PNG Haus Bung

The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) has stepped up consultations with key stakeholders following the Joint Supervisory Body (JSB) meeting in August this year, as preparations continue towards Bougainville’s planned assumption of self-government responsibilities on 1 September 2027. Vice President and Minister for Bougainville Independence Mission, Hon. Ezekiel Masatt, and Secretary for the Department of Bougainville Independence Mission, Ms. Stephanie Elijah, together with departmental officers, have been engaging stakeholders to raise awareness of the JSB resolution, the Melanesian Framework (MF) and the Joint Consultation Report (JCR) and planning strategies for strengthening Bougainville’s readiness for self-government.The consultations build on the KVR Communique, which was the agreement reached between Bougainville’s National Members of Parliament and the ABG leadership in June this year on endorsing Bougainville’s Final Position for Self-Government in 2027 and Independence in 2030. The Ministry, backed by the Department, has facilitated a series of internal Bougainville stakeholders dialogue on Independence, each producing resolutions that will contribute to the Government’s priorities and inform appropriations for the 2027 Budget. The dialogue process has so far included:• Bougainville Independence Leaders Consultation Forum (BILCF);• Tonsu Great Council of Chiefs.• Southern Regional Parliamentary Committee.• Central Regional Parliamentary Committee.• Northern Regional Parliamentary Committee; and• Bougainville Women Leaders’ Independence Consultation and Dialogue.Secretary Elijah says, in collaboration with the Department of Community Development, dialogue will continue this process through upcoming engagements with youth leaders, veterans, and church leaders. "Running parallel to these dialogues, the Ministry and Department are working closely with the Bougainville Independence Ready Committees on progressing the Independence Ready declarations ahead of the September 1, 2027, Bougainville declaration for Self- Government whilst working closely with the Department of President & BEC on the Bougainville Public Service readiness repositioning strategies towards Self Government."Meantime, preparations are underway for the Bougainville Constituent Assembly meeting from 22 to 24 September 2026 to progress deliberations on the draft Republic of North Solomon Constitution. Photo: Vice President Hon. Ezekiel Masatt with Bougainville Women Leaders following consultations on Bougainville’s independence readiness held on Monday this week in Chabai, North Bougainville.

The heartbeat of Central Province resonated through Bereina on Friday 11th September 2026, as a big crowd gathered for Day One of the Central Music Arts and Culture Festival (CMACF). The opening day delivered a vibrant fusion of traditional dance, modern sounds, local SME displays, and vital community outreach, setting up a celebration of heritage in motion.Beyond the cultural showcases, the festival ground featured an array of Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) stalls and key government and commodity boards.Representatives from the Papua New Guinea Cocoa Board, the National Fisheries Authority, and the Internal Revenue Commission (IRC) were present, carrying out public awareness campaigns and engaging directly with community members throughout the event.​Welcoming visitors and dignitaries, Kairuku District Administrator Henry Oa expressed gratitude to Central Governor Rufina Peter and the Provincial Administration for selecting Kairuku to host the landmark festival. Mr. Oa also conveyed apologies on behalf of Kairuku MP and Minister for Energy, Hon. Peter Namea Isoaimo, who was unable to attend due to official duties at the APEC meeting in China.​"This festival is not just about music and dancing; it is about our heritage and showing PNG and the world our beauty and talent," Mr. Oa stated. "Unity is what binds us together."Echoing these thoughts, Acting Provincial Administrator Bala Kapa delivered a poignant challenge to both the older and younger generations, stressing the importance of cultural preservation in a changing world."To the older generation, our elders: please do not take your knowledge to the grave," Mr. Kapa urged."Teach our children the songs, teach them the meaning of the tattoos, teach them how to make tapa, how to carve canoes, and how to speak our Motu, Roro, and Mekeo languages. You are our library, if you close, we lose everything."Addressing the youth, Mr. Kapa encouraged them to draw strength from their heritage. He urged them to stand with confidence and never feel ashamed of their identity, noting that despite rapid technological advancements, real power lies in celebrating culture and learning through music and the arts.​Formally declaring the festival open, Central Governor Rufina Peter commended the youth, local leaders, and the organizing committee for bringing the vision to life.​"This festival exists because of you," Governor Peter told the crowd. "It is your color, your song, and your strength that makes Central Province shine. The festival is more than an event—it is memory. It is the drumbeat of our ancestors speaking to us today."She called on everyone to honor the past while celebrating the present before officially launching the festivities.​The opening day concluded with high-energy musical performances that had the audience dancing late into the afternoon. Legendary Gaire musician Hitsy Golu headlined the lineup, captivating the audience alongside popular acts including Martin Rawali, Igo Otto of Rearea, the Kanakas of Erima, the Rapids of Sogeri, and Bereina’s own Iva Ovia and the Vmates, who closed out an unforgettable day one.​The Central Music Arts and Culture Festival continues through the weekend in Bereina.

PNG Tribal Foundation President GT Bustin says Papua New Guinea needs to effectively implement and enforce existing laws dealing with offences at the community level before talking about introducing or enforcing the death penalty.“How can we fix law and order in the country when we are not implementing smaller laws that have been passed by the government over the years, yet we continue to ask for and talk about the death penalty?” Mr. Bustin said.Mr. Bustin pointed to Section 520 of the Criminal Code (Amendment) Act 2022 as an example of legislation that needs to be consistently enforced.The amendment criminalises offences relating to sorcery accusations, including purporting to act as a glassman or glassmeri, using or attempting to use the services of a glassman or glassmeri, making sorcery accusations, and profiting from acting or purporting to act as a glassman or glassmeri.Mr. Bustin said the law must be used to hold accountable for those who make sorcery accusations that lead to violence in communities.Bustin further added that there are many genuine and dedicated police officers throughout the country who work tirelessly to uphold the law. However, the actions of a small number of corrupt officers including accepting “snake bail,” taking money through backdoor arrangements, or allowing compensation to interfere with criminal matters have undermined cases that could otherwise have been successfully prosecuted.“Many people argue that sorcery is part of their culture and traditional beliefs. We understand that these beliefs exist, but the problem begins when people use those beliefs to accuse another person of sorcery,” Mr. Bustin said.“Sutim tok long narapela olsem sanguma (the act of accusing another person of being a sorcerer) is one of the biggest problems in our communities. Innocent people are losing their lives because of these accusations, and that is what we are fighting against."“It is not our culture to burn down someone’s home and torture them for days so that we can take their land, home, property or even their business." he said .The PNG Tribal Foundation has been at the forefront of addressing sorcery accusation-related violence (SARV) through victim support, assisting law enforcement with arrests and prosecutions, and community awareness and prevention.Mr. Bustin said Section 520 provides significant penalties for people convicted of offences relating to sorcery accusations.He pointed to the recent conviction of Amelmeh Paul, 42, from Bulolo, Morobe Province, who was sentenced to seven years in prison after claiming to be a prayer warrior and making an accusation that contributed to the killing of a mother of five in 2023.Mr. Bustin called for greater awareness of the law throughout communities and among police officers so that it can be effectively applied whenever sorcery accusations occur.“We already have laws that can save lives and hold perpetrators accountable. The first step in restoring law and order is making sure the laws we already have are understood, implemented and consistently enforced,” Mr. Bustin said.Police, the Department of Justice and Attorney General, prosecutors and the courts all have critical roles to play in ensuring these laws are effectively enforced. 

Papua New Guinea was honoured to be given the opportunity to contribute to the 15th Seoul Defence Dialogue discussions from Papua New Guinea’s perspective under the theme: “Evolution of Alliance and Partnerships”.Together with Australia and New Zealand, Papua New Guinea represents a critical voice for the Pacific Islands region, and Hon. Elias Kapavore, Minister for Defence and Member for Pomio expressed his gratitude to the host, Minister of Defence, His Excellency Ahn Gyu-back for the kind invitation to participate in that important Dialogue.From the current evolving security landscape, multilateralism is under strain, even as global cooperation continues to deliver in some key areas. The world is witnessing fragmentations; protectionist trade policies have become a norm. High levels of uncertainties have been created by the dynamics of the geopolitical environment, rise in sea level and an increase in the experiences from climate change induced disasters.Minister Kapovore highlighted that Papua New Guinea’s contributions to the dialogue and its evolving role in regional partnerships were centred on several strategic pillars:1. Papua New Guinea Foreign Policy White Paper Papua New Guinea’s Foreign Policy Theme, ‘Strategic Partnerships for Security and Economic Prosperity’ is grounded in our values driven by our national interest, and uided by the enduring principles of sovereignty, mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and constructive internationalism. The evolving security challenges and its effects are beyond our individual capacity to address. The current and emerging security issues only demand common solutions from dedicated partners.Building partnerships with like-minded partners provides that avenue for practical cooperation to address these contemporary security challenges.  2. Key Contributions and Evolution in PartnershipsFor Papua New Guinea, the relationship with our traditional security partners- Australia, United States and New Zealand - have been forged through blood, sweat and tears in the battle fields of World War II. Papua New Guinea and Australia recently signed the Mutual Defence Treaty which came into force on the 8th of July 2026, establishing an alliance between our two countries. The Treaty is not targeted at anyone, but to help build our capabilities to be able to address the current and emerging security challenges that are confronting us. We have been transparent with our neighbors, both Indonesia and the Pacific Island countries on the Treaty.Papua New Guinea and the United States also elevated its Defence relations to a Defence Cooperation Agreement. And I have also recently signed the Statement of Intent on Defence Cooperation with my New Zealand counterpart.These partnerships are for the purpose of development of defence capabilities and capacity through joint exercises to enhance interoperability and for new infrastructures and facilities to respond to our peculiar security challenges.Our partnerships with our neighbours will continue to evolve in alignment with the evolving security environment and the demands it meets for us.  3. Strengthening the ROK-Pacific Security ArchitecturePapua New Guinea acknowledge and support South Korea’s diplomatic efforts, aimed at achieving regional stability in the Korean Peninsula which is critical to enabling regional and global stability.4. Broadening the Security Definition to Non-Traditional ThreatsConsistent with broader global and regional security goals, Papua New Guinea’s modern partnerships have evolved to include non-traditional security threats such as Climate Change and Maritime Domain Awareness.i. Climate ChangeThe most common security threat in the South Pacific region is the Climate Change induced natural disaster and rising sea level. And as we speak, El-Nino weather pattern is peaking in certain parts of Papua New Guinea, this is having detrimental effect to the current systems and livelihood of our people. We are not alone. I am sure other nations are experiencing similar effect as well.ii. Maritime Domain AwarenessSecondly, enhanced maritime domain awareness is a critical enabler to address maritime security issues in Papua New Guinea. We have witnessed an increase in Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing in the region. Papua New Guinea’s 3 million square kilometers Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is one of the largest maritime jurisdictional zones in the Pacific. Partnership with US, Australia and New Zealand is having positive effect.iii. Cyber SecurityIrresponsible use of tools associated with Artificial Intelligence is posing a threat to the limited and often vulnerable Information and Communication Technology systems in developing nations. Therefore, partnerships to develop cyber security capabilities to improve our ability to address this emerging security challenges is important.iv. Strategic CompetitionFinally, strategic competition in our region is intensifying, bringing both opportunities and risks. While building international defense partnerships can be beneficial, we must safeguard our sovereignty and uphold the protection of a Rules Based System for peaceful co-existence. “Security challenges require collective efforts from every one of us, irrespective of size, developed or otherwise.”“For developing nations like Papua New Guinea, our strength lies in building partnerships with like-minded partners who are willing to support us build our capability and capacity to respond to current and emerging security challenges not only as a country but as a region.”The Seoul Defence Dialogue provided a platform for developing nations like Papua New Guinea, an opportunity to share views and contribute in the discussions to enhance collective security.

National Capital District and Central Province, Police Commander Benjamin Turi, has confirmed that tickets to the National Football Stadium for Sunday's Digicel Cup Grand Final between the PRK Mendi Muruks and ENB Agmark Gurias on September 13 have sold out. He noted that despite several social media posts indicating that supporters from the Southern Highlands plan to travel to Port Moresby for the match, doing so without a ticket will be a waste of time.Commander Turi stated that because tickets are sold out, additional visitors are not needed around the NFS or the Boroko area. He confirmed that police have beefed up manpower and will closely monitor these locations.“We made mass arrests of more than 50 people last week, and we will not hesitate to do the same this Sunday if individuals travel around in groups to harass the public.” Checkpoints will be set up in the stadium's vicinity and around the Boroko area to screen those moving in to watch the game. “NCD Met Supt, PPC Central, and I—along with our support units like the Mobile Squad, Dog Unit, and reservist teams—are intact and will not tolerate violence in the city.”“Those posting threats on social media have no place in this city,” Commander Turi said.Commander Turi added that police officers and the public will be vigilant. Anyone drunk or suspected of acting disorderly will not be allowed into the stadium. Those caught intoxicated will be locked in police transport vans, taken straight to cells, and charged accordingly.He also emphasised that unauthorised vehicles parked around the Boroko area will be removed by police. With many guests and visitors attending, he urged everyone to respect one another during and after the match. Only one team can win, and everyone must accept the final result when the whistle blows.

On Wednesday night, the sky above New York Harbor filled with light as 2,977 synchronised drones rose and rearranged themselves to recreate the twin towers at exact architectural scale.The commemorative public art installation consisted of 2,977 individual lights. Each glowing point, according to a report in the BBC, represented one life lost in the attacks.Before the towers took shape, the drones gathered into rising helices, interpreted as a nod to an unbuilt vision for the World Trade Center site. Then, the lights resolved into the familiar twin silhouettes, hovering for long, still moments beside the annual beams of the Tribute in Light.The 2026 drone work was staged two nights before the 25th anniversary of the attack. The artwork, titled “2,977 Lights Over New York Harbor”, was built in collaboration with artists, producers, and members of the 9/11 community, including victims’ families, survivors, and first responders. Remembering the attacks25 years earlier, on the morning of 11 September 2001, 19 al-Qaeda hijackers seized four commercial airliners. Two were flown into the North and South Towers of the World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan. A third struck the Pentagon. The fourth, United Airlines Flight 93, crashed in a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, after passengers and crew fought back.Nearly 3000 people were killed, including office workers, first responders, airline passengers and crew, and people on the ground.The Twin Towers, once a defining feature of the New York skyline, collapsed within hours. The day is considered one of the deadliest and most transformative in modern American history.‘Never forget’Online comments on the viral video of the installation expressed solidarity and grief over the attacks.“I still can’t believe they are gone, even after 25 years. Never forget,” a comment on X read.Others shared personal stories of that day. “I will never forget that Tuesday morning, heading to work downtown at 33 Water St, just a few blocks from the WTC. I saw the 2nd plane hit the building and dusty people running everywhere,” a user wrote. Source: The Print

Divine Word University’s St Benedict’s Campus in Wewak is set to host the final leg of the university’s 30th Anniversary celebrations from Monday 14 to Wednesday 16 September.The three-day Festival of Legacy and Vision will be held under the theme, “Serving the Nation with Over 30 Years of Quality Education.”The celebrations will begin with a Thanksgiving Mass on Monday, giving the university community an opportunity to reflect on DWU’s achievements and the people who have contributed to its development.The anniversary celebrations have already been held across DWU campuses in Rabaul, Port Moresby and Madang, with Wewak bringing the university-wide celebrations to a close.St Benedict’s Campus Administrator Peter Kaiyeke said the celebrations would provide an opportunity to reflect on DWU’s journey while looking ahead to its future.He said the anniversary was not only about celebrating the past, but also recognising the contributions of staff, students, alumni, partners, and communities.Kaiyeke has invited the DWU community and people of East Sepik to join the celebrations and mark the university’s legacy and future.The Festival of Legacy and Vision will feature activities highlighting DWU’s history, achievements and contribution to education and national development.The university will also recognise the early missionaries and religious congregations whose work in education, formation and community service helped establish the foundations of DWU.Special recognition will be given to the Sisters of Mercy, Holy Spirit Sisters, and the Society of the Divine Word for their longstanding contribution to education and communities.DWU will also acknowledge the three Presidents who have led the university since it became a university in 1996 – founding President Professor Fr Jan Czuba, SVD, Professor Cecilia Nembou, and current President Professor Fr Philip Gibbs, SVD, OBE.A major feature of the Wewak celebrations will be a Cultural Day on Wednesday 16th September.Students and staff will showcase Papua New Guinea’s cultural diversity through traditional attire, music, dance, food and other cultural presentations.The event will also coincide with Papua New Guinea’s 51st Independence Anniversary celebrations, providing an opportunity for the DWU community to celebrate the country’s rich cultural heritage.The Wewak program will bring DWU’s 30th Anniversary celebrations to a close while highlighting the university’s continuing commitment to quality education and preparing graduates to contribute to Papua New Guinea’s future.

Samoan designer Teleasau Joy Paese will carry a powerful story of faith, family, and cultural identity onto the international stage when she presents Baseman Designs at PNG Fashion Week 2026.Born in New Zealand, raised in South Auckland, and now based in Australia, Joy will join designers from Papua New Guinea and across the region at APEC Haus in Port Moresby from 18 to 19 September.Her appearance marks an important new chapter in a creative journey shaped by personal adversity, family sacrifice, and an enduring commitment to honouring Samoa through design.“This opportunity to participate in PNG Fashion Week is a blessing and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Joy said. “I am deeply humbled and grateful to represent my culture, my family and my community on an international stage.”Joy’s earliest memories of fashion stem from the Samoan weddings she attended as a child.She remembers watching brides change between dresses and seeing bridesmaids arrive in colourful gowns that reminded her of Cinderella.Already passionate about drawing and graffiti-inspired art, Joy received awards for her artwork at school.However, it would take many years- and the encouragement of her family- before she began to see herself as a fashion designer.Her creative identity is deeply connected to her ancestral villages of Faleasi‘u, Siumu, and Papa Sataua.Her work draws inspiration from Samoa’s rich colours, siapo patterns, traditional textiles, island landscapes, and the sacred cultural symbolism associated with the malu and pe‘a.Joy describes Samoa’s language, ceremonies, sacred practices, and inherited knowledge as measina- treasures that must be protected and passed on with care.“I blend my Samoan culture with contemporary fashion by creating with respect and purpose.”“Every design must honour the meaning, integrity and stories of our heritage.”Baseman Designs takes its name from Joy’s husband, Galumalemana Auimatagi Paese, a graphic designer with more than 40 years of experience.During his career, clients who struggled to pronounce Paese began calling him “Baseman,” and the nickname eventually became the name of the family business.Auimatagi’s guidance encouraged Joy to learn new design tools and explore how Samoan art and cultural motifs could be incorporated into garments, accessories, streetwear, sports apparel, promotional products, and clothing created for significant family occasions.Joy’s first garment was not created for a runway. It was a formal dress for her daughter during a time when the family was experiencing financial difficulty and her daughter was facing bullying.Joy wanted the dress to remind her daughter that she was strong, beautiful, and worthy, and that her dark skin and Samoan identity were sources of pride.“I wanted her attire to express her response. I wanted her to stand tall, walk proudly and enjoy her evening.”That garment established the philosophy that continues to guide Baseman Designs: fashion can carry messages that words alone cannot express. It can restore confidence, honour identity, and remind people of their worth.Joy’s journey has also been profoundly influenced by her son, Lofa, who has special needs.As his full-time carer, she spent many years placing the needs of her family before her personal ambitions.She recalls experiencing painful attitudes towards disability, including an incident during a visit to Samoa in 2004 when people stared at her and Lofa as though they were carrying an illness.Rather than allowing those experiences to defeat her, Joy made them part of her purpose.“I almost gave up, but God blessed me with my special-needs son and gave me a purpose to be strong,” she said. “Lofa has taught me to love and to serve in every way.”Her work now carries a message for anyone who has felt excluded because of disability, appearance, financial circumstances, or social expectations: every person deserves to feel seen, valued, and proud.The turning point in Joy’s fashion journey came when she attended Paradise Runway in Queensland in 2026.Seeing Pacific fashion confidently presented on the runway changed the way she viewed her own potential.Supported by designer Mareva Bower, Joy contributed Samoan-inspired headpieces and accessories to the event.“Paradise Runway changed my direction. I felt that God had done this for me and my family and had begun opening doors.”Now, Baseman Designs will take its next major step at PNG Fashion Week. Joy hopes the collection will allow audiences to feel the courage, strength, beauty, and dignity of Samoa.Her longer-term creative vision includes presenting the full ceremonial attire of a Taupou- the daughter of a high chief and a Manaia, the son of a high chief.For Joy, these garments are not just seen as costumes; they represent village pride, service, family heritage, and cultural responsibility.“What makes my work stand out is the heart, culture and purpose behind every piece.”“The deeper message behind my work is love, identity and purpose. Fashion can be more than something we wear.”“It can carry our stories, honour our loved ones, represent our families and keep our culture alive.”Joy hopes to develop Baseman Designs across New Zealand, the Pacific Islands, the United States, and Europe while remaining firmly grounded in her faith and cultural values.She also wants her journey to encourage the next generation of Pacific creatives to overcome fear, believe in their abilities, and refuse to allow humble beginnings to limit their dreams.“I want the world to know that I am Baseman Designs- Joy Paese, grounded in faith, family and culture.”“Everything I create is by God’s grace. I design because God blessed me with a gift, and through His grace, purpose can grow from the humblest beginnings.”PNG Fashion Week 2026 will be held on Friday, September 18 and Saturday, September 19, at APEC Haus in Port Moresby.

The Papua New Guinea National Rugby League Competition (PNG NRLC) has recognised the outstanding players, coaches, match officials and clubs from the 2026 season at the 2026 PNG NRLC Awards Night, celebrating achievements across both the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup and Santos Cup.The annual awards brought together representatives from PNG RFL, Wan Haus partners including the PNG Chiefs, SP PNG Hunters and NRL in PNG, major sponsors, Digicel, ExxonMobil and Santos, as well as representatives from the Santos Cup and Digicel ExxonMobil Cup franchises, to acknowledge the individuals and teams who stood out throughout the 2026 season.PNG RFL Chief Executive Officer, Stanley Hondina said the recognition reflected the hard work and commitment demonstrated throughout the 2026 season.“Congratulations to all our award recipients on these milestone achievements. Your hard work, dedication, and commitment throughout the season have been recognised, and you should be proud of what you have accomplished. These awards are a testament to the effort you have put into improving yourselves and contributing to the growth of rugby league in Papua New Guinea.”DIGICEL EXXONMOBIL CUP AWARDSTop Try Scorer: Manase Watt, POM VipersTop Points Scorer: Mark Alunga, ENB GuriasRookie of the Year: Jayden Numapo, Kandes/EaglesCoach of the Year: Roderrick Puname, Mendi MuruksClub of the Year: Kandes RLCDigicel ExxonMobil Cup Team of the YearFullback of the Year: Jeremaiah Ben, POM VipersWinger of the Year: Joel William, Enga MioksCentre of the Year: Jayden Numapo, Kandes RLCFive Eight of the Year: Lote Kuman, Hela WigmenHalfback of the Year: Francis Sam, Mendi MuruksHooker of the Year: Benia Simon, Kandes RLCProp of the Year: Xavier Turi, Hela WigmenSecond Rower of the Year: Dou Tapako, Mendi MuruksLock of the Year: Modekai Waim, Enga MioksPlayer of the Year: Francis Sam, Mendi MuruksReferee of the Year: Dickson PaulSANTOS CUP AWARDSTop Try Scorer: Naomi Kelly, Gas Resources Central DabarisTop Points Scorer: Sherinda Philip, Gas Resources Central DabarisRookie of the Year: Alice AloisCoach of the Year: Ben Wemin, Moni Plus NCDC Pom VipersClub of the Year: ENB GuriasSantos Cup Team of the YearFullback of the Year: Jasmine Joe, Pom VipersWinger of the Year: Alice Alois, Pom VipersCentre of the Year: Joyce Hobert, Pom VipersFive Eight of the Year: Tere Rema, Central DabarisHalfback of the Year: Laila Malabag, Pom VipersHooker of the Year: Nisila Ravu, Central DabarisProp of the Year: Winnie Steven, Central DabarisSecond Rower of the Year: Tasha Storm, Mt. Hagen EaglesLock of the Year: Jaffinda Sap, Central DabarisPlayer of the Year: Jeffinda Sap, Central DabarisReferee of the Year: Norm EpiPNG NRLC Chief Operating Officer, Tony Archer, also congratulated the award recipients, acknowledging the consistency, discipline and commitment required to reach the highest level of recognition in the competitions.“Congratulations to all the award winners for your outstanding achievements throughout the 2026 season. Reaching this level of recognition requires consistency, discipline, and hard work, and each of you has demonstrated those qualities. We acknowledge and celebrate your achievements and look forward to seeing you continue to contribute to the game.”The 2026 PNG NRLC Awards Night provides an opportunity to recognise the contribution of players, coaches, officials and clubs to the continued growth and development of rugby league in Papua New Guinea.The PNG NRLC congratulates all award recipients and acknowledges the clubs, sponsors, match officials, staff, volunteers, and supporters who contributed to the success of the 2026 season.

​ National Capital District and Central Province Police Commander Benjamin Turi has confirmed that tickets for Sunday’s Digicel Cup Grand Final between the PRK Mendi Muruks and the ENB Agmark Gurias on September 13 at the National Football Stadium (NFS) are completely sold out.Addressing supporters planning to travel to Port Moresby from the Southern Highlands without tickets, Commander Turi warned that making the trip without a guaranteed entry pass would be a waste of time.To ensure safety, police have deployed extra manpower around the stadium and across the broader Boroko area.Commander Turi advised non-ticket holders to avoid congregating in these zones, outlining a zero-tolerance approach to public disruption:“We made mass arrests of more than 50 people last week, and we will not hesitate to do the same this Sunday if individuals travel around in groups to harass the public.”“Checkpoints will be set up in the stadium's vicinity and around the Boroko area to screen those moving in to watch the game. NCD Met Supt, PPC Central, and I, along with our support units like the Mobile Squad, Dog Unit, and reservist teams, are intact and will not tolerate violence in the city.”“Those posting threats on social media have no place in this city.”Security measures for the event include screen checkpoints, immediate removals of unauthorized vehicles parked in Boroko, and active monitoring of social media for individuals issuing online threats.Security personnel and members of the public will remain vigilant throughout the day; anyone found intoxicated or acting in a disorderly manner will be denied entry, placed into police transport vans, and taken directly to cells to face formal charges.Calling for sportsmanship and peaceful conduct among rival supporters, Commander Turi reminded attendees that only one team can win and urged everyone to respect fellow spectators and accept the final outcome when the match concludes.

ICTSI South Pacific is investing K8.1 million in new equipment at Lae’s port facilities to increase cargo-handling capacity as vessel calls rise this year.The investment supports operations at the Lae Tidal Basin’s overflow berth and Lae Main Wharf, which have been activated to handle increased vessel traffic and cargo volumes.The new equipment includes one reach stacker, two empty container handlers and five terminal trucks and trailers.The equipment will complement a mobile harbor crane already operating at Lae Main Wharf.ICTSI South Pacific Chief Executive Officer Robert Maxwell said the investment would help the company respond to growing demand while maintaining its operations.“These investments strengthen our ability to respond to growing demand while maintaining safe, efficient and reliable operations,” Maxwell said.“By adding capacity and improving how we handle cargo, we can better serve our customers as trade activity continues to grow.”The company also plans to add rubber-tired gantry cranes at South Pacific International Container Terminal and Motukea International Terminal.The cranes are expected to increase container storage density and improve truck turnaround times at the terminals.ICTSI South Pacific also plans to install a gate camera system to record the condition and status of containers as they enter and leave the terminals.The company said the investments are aimed at improving capacity, efficiency and reliability as trade activity increases in Papua New Guinea.

Children at Buk bilong Pikinini’s Tatana Library Learning Centre put their classroom learning into practice through a fun and interactive Market Day held as part of Literacy Week celebrations.The activity brought together students, teachers, parents, the Buk bilong Pikinini team and the City Pharmacy Limited Foundation to give children hands-on experience in buying, selling and managing money.Children took on different roles as customers, cashiers, stall operators and mini restaurant chefs, giving them an opportunity to experience what it is like to operate in a real marketplace.The CPL Foundation team, led by Foundation Manager Deborah Alois and Programs Officer Janice Ulaiwi, was joined by four City Pharmacy Graduate Program members – Jenitha Wale, Ratei Mackenzie, Filma Kila and William Jr Bandi.The children first withdrew pretend money from a mock BSP ATM before visiting the different stalls, where they practised spending, calculating costs, collecting change and selling items as mini cashiers.At the Restaurant Stall, children also became mini chefs, preparing and serving food and beverages with support from their parents.The Market Day featured a variety of stalls, including a Craft Stall stocked with items provided by parents, a Stationery Stall featuring materials supplied by Buk bilong Pikinini and supporters in Australia, and a Supermarket Stall with food items donated by Sanitarium and CPL.Children also visited the Vegetable Stall, which featured fresh produce supplied by 9 Mile Farm, Waterfront Foodworld and parents.The Restaurant Stall was supported with food and beverages from Trukai, 9 Mile Farm, Waterfront, Ilimo and CPL Water, while parents helped prepare the meals.The activity helped children develop practical skills in money management, decision-making, communication, counting, and teamwork in a setting designed to mirror everyday marketplace experiences.CPL Foundation Inc. Manager Deborah Alois said the Foundation was proud to support Tatana LLC and its focus on practical learning.“CPL Foundation is proud to support Buk bilong Pikinini’s Tatana Library Learning Centre because children are gaining knowledge and skills that go beyond the classroom.“Activities such as the Market Day build real-world confidence and financial literacy, alongside important learning in nutrition and STEM.“This holistic approach is why we value our partnership with Buk bilong Pikinini and remain committed to supporting Tatana LLC.”CPL also supported Buk bilong Pikinini’s 2026 Literacy Week activities by donating 10 cartons of CPL bottled water to help provide refreshments for children, teachers, volunteers and partners throughout the week.Buk bilong Pikinini acknowledged the CPL Foundation, a Platinum Sponsor of the organisation, for its continued support of the Tatana Library Learning Centre since 2014.The organisation says thousands of children have benefited from the centre’s early childhood education and literacy programs over the years, with many progressing to elementary, primary, and secondary education.The Market Day is part of Buk bilong Pikinini’s broader Literacy Week program, highlighting that literacy goes beyond reading and writing to include practical skills that help children participate confidently in everyday life.Buk bilong Pikinini thanked the CPL Foundation, its graduate program members, parents, teachers, donors and supporters for contributing to the Market Day.