A locally owned skincare and wellness business in Alotau, Milne Bay Province, is proving that Papua New Guinea's abundant natural resources can be successfully transformed into high-quality, value-added products while driving economic opportunities for local communities.Founded by Regina Varaosi, 28 Essence Natural Products manufactures handmade skincare and haircare items using locally sourced ingredients. Its product line leverages the natural benefits of virgin coconut oil, turmeric, neem, moringa, cocoa, and noni.Varaosi explained that she established the business to meet a growing demand for affordable, organic skincare tailored specifically to Papua New Guinea's tropical climate."Many skincare and haircare products available in Papua New Guinea are imported, expensive, and not always suitable for our local conditions," Varaosi said. "At the same time, our country is rich in natural resources, yet many of these are sold without any value addition. We wanted to bridge that gap by creating products made from local ingredients that truly benefit our people."The business currently produces a diverse range of items, including herbal oils, natural soaps, hair butters, lip balms, and virgin coconut oil-based skincare treatments.Varaosi’s passion for natural skincare began during her studies in Tropical Agriculture, where she learned about downstream coconut processing and the commercial potential of local medicinal plants. Motivated by common skin conditions affecting people in her community, she began experimenting with herbal formulations using traditional herbs and a virgin coconut oil base. Enthusiastic customer feedback and rising demand eventually inspired her to formally register the business and scale up production.Today, 28 Essence Natural Products boasts a loyal customer base with consistent repeat buyers across Milne Bay, Port Moresby, and several other provinces. The brand has even caught the attention of retailers, distributors, and customers in Australia.Beyond manufacturing, the company actively supports local farmers, suppliers, and women entrepreneurs by sourcing its raw ingredients locally and advocating for value-added processing within rural communities."Our vision is to become a trusted Papua New Guinean brand that transforms our natural resources into high-quality skincare and wellness products while creating employment opportunities and contributing to sustainable economic growth," Varaosi said.To keep pace with its rapid growth, the company plans to construct a dedicated 15-meter by 10-meter production workshop in Alotau. The new facility is designed to optimize production efficiency, elevate product quality, improve storage and packaging, streamline certification processes, and significantly boost overall output capacity.To fully realize these expansion goals, the business is currently seeking strategic support to strengthen its manufacturing capabilities, enhance branding, expand its distribution networks, and increase market access across PNG.Sales representative Kimberly Maraga recently showcased several of the company's signature products—including neem, turmeric, and flaxseed oils, alongside various herbal soaps—at the inaugural PNG SME Week Agritrade Expo at APEC Haus in Port Moresby, which concluded today.Maraga noted that the products are carefully formulated to nourish and hydrate both skin and hair while alleviating common issues like dryness and irritation."Our soaps are crafted using natural ingredients such as turmeric and neem, which are well-known for their healing and cleansing properties," Maraga said. "We've received an immense amount of positive feedback from customers. I use the products myself, and I've personally seen incredible improvements after using both the soaps and the oils."As consumer interest in locally manufactured, natural products continues to surge, 28 Essence Natural Products stands as a prime example of how PNG’s natural resources can sustain viable businesses, improve local livelihoods, and champion homegrown entrepreneurship.The company operates under the inspiring slogan: "Be Clean. Be You."

Communities across Milne Bay Province, particularly those in the province’s remote atoll islands, are facing increasing challenges as drought conditions linked to the current El Niño weather pattern begin to impact the land.The Food Security Program Caretaker for the Milne Bay Provincial Administration’s Division of Agriculture and Livestock Skipa Christopher said the province is still recovering from the impact of a recent severe weather (Tropical Cyclone Maila) event that affected communities throughout the region.“The entire province was affected, but the most impacted areas were the atoll island communities,” he said.“Gardens were destroyed, food sources were lost, houses were damaged, and people’s sustainable livelihoods were significantly affected.”Following the disaster, weather forecasts issued by national weather authorities predicted the onset of an El Niño season, bringing prolonged dry conditions across parts of the country.According to Mr. Christopher, several atoll island communities are already experiencing drought conditions. These include Ware Island, Simsimla Island, Yegum, Yanab and Budibudi.“As we speak, these communities are already facing drought conditions,” he said.In response, the Division of Agriculture and Livestock has intensified its food security efforts to help affected communities maintain food production during the dry season.As a government agency, the division operates a food crop seed garden at its resource centre, where planting materials are multiplied and prepared for distribution. The centre currently maintains climate-resilient crop varieties recommended by the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI).These crops include cassava, taro, corn, sweet potatoes (Kaukau) and other food varieties that have been selected for their ability to withstand prolonged dry periods, resist pests and diseases, tolerate changing weather conditions and mature early.“We have established a total of 38 crop varieties,” he said. “Many of these are climate-resilient and suitable for communities facing drought conditions.”The division has already begun distributing planting materials to some affected communities, including Yegum and Yanab.Additional supplies are expected to be transported to other drought-affected areas once logistical arrangements are finalised with local community leaders.Beyond supplying planting materials, the division is also conducting follow-up visits and training programs to assist communities in establishing their own seed gardens.The initiative aims to ensure that residents of the atoll islands have reliable access to planting materials within their communities, strengthening local food security and improving resilience to future climate-related challenges.Provincial authorities continue to monitor the situation as El Niño conditions develop, with ongoing support planned for vulnerable communities across Milne Bay Province.

The National Department of Health will roll out HIV self-testing kits across four (4) provinces as part of efforts to reach more people and increase early diagnosis of HIV, according to HIV/STI Program Manager Dr. Nano Gideon.Dr. Gideon said the self-testing kits will initially be introduced in the National Capital District, Morobe Province, Eastern Highlands Province, and Western Highlands Province.The rollout follows a successful pilot program in NCD, where self-testing provides a more accessible and less invasive option for individuals seeking to know their HIV status."There are no pain and no blood drawn," Dr. Gideon said."A person can simply do a swab of the buccal mucosa and perform the test within a safe and private environment and get the results after 20 minutes."He said the initiative aligns with the National STI and HIV Strategy 2024–2028, which aims to expand HIV testing services and reach populations that have traditionally been difficult to access.Dr. Gideon said, "We want to reach the unreached in a safe space. You cannot treat unless you test. HIV is diagnosed through testing, so testing is very important."According to Dr. Gideon, Papua New Guinea has approximately 500 HIV testing sites operating across the country's 22 provinces.In 2024, more than 281,000 people were tested for HIV. However, he said significant gaps remain among key populations considered at higher risk of infection.Traditionally, HIV testing has relied on blood samples collected by trained health workers, a process that can create barriers for some individuals."Drawing blood has been a challenge," he said. "This new approach allows people to access a test kit, perform the test themselves and know their status."Individuals who receive a reactive result will be encouraged to visit a health facility for confirmatory testing and further medical support.Dr. Gideon said the program would complement existing facility-based services while expanding testing opportunities within communities."We will sustain health facility-based interventions, but we are moving into communities to link and reach the unreached so that women, girls and others who may be at risk are better served," he said.The initiative is being supported by development partners, including Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), as part of broader efforts to strengthen HIV prevention and treatment services in Papua New Guinea.

Preparations to upgrade Port Moresby city ahead of the PNG Chief's 2028 entry into the NRL could cost up to K1 billion.According to the National Capital District (NCD) City Manager, Mr. Ravu Frank, detailed scoping work is still being undertaken by engineers, and that final cost estimates are yet to be confirmed."I won't give the exact figures at this stage, but it could be somewhere between K500 million and K1 billion," he said.Frank said funding discussions would involve the NCD Governor, the NCDC board, and the National Government."The Governor and the board will be looking for funding, and the Prime Minister has already indicated support," he said.Further details on project funding and implementation are expected to be revealed once engineering assessments are completed.

NCDC City Manager Ravu Frank has identified the proposed Level 5 Hospital at Gerehu as one of his top priorities following his reappointment.Mr. Frank described the project as a major government initiative that could significantly improve healthcare services in NCD."One of the biggest projects that the government has been pushing for is the Level 5 Hospital at Gerehu," he said.He said there was a clear need for the hospital, citing ongoing challenges facing the health sector.He intends to work closely with key stakeholders, including the Prime Minister's Office, the Department of Health and the Department of Works, to help move the project forward."I see this project as a game changer to improve the health of our people," Frank said.He added that a healthy population is critical for economic growth and national development."A better economy requires a healthy workforce that can continue contributing to development across all sectors," he said.

The National Department of Health (NDoH) has launched a nationwide rollout of HIV self-testing kits in a major effort to expand access to testing and strengthen the country's response to HIV.The launch was announced by Health Secretary Pascoe Kase following the arrival of the first shipment of 26,000 HIV self-screening kits. The kits form part of a total procurement of 52,000 self-testing kits that will be distributed throughout the country this year.The initiative is being implemented through a partnership involving the National Department of Health, Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), UNAIDS, UNFPA, the United Nations and community-based organisations working in HIV prevention and care.According to Mr. Kase, the kits are expected to contribute significantly to Papua New Guinea's HIV testing targets by reaching people who may not otherwise access conventional health services.He said, “Papua New Guinea continues to face one of the highest HIV burdens in the Pacific, with an estimated 120,000 people living with HIV and approximately 11,000 new infections recorded each year. Health authorities say many people remain unaware of their HIV status, limiting their access to treatment and prevention services.”The self-testing kits are designed to provide a confidential and convenient option for people to know about their HIV status.“The approach is particularly important in rural and remote communities where distance, stigma and limited access to healthcare services continue to pose challenges,” said Kase.The national rollout follows a pilot programme conducted in the National Capital District in 2024. During the pilot, 742 people accessed HIV self-screening services, with more than half reporting they had never previously undergone an HIV test. Eleven people who received positive results were successfully linked to treatment services.Speaking at the launch, Mr. Kase described the rollout as a significant milestone in Papua New Guinea's HIV response.He said the programme would help reach first-time testers, people living in remote communities, and others who face barriers to accessing traditional testing services.Mr. Kase also stressed that self-testing should not replace existing health services but should be supported by strong referral systems to ensure people receive confirmatory testing, treatment, and prevention services where necessary.DFAT First Assistant Secretary Dr Ramez Alhazzaa said Australia was proud to support innovative approaches that bring health services closer to communities and improve access to life-saving treatment.Meanwhile, UNFPA Country Representative Dr Saira Shameem said HIV self-screening would give individuals greater choice and control in managing their health, particularly young people, women and vulnerable populations who face barriers to accessing healthcare.Furthermore, United Nations Resident Coordinator Shalini Bahuguna said expanding access to HIV testing was both a public health priority and a matter of equity and human rights.The HIV self-testing kits will be distributed through selected community organisations and trained community-based providers, including the Key Population Advocacy Consortium and its outreach networks.Health officials say the programme marks an important step towards increasing HIV testing coverage, reducing stigma and ensuring more Papua New Guineans can access treatment and prevention services.Members of the public seeking information on HIV self-screening, counselling or referral services can contact the National Response Centre on 7309 6477.

Competition leaders the Kandes and the Moni Plus NCDC Port Moresby Vipers shared the spoils in an entertaining 16-all draw at Ron Albert Oval on Saturday as Round 11 of the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup came to a close before the competition heads into its scheduled bye round this weekend.The highly anticipated clash between the first-placed Kandes and fourth-placed Vipers lived up to expectations, with both sides crossing for three tries in a match that remained in the balance until the final whistle.Kandes looked set to continue their winning form after building momentum through tries from Benaiah Simon in the 12th minute, Ames John in the 20th minute and Mal Hilton four minutes later. Their efficient goal-kicking saw them convert both available opportunities to keep pressure on the visitors.The Vipers, however, showed why they remain among the competition's top contenders. Manase Watt opened the scoring in the opening minute before Martin Yanda and Gwenemba Gaffie added further tries to keep their side within striking distance.While the Vipers managed only one successful conversion from three attempts, an early penalty goal from Ben Fege proved crucial in helping secure a share of the points.Both teams had opportunities to break the deadlock in the closing stages, but strong defensive efforts ensured neither side could find a winning score.The draw sees the Kandes maintain their position at the top of the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup ladder, while the Vipers remain firmly in the top four as the competition enters a brief mid-season break.With Round 11 now complete, players, officials and supporters will enjoy a well-earned rest as the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup observes its Bye Round on June 27–28.For one weekend, the competition's hard tackles, spectacular tries and passionate sideline debates will take a pause before returning on July 5 for what promises to be an exciting run toward the finals.The break provides teams with a valuable opportunity to recover and regroup ahead of the second half of the season, with the race for finals positions becoming increasingly competitive.When the competition resumes, all eyes will be on ladder leaders Kandes as they look to maintain their advantage at the top, while the Moni Plus NCDC Port Moresby Vipers will be aiming to build on their strong form and continue their push towards premiership contention.

The ENB Agmark Gurias thrilled their home supporters at Queen Elizabeth Park on Saturday with a commanding 38-20 victory over the Asila Waghi Tumbe in Round 11 of the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup.The Gurias produced one of their most complete performances of the season, crossing for seven tries and maintaining control for much of the contest to secure an important victory heading into the competition's scheduled bye round.The home side wasted little time making their intentions clear, with Ephron Achim crossing for the opening try in just the second minute before Mark Alunga added another four-pointer nine minutes later. Achim completed a double in the 21st minute as the Gurias built momentum early.Further tries from Dominic Anis, Junior Talin, and Chris Benjamin ensured the Gurias maintained their attacking dominance, while their defensive efforts limited the opportunities available to the visitors.Alunga was equally impressive with the boot, converting five of seven attempts to finish with an influential contribution in both attack and goal-kicking duties.The Waghi Tumbe refused to go away quietly, responding with four tries through Kevin Yako, Steven Kome, John Karepa, and Richard Philip. Goal-kicker Charlie Buka added two conversions, but the visitors were unable to overcome the Gurias' strong first-half advantage.The match also featured several player rotations as both teams managed their squads throughout the contest, while Tumbe forward Abraham Nop successfully returned to the field after undergoing a Head Injury Assessment during the game.For the Gurias, the victory provides valuable momentum as the competition pauses for the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup Bye Round on June 27–28.With no matches scheduled this weekend, players and fans will enjoy a short break before the competition resumes on July 5, when the race for finals positions is expected to intensify.The Gurias will take confidence from their strong attacking display and look to build on their Round 11 success as they continue their push toward the finals in the second half of the season.

The Lae Snax Tigers have secured a hard-fought 18-14 victory over PRK Gulf Isou in a thrilling Round 11 clash of the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup at the Lae League Ground.The Tigers produced a composed second-half performance to edge out a determined Gulf Isou side in front of their home supporters, with both teams showing plenty of attacking intent throughout the contest.Lae crossed the line three times during the match, with Dilbert Isaac leading the charge with a double after scoring in the 27th and 50th minutes. Joshua Lau added another four-pointer in the 64th minute to help secure the win.The Tigers' goal-kicker Macquin Gabriel was perfect with the boot, converting all three tries to finish the afternoon with six valuable points and maintain pressure on the scoreboard.Gulf Isou responded strongly with two tries of their own through Karis Peter in the 56th minute and Kenny Laho in the 69th minute. Their goal-kicker Felix Beki matched Gabriel's accuracy, converting both tries and keeping his side within striking distance until the final whistle.Despite the late push from Gulf Isou, the Tigers' defensive effort in the closing stages proved enough to secure the two competition points.The result continues Lae Snax Tigers' push as the competition heads deeper into the season, while Gulf Isou will take confidence from another competitive performance against a strong opponent.

The Institute of Business Studies University (IBSU) is hosting the 2026 Intervarsity Touch Rugby Competition this week at its sporting grounds in Port Moresby city and welcomes all student athletes from across Papua New Guinea (PNG) who are competing.The four-day tournament, running from today Monday June 22 to Thursday June 25, brings together students from some of the country's leading tertiary institutions as part of the broader 2026 Intervarsity Games program.Participating universities include the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG), Papua New Guinea University of Technology (PNGUoT), University of Goroka (UOG), University of Natural Resources and Environment (UNRE) Popondetta Campus, and Pacific Adventist University (PAU).The competition aims to provide students with opportunities to build friendships, strengthen teamwork, and develop leadership and life skills through sport while fostering greater interaction among students from different academic institutions.Matches will be played daily from 8:30am to 4:00pm at the IBSUniversity Sporting Field.Earlier this month, IBSUniversity's Student Affairs Department, in partnership with the IBSU Student Association, officially presented jerseys to student athletes who will represent the university in various sporting codes during the 2026 Intervarsity Games.In addition to hosting the touch rugby competition, IBSUniversity students will compete in several sporting events being held around the country.Netball teams will travel to Lae to compete at PNGUoT, soccer teams will participate in Madang at Divine Word University, basketball teams will compete in Rabaul at UNRE, while volleyball teams will take part in competitions hosted by UPNG.IBSUniversity officials said the institution remains committed to supporting student development through sports and extracurricular activities, recognizing the important role athletics play in promoting healthy lifestyles, teamwork, discipline, and personal growth.The university has extended its best wishes to all participating athletes and encouraged supporters, officials, and the wider community to attend and celebrate the achievements of students throughout the competition.IBSUniversity also expressed its commitment to working closely with participating institutions and stakeholders to ensure the successful delivery of the 2026 Intervarsity Touch Rugby Competition.

National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop has assured city residents that settlement evictions in Port Moresby will be guided by proper planning and resettlement strategies, amid growing public concern over the impact of ongoing and future evictions. Responding to questions about the recent Wildlife settlement eviction and concerns that thousands more people could be affected by future exercises, Governor Parkop acknowledged the challenges facing residents, including students, public transport operators and families living in informal settlements. However, he declined to provide detailed comments on the matter during a recent media conference, stating that he would address the issue more comprehensively at a separate briefing. "I am ready to host another media conference to address that specifically," Governor Parkop said. "I don't want to give any specific reply here at this time. I just want to say that it is part of the challenge that we are preparing for in the future."The Governor said settlement management and resettlement planning form part of the key performance indicators and responsibilities assigned to the City Manager as the National Capital District Commission works towards creating a more organized and sustainable city.He emphasized that future development plans would focus on planned settlements and planned resettlement rather than allowing one informal settlement to be replaced by another. "We have been doing the same thing for the last 50 years," he said. "People must stop thinking about settlements and start thinking about a planned city, a well-organized city that provides a good quality of life and a strong foundation for future generations."Governor Parkop said the city's long-term vision is to improve living standards, social and economic opportunities, and urban development outcomes for residents.He reiterated that while the NCDC's policy is to eventually phase out informal settlements, the government does not intend to displace people without proper planning."Settlements must end. That's our policy," he said. "But it does not mean we are going to displace our people. We are not a government that throws people onto the streets. We always have a plan."Parkop noted that some past evictions had been carried out by private developers independently, creating challenges for affected communities.He assured residents that future settlement programs would be undertaken through structured planning processes and proper resettlement arrangements."I can assure city residents and those living in settlements that it is part of the City Manager's benchmarks to continue proper settlement planning based on a clear plan," he said.The Governor's comments come amid increasing public concern over urban settlements in Port Moresby and the social impacts that large-scale evictions could have on families, education and livelihoods.

The SP PNG Hunters showed plenty of determination but were ultimately outclassed by a clinical Northern Pride outfit, going down 32-16 in their Hostplus Cup clash at the Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby on Sunday 21st, 2026.Playing in front of their home ground supporters, the Hunters made the ideal start when exciting outside back Sanny Wabo crossed for the opening try in the 10th minute to give the hosts an early 4-0 lead.The Hunters looked confident early, but the visitors gradually wrestled control of the contest, scoring four unanswered tries to build a commanding lead. Northern Pride's Daniel Woodhouse, Tyler Moriarty and Fanafou Seve all crossed in a dominant first-half period as the Queensland side surged ahead.Despite the pressure, the Hunters refused to go away. Graham Rex gave the home crowd something to cheer about when he crashed over shortly before halftime, narrowing the deficit to 16-8 at the break.The second half proved challenging for the Hunters as Northern Pride capitalised on key moments to extend their advantage. Moriarty grabbed his second try shortly after the restart before Hunters winger Wabo was sent to the sin bin, forcing the home side to defend with 12 men.Northern Pride took full advantage, with Ronald Philitoga scoring two second half tries to stretch the visitors' lead to 32-8 with just under 20 minutes remaining.To their credit, the Hunters continued to fight until the final whistle. Centre Douglas David emerged as a bright spot for the home side, producing a strong finish with two late tries in the 65th and 69th minutes. His efforts helped reduce the final margin and highlighted the resilience that has become a trademark of the Hunters.While the result did not go their way, the Hunters showed flashes of their attacking potential, finishing with four tries against one of the competition's in-form sides. Missed conversion opportunities proved costly, with the home team unable to add any points from their four tries.Head coach and players will take positives from the never-say-die attitude displayed in the closing stages, particularly the performances of David and Rex, as the Hunters continue their push through the Hostplus Cup season.The defeat leaves the SP PNG Hunters anchored at the bottom of the Hostplus Cup ladder on the15th place, adding further pressure as they look to revive their campaign in the remaining rounds of the season.Despite showing resilience with a late fightback against Northern Pride, the Hunters will need to convert their performances into victories to climb out of last position.