East New Britain and should be used responsibly to benefit students, teachers and the wider school community.“The resources of this province belong to our people. Through PSIP, we are ensuring that these resources are invested back into our communities, particularly in education, where we are investing in the future of our children.”The provincial government said it would continue supporting schools through targeted investments in infrastructure, equipment and service delivery across East New Britain.

The first digital press for industrial size printing is now in country introduced by BizPrint in Port Moresby on Friday; the new tech is a marvel when it comes to finding ease in a major printing job.BizPrint, a member of the Remington Group, announced a major investment in the Konica Minolta AccurioPress C12010S — the first digital press of its kind to be installed in the Pacific region.The decision to bring the AccurioPress C12010S to Papua New Guinea (PNG) reflects BizPrint's position within the Remington Group's technology ecosystem. As part of the Remington Technology brand, and through its partnership with industry leader Konica Minolta, BizPrint gains early access to next generation print technology to replace traditional offset printing.Remington Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Justin Kieseker said the decision to bring the press in was to revolutionize printing."We jointly identified an opportunity to give BizPrint a point of difference and to offer the PNG Market the value that comes with a 5-colour digital press with built in finishing, giving exceptional quality, consistency and automation— not only in the PNG market, but across the Pacific region as a whole."Mr. Yohei Konaka, Managing Director of Konica Minolta Australia, highlighted the decisions and work that went into getting the AccurioPress to PNG. “We’re proud to support BizPrint and the Remington Group as they bring this first-of-its-kind production print capability to the Pacific region. This investment opens new opportunities for local businesses to access high-quality, creative and efficient print applications, backed by the training, technical expertise and service support needed for long-term success. It’s a strong example of partnership delivering practical innovation for customers across the Pacific.”When it comes to printing, the press handles extremely thick paper and cardstock (up to 450 GSM), shiny or smooth finishes, stickers, textured linen, and even specialized waterproof paper-plastic blends. These flexible, moisture-resistant materials make it ideal for tough product packaging and manufacturing labels.Two key features set this investment apart as a benchmark for the industry's future in PNG:White ink and spot colour capability: Along with standard CMYK, this machine unlocks spot-colour effects to highlight underlying and overlying artwork, creating shadow and shimmer finishes previously unavailable in the local market.Integrated Plockmatic Booklet Maker: The press is fitted with a Plockmatic Booklet Maker, enabling booklets with covers up to 250 GSM and pages up to 150 GSM to be collated, folded, bound, and trimmed to size automatically.Ahead of installation in country, the company sent two technicians to the Konica Minolta Training Centre in Sydney for a two-week intensive course covering the new equipment. This was followed by three weeks of in-country support from three Konica Minolta specialist trainers and technicians, who oversaw the installation of the digital press and the Plockmatic SD-450e booklet finisher."The investment in hardware is one thing — however, it is the investment in our people that we are most proud of," said Mr. Kieseker. "The key to its success lies in both our people and the creative work, and we have proudly invested in both to ensure BizPrint continues to be a market leader, both now and for years to come."