The Papua New Guinea (PNG) Lewas have achieved a victory fitting of the country's 50th Independence Anniversary. The Lewas were crowned champions of the 2025 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup East Asia-Pacific Qualifier, following a dominant nine wickets win over Vanuatu in Suva, Fiji yesterday. Vanuatu, asked to bat first, managed 113 for nine in their 20 overs as PNG’s bowlers kept a tight grip on the innings. In reply, the Lewas made light work of the chase, reaching 114 for one in 15.1 overs. Opening batter Naoani Vare anchored the innings with a superb 57 off 47 balls, while captain Brenda Tau added an unbeaten 39 from 39 deliveries to seal the victory with nearly five overs to spare. Vare’s knock earned her the Player of the Match award. The victory means Papua New Guinea are officially the 2025 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup EAP Qualifier Champions and will now advance to the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier, to be held in Nepal in January. At the Global Qualifier, the Lewas will compete for one of four coveted spots at the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England and Wales. They join a strong field of international teams 1. Nepal (Host) 2. Bangladesh 3. Scotland 4. United States of America 5. Thailand 6. Ireland 7. Netherlands 8. Zimbabwe 9. Namibia 10. Papua New Guinea This achievement caps a brilliant campaign for the Lewas, who earlier overcame Indonesia in the semi-finals final before overpowering Vanuatu in today’s grand final. The win highlights PNG’s continued dominance in the Pacific region and sets them up for the biggest stage yet a shot at qualification for the Women’s T20 World Cup.

PNG Lewas secured a thrilling victory over Indonesia to advance to the final of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup East Asia-Pacific Qualifier. Chasing 135 for victory, PNG reached the target in 19.3 overs, finishing on 136/5. Captain Brenda Tau starred with a match winning 52 not out from 42 balls, including eight boundaries, earning her the Player of the Match award. Key contributions also came from Naoani Vare (35 off 42) and Pauke Siaka (29 off 17, four fours), while Melanie Ani supported Tau in steadying the innings despite regular wickets falling. Earlier, Indonesia posted 134/3 from their 20 overs, but disciplined batting from the Lewas ensured a confident chase. With this win, PNG Lewas will face off Vanuatu in the grand final Tomorrow 1.30pm Fiji time (2:30PM PNG time) at Albert Park. The two teams will play to win in aims to secure a spot at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Global Qualifier in Nepal. Vanuatu booked their place in the final with a 22-run victory over Japan in the second semi-final. Led by captain Rachel Andrew, who struck a commanding 72 not out from 59 balls, Vanuatu posted 156/1 before restricting Japan to 134/6. Andrew’s form has been electric in this tournament, earlier she produced a stunning hat-trick and an unbeaten 85 against Indonesia which makes her the biggest threat to PNG in the title clash. The EAP Qualifier, hosted at Albert Park, Suva, Fiji, features eight nations, including Fiji, Cook Islands, Indonesia, Japan, PNG, Philippines, Samoa, and Vanuatu. The tournament is the region’s largest-ever women’s cricket event, with the Philippines making their ICC debut. Fans can follow live scores and streaming via ICC.tv as both teams prepare for what promises to be a historic EAP final while other matches include, 3rd Indonesia Vs 4th Japan 5th Fiji Vs 6th Samoa PNG currently holds the 13th position in the ICC Women’s T20I rankings, ahead of Indonesia at 20th.

Despite the heavy rain, the 62nd Morobe Show opened today in Lae city with hundreds of visitors attending the event. This year’s theme, “50 Years Forward,” highlights Morobe Province’s growth and resilience over five decades of cultural celebration and agricultural achievement. Among the first exhibitors was Trukai Industries, whose staff arrived at 5:00am to set up the Trukai Village. The display featured stocks, merchandise, and interactive exhibits, reflecting the company’s long-standing support for local farming communities and its efforts to engage families through food and culture. Andrew Grace, Head of Trukai Industries, said that the dedication of the Trukai team and the excitement of the community, rain or shine, truly embodied the spirit of “50 Years Forward” and highlighted the company’s pride in being part of an event that brings the Morobe community together and showcases the best of PNG. The show will continue tomorrow, Sunday, 14 September, with Trukai’s agricultural displays, merchandise sales, information centre, and charity stall at the Trukai Village. Visitors can also enjoy family entertainment, children’s activities, and a school competition at the main arena.

Mr. Lewi David, a proud father from the city of Mt Hagen has won the K20,000 Golden Ticket, becoming one of the lucky winners in Maggi Noodles Golden Tickets nationwide promotion. “I am so happy of the money I won; the happiness is killing me cause I'm going to celebrate independence and my daughter's 1st birthday,” Lewi told PNG HAUSBUNG in excitement. The win came from a simple afternoon grocery trip to the trade store nearby for oil and noodles to cook with the garden vegetables for dinner. Lewi recalled: “I went out to buy two Maggi noodles and oil to cook with garden vegetables for afternoon dinner. While cooking, I opened the Maggi packet, and the golden ticket fell out. Everyone shouted because they were also aware of the Maggi Golden Ticket by posters.” In all the excitement Lewi’s mum told him to immediately go to the city to check with the Nestlé office to confirm, but unfortunately the office was closed due to the country’s 50th celebrations. “So, I called the number on the gold ticket and Nestlé confirmed the K20,000 Golden Ticket win.” For Lewi, the timing couldn’t have been more meaningful as this Independence when the country celebrates its Golden Jubilee, his baby daughter Elizabeth's 1st Birthday is around the same time. “It’s God’s timing. I have a lot to do like paying my eldest daughter’s school tuition and celebrate my baby girl’s first birthday on September 16th. So yes, it’s God’s plan for me to win this Golden Ticket.” Maggi Noodles has long been a family favorite in Lewi’s household for years. “Maggi Noodles is my go-to meal, with garden food and egg for my baby girl, and also dinner for the family. That’s the best because it goes with everything.” As PNG marks 50 years of Independence, Lewi says his win is a blessing. “I want to thank Nestlé for this blessing. It will help me a lot. Like I said, it’s God’s plan.”

Perfect timing for Jack Bal! As Papua New Guinea prepares to celebrate its 50th Independence Anniversary, Jack has become the lucky winner of the Maggi Noodles Golden Ticket prize worth K50,000. Jack living at Kamtu Y2K along Unigate, Lae Morobe Province could hardly believe his luck last evening while out for some afternoon grocery shopping at Foodmart Top Town. “It was around 5 to 6 pm when I went down to Top Town Foodmart for some shopping,” Jack told PNG HAUSBUNG. “There were posters outside about the Maggi Golden Ticket, and I thought to myself, maybe I could win this money.’” After purchasing a 6-pack of Maggi Noodles, Jack returned home to cook but never imagining that his first pack would hold the golden ticket. “When I opened it, the wrapper had a gold colour. I pulled it out and saw K50,000! I couldn’t believe my eyes. My heart was racing, and I had to take a deep breath and call my family. They told me to call the number immediately, so I decided to call first thing the next morning.” Jack confirmed his win with Nestlé PNG, and the reality soon sank in. “When they confirmed it, I felt so happy that I couldn’t contain the overwhelming joy I felt,” he said. Looking ahead, Jack has big plans for his K50,000 prize money. “I’m going to do a lot with this K50,000. Firstly, I’ll throw a party for my first-born, 4-year-old daughter, Gigi, since we never celebrated her birthday properly due to financial struggles. Then, I plan to renovate our house and take the family to the Morobe Show. Honestly, it’s perfect timing with the 50th Independence Celebration!” Jack’s win marks the first Maggi Golden Ticket winner from Lae, Morobe Province, just in time to coincide with PNG’s historic 50-year milestone. Nestlé PNG has also announced other recent winners from Port Moresby: - 1. Dianne Des – K500.00, Port Moresby - 2. Simon Mala – K500.00Port Moresby - 3. Emmie Betabete – K500.00, Port Moresby - 4. Ethel Payake – K1,000.00 Port Moresby - 5. Theresa Joseph – K1,000.00 Port Moresby The Maggi Noodles Golden Ticket promotion continues to bring excitement and life-changing moments to families across PNG, highlighting Nestlé PNG’s commitment to giving back to its customers.

A special new documentary released by KTF to mark PNG’s 50th Independence Anniversary highlights the enduring partnership between Papua New Guinea and Australia. The documentary is titled Trek to 50: 50 Years of Independence, A Lifetime of Friendship follows a journey along the Kokoda Track to the historic Isurava Battlefield, a site of deep significance to both nations. Produced by KTF, the film captures personal stories of Papua New Guineans and Australians whose lives and friendships reflect half a century of shared history. Senior PNG business leader and KTF Board Director Peter Aitsi shared his reflections on the milestone. “I have wonderful memories of the period leading into and after 16 September 1975. I left PNG in 1972 at the age of six to live with my adopted family in Melbourne. The significance of Independence did not really dawn on me until a school holiday visit to Port Moresby in 1976 when I was presented with my first PNG passport.” Mr. Aitsi recalled the memory as he believes the documentary is a wonderful way to contribute to PNG 50th Independence celebrations. “Over the 50 years, the bond between the two countries has matured and deepened, as can be attested by the many Papua New Guineans who have built lifelong friendships with Australians, even beyond friends to becoming family.” The film features reflections from trekkers, community health workers, teachers, students and people that are committed to shaping the country’s future. Among them was Courtneyella Dotson, a 2023 KTF Archer Leader and one of PNG’s emerging young voices. She shared on the impact of Aus-PNG partnership as a proud Papua New Guinea. “Australians and Papua New Guineans have been standing by each other before PNG got independence. We have a friendship that has lasted decades. I am proud of PNG’s independence.” Courtneyella as a young voice of change, she believes that Papua New Guineans are resilient people. “If we’re just as resilient as we have been over the last 50 years, we can go places, and I hope our friendship with Australia continues this journey over the next 50 years.” KTF Chair and former Australian High Commissioner to PNG, Ian Kemish, also joined the trek and offered his experience before PNG gain independence. “I remember Papua New Guinea before independence, and that spirit of hope in the air in the lead up to September 16, 1975. People with goodwill from Australia and PNG were working together in great excitement to prepare the way for this new independent land.” Ian believes that hope is still alive among this younger generation. “Walking to Isurava with these young Papua New Guineans, I see so much potential and thoughtfulness. I have no concern at all about PNG’s future if it’s in the hands of these people.” As Papua New Guinea marks its golden jubilee of independence, Trek to 50 honors the past, celebrates the present, and looks forward to a future built on friendship, partnership, and hope between Papua New Guinea and Australia.

As Papua New Guinea prepares to celebrate its 50th Independence Anniversary, the NCSL Savings & Loan Society has reminded members that its loan products are available to provide financial confidence during this important national occasion. The loan facilities ranging from borrowing limits equal to members’ savings, up to five times their savings balance are structured to suit different financial needs, - 1:1 Loan – borrow up to savings balance (14% p.a.) - 1:2 Loan – borrow up to twice savings balance (20% p.a.) - 1:5 Loan – borrow up to five times savings balance (26% p.a.) NCSL said the loans are designed to assist members with family commitments, small business needs, or customary obligations during the busy Independence period. At the same time, the Society continues to emphasize the importance of saving regularly, noting that stronger savings histories improve members’ eligibility and borrowing power. Digital platforms such as MyNCSL Online, the mobile app, and *USSD (628#) have made access to both savings and loans easier, especially for members outside main centers. NCSL stated that the combination of saving and responsible borrowing remains central to its mission of supporting members in building long-term financial stability.

The Miss Bird of Paradise Pageant (MBOP) continues its nationwide expansion with New Ireland Province officially joining as the newest provincial chapter. The announcement follows the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between the New Ireland Pageant Committee and the national MBOP PNG on Tuesday, 9 September 2025. The Miss Bird of Paradise New Ireland Pageant Committee, chaired by Sylvia Pascoe, will work closely with the New Ireland Student Associations at the University of Papua New Guinea and Pacific Adventist University. Representatives, including Sylvia Mishiel Uku and colleagues from UPNG NISA, attended the signing ceremony. Deputy Chair of the MBOP PNG National Committee, Ruby Kerepa, congratulated New Ireland for taking the bold step to join the platform. “As MBOP PNG continues our vision to ensure participation of all 22 provinces in this year’s pageant, we are proud to welcome New Ireland Province. Your willingness to join this journey affirms our vision of a platform that truly represents our country and its diverse cultures,” Ms. Kerepa said. The Miss Bird of Paradise New Ireland Pageant will select a contestant to represent the province at the national event in December. Aspiring contestants will apply through a provincial selection process, while provinces unable to host full-scale pageants will nominate representatives. The MBOP PNG committee extended its congratulations to New Ireland Province and wished them success in their preparations.

The PNG Lewas delivered a sensational performance today at Albert Park 1, defeating the Philippines by a staggering 168 runs in Day 2 of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup East Asia Pacific Qualifier. Electing to field first, the Philippines were unable to contain PNG’s explosive batting lineup. Captain Brenda Tau and star Konio Oala led the charge, propelling PNG to a record-breaking total of 224/1 in 20 overs. Konio Oala was the standout performer, smashing 130 off 71 balls*, including 23 fours and 2 sixes, while Naoani Vare contributed a solid 49 off 40 balls. Brenda Tau finished the innings not out on 31 off just 13 deliveries, striking at an extraordinary rate of 238.46. In response, the Philippines struggled against a relentless PNG bowling attack from Pauke Siaka who was the bowler of the day, claiming 5 wickets for just 1 run in 3.4 overs, dismantling the opposition with precise deliveries. Hane Tau and Henao Thomas were also impressed, taking two wickets each and keeping the scoring rate under control. The Philippines were bowled out for 56 runs in 19.4 overs, with Karri Keen top-scoring with just 19 runs. Amelia Valdez was run out by Isabel Toua and Brenda Tau, while Alex Smith was dismissed early by Hane Tau, highlighting PNG’s dominance across batting and bowling. Konio Oala’s fearless batting and Pauke Siaka’s devastating spell ensured the Lewas’ victory, earning Oala the Player of the Match award for her outstanding performance. The match featured remarkable individual contributions but was ultimately defined by the cohesive team effort that saw PNG dominate every department of the game. This victory underscores PNG’s continued dominance in the East Asia Pacific Qualifier and showcases the growing strength and skill of the Lewas in international women’s cricket. The Lewas’ record-breaking total and clinical bowling display set a high benchmark for their upcoming fixtures, inspiring future generations of female cricketers in Papua New Guinea and across the region.

A smooth transition of leadership has taken place within the Central Provincial Administration as Mr. Bala Kapa officially assumed the role of Acting Provincial Administrator, succeeding Mr. Edward Kila after a handover takeover ceremony at the Governor’s Boardroom at Konedobu, Port Moresby city on the 5th of September. The event was witnessed by the Central Governor, Rufina Peter, senior officials from the Department of Personnel Management, the Central Province Traffic Authority, and members of the provincial executive management team. Mr. Kila, who served one year and nine months as Acting Provincial Administrator, steps down as he approaches the mandatory retirement age of 65. Governor Peter explained that under Public Service Commission rules, his acting term could not be extended. She thanked him for his service and emphasized the importance of unity during the transition period, adding that a larger farewell ceremony would be held later. Deputy Secretary and Acting Secretary of DPM, Mr. Vele Ravugamini, praised the leadership shown during the ceremony, describing it as “one of the best handover-takeover events” he had witnessed. He said the unity displayed among the administration was a model for the country. “It’s not about us as individuals or occupying a bigger office, it’s about humility, unity, and serving our people.” In his final remarks, Mr. Kila reflected on his 42 years of public service, thanking the Governor for her support and urging his successor to remain committed to delivering services. He revealed plans to dedicate his retirement to family, church work, evangelism, piggery farming, and consultancy. Incoming Acting Provincial Administrator Mr. Kapa, who previously served as Deputy Provincial Administrator for Corporate Services for over a decade, acknowledged his predecessor and outlined his priorities. “We only have 14 months to deliver, so as an Administration we must put our heads together to support the Governor and meet the targets set by the Government of the day.” Mr. Kapa officially assumes office on Monday, 8 September 2025, with a mandate to steer the province forward until a permanent appointment is made.

The newly formed Basketball National Referees Association has successfully completed a two-day training program in Port Moresby, marking a major step in lifting the standards of officiating across Papua New Guinea (PNG). Led by Association President Mr. Charles Morola, the training was held at the Taurama Aquatic Centre on the 8th-09th September along with combined classroom sessions with on court practice. Participants ranged from new officials to experienced referees, all focused on enhancing technical skills, discipline, and professionalism. “Referees must be on top of their game. The sport is highly technical, and there is no room for emotional reactions. Time management and continuous learning are key to improving.” He praised the rise of a new generation of referees including, pioneering women Betty Angula and Marca Muri, whilst also acknowledging mentors such as Ronnie Mea, Slieve Mohu, and Ishmeal Kekeao who joined from Lae to support the sessions. Formed earlier this year under the Basketball Federation of PNG, the Association is led by Mr. Morola alongside Vice President Peter Mendi Mope, Treasurer Lucy Abel, and Secretary Anna Mope. Since taking office as president, Mr. Morola has conducted referee development programs in Mt. Hagen, Aiyura Valley, and Madang. “This is only the first step in the right direction. With commitment and collaboration, we will continue to raise the game to FIBA standards.”

Nasfund Contributors Savings and Loans Limited (NCSL) is helping students in East New Britain province develop good financial habits through its recent Young Minds Savings Campaign. The campaign, which ran from August 25 to 29, aimed to teach the value of saving to students at Kokopo Secondary School, Malaguna Technical Secondary School, and Kerevat National High School. During the event, NCSL staff spoke directly with students about the importance of saving, even in small amounts. According to Delma Bualten, NCSL's Area Manager for the NGI & Southern Region, the message was simple. “We are here to help young people understand that saving even a kina a day can make a real difference over time.” Students were encouraged to save K1 daily and track their progress, with the goal of depositing their savings into an NCSL account once they become eligible. The campaign also introduced students to NCSL's digital services, with some signing up for the MyNCSL Member Online platform. Teachers and school leaders praised the program and expressed interest in expanding it to include more staff in the future. Beyond just banking, the campaign is part of NCSL's broader effort to prepare young people for their future. “We are proud to be part of their journey.” “This initiative highlights NCSL's dedication to financial literacy, community outreach, and member support, with the goal of fostering a new generation of financially responsible Papua New Guineans.”