The PNG Hekari FC's start in the OFC Professional League campaign did not go as hoped for after going down to the Solomon Kings FC 1- 0 this afternoon at Edan Park in Auckland, New Zealand.Solomon Kings FC made a winning start to the OFC Pro League as they overcame 10-man PNG Hekari FC in the final match of the weekend at Eden Park. The final two teams to make their competition bow, both coaches were determined to make up for the wait and lay down an early marker in Round 1. Expectations were high as both teams fielded starting line-ups packed full of attacking intent and there was no shortage of commitment in the opening 45 minutes. Solomon Kings FC forwards Rafa Lea’i and Jez Lofthouse looked dangerous but for all their hard work, no opening goal was forthcoming. PNG Hekari FC occasionally probed at the other end, but hearts were in mouths for Marcos Gusmão’s side when goalkeeper Dave Tomare was shown a red card for handling the ball outside the area. The captain, however, was given a reprieve when a VAR check proved that no contact had been made between arm and ball. PNG Hekari almost stole a lead as time ticked over the 45 minutes, when John Orobulu found himself with time and space 12 yards out. The forward, perhaps not realising how much freedom he had been afforded, snatched at his effort and flashed it over the bar. His team’s attempts at breaking the deadlock became even more challenging just after the break, however, Ati Kepo, in rather innocuous circumstances, appeared to lash out at Bobbie Leslie. Initially brandishing a yellow card, referee Veer Singh correctly upgraded to red after a VAR check showed Kepo to have connected with Leslie’s face. Both sides responded to the change in dynamic with substitutions and it was Ben Cahn’s replacements that made the difference. Japanese forward Sota Higashide, with his first touch since entering the field, connected with a low cross from William Komasi and put Solomon Kings in front. The lead was almost doubled thanks to Junior David. The forward taking advantage of the additional space available to fire an effort narrowly wide of Dave Tomare’s right-hand post. Despite being a man down, PNG Hekari FC battled admirably and on a couple of occasions threatened with their rare breaks forward. Veteran striker Raymond Gunemba coming closest with an effort from a narrow angle that flew over. The Solomon Kings comfortably held on, despite not adding to their lead, securing a crucial opening match victory.

Madang Provincial Police Commander (PPC), Acting Superintendent Robert Baim, has expressed deep frustration and issued a stern warning to maritime operators following a tragic sea mishap between Raikos and the Madang District.The incident, which occurred early Saturday morning, resulted in a boat capsizing, leaving several passengers injured and two individuals still missing at sea. This reflects the facts as they are known to date and convey a strong message regarding safety, accountability, and the actions expected of all maritime operators and the public. On the morning of January 17, 2026, at approximately 6:00 AM, a 40-horsepower banana boat departed Madang, Siar village bound for Kimbe, carrying seven passengers and more than 30 bags of betel nuts. Upon encountering rough seas outside Tabalip Point, the overloaded vessel capsized. Survivors remained in the water for nearly nine hours until a passing passenger boat rescued five individuals at 3:00 PM. The survivors were taken to the Basamuk MCC clinic for urgent medical treatment. Search efforts are currently focused on the waters surrounding Bagabag and Long Island, where it is believed the two may be drifting. Local authorities continue to coordinate recovery operations despite challenging conditions. PPC Baim expressed the continued disregard for safety advisories and warnings issued by the National Maritime Authority, national weather office and the Madang Water Police. Despite repeated alerts and public outreach, too many people appear willing to subject themselves and respond to unnecessary risk through non-essential voyages in rough conditions. “My water police officers operate with finite resources, funding, and manpower, and the tragedy we witnessed underscores the consequences of ignoring official guidance and weather advisories.” “Police are human beings like you and I; I cannot send them out to rescue you when we are under-resourced with funding and equipment,” said PPC Baim, underscoring the strain on responders and the imperative to act prudently. Ongoing search and rescue operations are coordinated with local authorities, focusing on the seas around Bagabag and Long Island where the missing skipper and owner are believed to be. Meanwhile, the survivors are receiving medical attention at Basamuk MCC company clinic in which further medical updates will be provided as they become available. In addition, a formal investigation will be conducted to determine the circumstances leading to the incident, including compliance with safety regulations, adequacy of safety equipment, and adherence to weather advisories. “Every maritime operator must ensure the vessel is seaworthy, life jackets and safety gear are available and functional, and that the crew is trained to respond to emergencies.” “Passengers should heed weather warnings, avoid non-essential travel when conditions are poor, and inform local authorities of intended routes and schedules.” Moreover, PPC Baim stated that officials and responders will continue to monitor conditions, allocate resources prudently, and prioritize saving lives while protecting our Officers. “I urge all stakeholders, boat operators, passengers, families, and communities to respect and act on official advisories.” “This is a matter of life and death, and it is everyone’s responsibility to act prudently.” “We appreciate the cooperation of the public in providing information to assist with searches and in safeguarding our responders by avoiding interference and unnecessary risks.”

The refurbished Puma Aviation Depot at Buka in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB) is now open for business.Puma Energy PNG officially opened its refurbished aviation depot on Wednesday 14th January, marking the company’s unwavering commitment to connecting the people of AROB to the rest of Papua New Guinea (PNG), and the world. “Today’s ceremony is small but it’s very important occasion as Buka airport is a key gateway into the Autonomous Region of Bougainville and in terms of transportation services,” said Aviation Manager–Commercial Manager, Carl Tammur.“Puma Energy is dedicated to delivering the highest quality products and services to our valued customers and ensuring safety at the same time,” he added.Puma Energy acknowledges the partnership with the local landowners of the area. “We believe in the potential of this region and look forward to a sustainable partnership into the future.“We are not just a fuel provider; we are a partner in the progress of AROB and PNG. With your continued support, Puma Energy will continue to set new benchmarks for excellence in the aviation industry.”Puma Energy is committed to “Energising Communities in PNG”.

Huon Gulf District has opened a newly established high school funded through the Infrastructure Development Grant (IDG), marking a major step forward in expanding access to secondary education for remote communities in Lower Watut.The school, Tsilistili Kundut High School, is located at Tsilitsili in the Wampar Local Level Government (LLG) area of Huon Gulf District of Morobe Province, and was officially opened on Friday 16th January. The project was made possible under an agreement signed with the late former Morobe Governor Luther Wenge, with funding drawn from IDG allocations for communities affected by the proposed Wafi-Golpu mining.Tsilistili Kundut High School will admit its first cohort of students in the 2026 academic year and will operate as a boarding institution, providing education opportunities for students from river-based and hard-to-reach communitiesThe opening ceremony was officiated by Huon Gulf District Member of Parliament (MP) Jason Peter, together with Morobe Provincial Education Senior Inspector Gibson Dom, who commissioned the facilities and described the school as a long-term investment in education for impacted communities.The school comprises six double classrooms, two student dormitories, and four teachers’ houses. Ablution blocks and a school mess building have also been constructed to support student welfare and daily school operations.Construction was carried out by Mairobs Building and Construction Limited, led by its Managing Director Mr. Robert Nohorou. Mr. Nohorou confirmed that the total project cost was K3.5 million, noting that a large portion of the funding was spent on logistics and transportation due to the absence of road access. He said all materials and equipment had to be transported by dugout motor canoes.Student intake will be limited to seven designated primary schools within the Lower Watut area, with all selected students progressing into Grade 9 as pioneer students, regardless of examination results, to ensure inclusivity during the school’s establishment phase.Community leaders, parents, and stakeholders welcomed the opening, describing the school as a meaningful outcome of development agreements that will deliver long-term benefits for Lower Watut communities.Officials from the Morobe Provincial Education Office, along with local business representatives Yawing Babul of Huon Technology and Mr. Ross Seymour of Coastal Freighters Limited also attended the ceremony.Enrolment preparations are now underway ahead of the school’s official commencement in 2026.

A community-based soccer tournament held in Balimo has marked the conclusion of the Kicks4Western pilot program, promoting inclusion through sport while raising awareness on health and disability issues in Western Province.The tournament, held earlier this month, brought together local participants and PNG Olympic Committee HERO athletes in what organizers described as a first-of-its-kind initiative for the province. The event coincided with World AIDS Day and the International Day for Persons with Disability, linking sport with broader community advocacy. Participants showcased soccer skills developed throughout the Kicks4Western program, while also engaging in discussions around disability inclusion, access to health services, and community connection. Players were divided into four teams representing the PNG Olympic Committee HERO values of Honesty, Excellence, Respect, and Openness. The competition concluded with a closely contested grand final that went to a penalty shootout, where Team Openness emerged champions, narrowly defeating Team Respect. The tournament was supported by PNGOC HERO athletes Linda Pulsan, a powerlifting representative, and Betty Angule, a basketball athlete, who assisted with match facilitation and engaged with participants throughout the event. Organizers highlighted inclusion as a central focus of the Kicks4Western program, ensuring opportunities were available for participants of varying interests and abilities. Beyond playing, community members were involved in timekeeping, scorekeeping, match announcing, award presentations, and event coordination. These inclusive practices were implemented across the entire program, reflecting a shared commitment by Kicks4Western organizers and the PNG Olympic Committee to create sporting environments that are accessible and empowering. Local service providers were also present throughout the tournament, delivering essential services and advocacy messages to participants and the wider Balimo community. Balimo Urban Clinic and Hospital provided health checks, including HIV and STI testing, while Western Province Community Development officers shared information on child rights and child protection. SDP Health teams were on site to provide first aid support. District Coordinator for the Western Provincial Government’s Division of Community Development, Malcolm Sandelai, commended the impact of the initiative. “This is a great initiative sport that connects so many important aspects of our work. It has been inspiring to see how these tournaments have fostered stronger collaboration among service providers,” Sandelai said. “The involvement of PNGOC HERO athletes in delivering the event was particularly motivating. You can see participants being actively engaged and excited to participate in sports for their health and wellbeing.” He added that the success of the pilot tournament demonstrated potential for future expansion. “From the success of this small tournament, we hope to see the project only grow in the future. We thank KTF and PNGOC for delivering such a successful event,” Sandelai said. Kicks4Western is part of a broader sport-for-development approach used by KTF, which has previously demonstrated positive outcomes in other regions. A 2023 evaluation of the Kicks4Kokoda program, which served as the model for the Western Province initiative, recorded increased awareness of support services, improved understanding of sexual and reproductive health, and greater confidence among participants to make informed healthcare decisions. The program is supported through a Team Up partnership funded by the Australian Government and aims to use sport as a tool to strengthen education, health awareness, and social inclusion among young people and communities. Organizers also acknowledged the contribution of SDP-funded initiatives, including students from Roy Biyama Balimo Academy and SDP Health Program teams, whose involvement supported the successful delivery of the tournament.

Five firefighters, including a female officer, have travelled to Taiwan to take part in a 12-day specialized training on “Emergency Response on Ships” under the Global Port Safety Project, funded by the European Union and the French Government.The program will be delivered by the French Navy Fire and Rescue Service in partnership with the New Caledonia Fire and Rescue Directorate. Training will focus on marine firefighting and rescue operations, including standard operating procedures for shipboard fire suppression, maritime firefighting equipment, investigation processes and team management. Acting Inspector (Training) Naomie Ruben said she was proud to be selected as a pioneer trainee and to represent the Papua New Guinea Fire and Rescue Service (PNGFRS) in the specialized course. “I am happy to learn what’s best internationally and give back to my country to protect our wharves and communities,” Inspector Ruben said. The 25-year-old from Chimbu Province holds dual diplomas in Local Level Government (LLG) and District Development Authority (DDA) Management and Public Administration from the Somare Institute of Leadership and Governance (SILAG). She said increasing opportunities for women within PNGFRS were helping to change perceptions in the service. “With PNGFRS giving more opportunities to women, we can show we are capable of what’s once dominated by men, from firefighting to training and administration,” she said. “Personally, I am thankful to take the challenge to learn new things that will improve my career and the function and service delivery of PNGFRS.” Chief Fire Officer Bill Roo, speaking during a farewell ceremony on Friday 16th January, said the training was well-timed following the expansion of PNGFRS responsibilities under the new Fire and Rescue Service Act, which now includes rescue services. “You are privileged to undergo this pioneer training. This is timely when we have added responsibilities under the new Act. Embrace the opportunity and learn as much as you can. When you return, depart those skills and knowledge you gained to your colleagues and comrades,” Roo said. The firefighters attending the training are Acting Boroko Fire Station Commander Inspector Terence Taolam, Sub Officers Ishmael Thomas and Caspar Daniel, Inspector Naomie Ruben, and Firefighter Flemming Komick.

The second Remington Hi- Tk retail store has opened in Lae city today, giving residents and businesses a variety of tech solutions for their specific needs.Officially opened by CEO Justin Kieseker and CFO Sanjay Lal, it marks a major milestone in the company’s mission to make world-class technology accessible and supported locally across Papua New Guinea (PNG).Following the success of the flagship Port Moresby showroom, the Lae outlet delivers a modern, hands-on tech retail experience to Morobe Province, featuring a wide range of smartphones, laptops, TVs, accessories, and smart gadgets from leading global brands.“Papua New Guineans shouldn’t have to chase tech overseas,” said Kieseker. “With Remington Hi-Tek, we’re bringing global-standard tech retail to Lae, backed by local service, stock, and support. This is more than a store; it’s our commitment to driving PNG’s digital future.”To celebrate the Lae launch, the Remington Hi-Tek team ran a 24-hour TikTok challenge, getting tech fans across PNG buzzing. The lucky winner, T.O.M.T.O.M3 from Lae, can now swing by the new store to grab K100 in tech goodies, all part of Remington Hi-Tek’s mission to connect with the community and keep PNG’s next-gen tech enthusiasts inspired and excited.Visitors to the Lae store can enjoy a personalized shopping experience with genuine global tech products, local warranties, competitive pricing, and access to the new online store launching this month.With over 77 years of serving Papua New Guinea, Remington Group continues to demonstrate its dedication to reliable service, local support, and growing the country’s digital economy.

BSP staff and customers at Kerevat in the East New Britain province had to be evacuated from the building for safety after a fire scare at the bank branch yesterday.The BSP Financial Group confirmed that a fire occurred at its Kerevat Branch at approximately 2:00pm on Thursday 15th January 2026. National Operations Manager for Retail Bank – Dennis Lamus said swift action by branch staff ensured the fire was contained to one area of the building. “All BSP staff were safely evacuated. An assessment is currently underway to determine the extent of damage to the building and equipment. The cause of the fire has not yet been established. “Kerevat branch will remain closed until required repair works have been completed. Customers in Kerevat may continue to access basic banking services at our Cash Agents or visit our Kokopo and Rabaul branch for assistance. Our Mobile & Internet Banking and Wantok Wallet services remain online and available for customers’ convenience,” he added. BSP sincerely thanks members of the Kerevat community for their assistance in helping to protect the branch premises.

The Sepik Futsal Association (SFA) has officially launched its 2026 program with key calendar adjustments and a renewed focus on youth participation and sports development across Wewak and surrounding communities.Following strong interest from clubs that participated in the recent Sepik FC Futsal Festival, SFA President Mr. Clarence Hukahu confirmed that a special Wewak Central Pre-Season competition will begin on Saturday January 24th.The pre-season will feature three junior divisions: Under-8 Mixed, Under-12 Mixed, and Under-16 Mixed, providing structured competition for young players who are eager to continue playing.Registration for clubs is now open and will close on Friday January 23rd, ahead of a managers’ meeting at Sir Michael Thomas Somare Stadium. Each club is required to field teams in all three divisions and must register 12 players made up of seven boys and five girls, along with a coach and a manager. The registration fee is K100 per division. Beyond the court, the SFA is also investing in capacity building. In partnership with Privilege Media Systems, the association will host a four-day Basic Sports Journalism Clinic from Wednesday January 21st to 24th. The clinic aims to equip players, officials, and volunteers with essential media and reporting skills, helping to promote local sport more effectively. Invitations have also been extended to the East Sepik Sports Unit and the Governor’s Sports Office to support the participation of all sporting codes.Meanwhile, preparations are underway to engage the wider community. Invitations will soon be sent to primary schools, high schools, and rural LLG communities for the Once-A-Month Games, a program designed to bring grassroots sport closer to young people.Mr. Hukahu said the association remains committed to its long-term vision of building futsal and creating opportunities for youth through sports, discipline, and teamwork.

The National Airports Corporation (NAC) has advised travelers and stakeholders that the Hoskins Airport runway in West New Britain province will be further shortened to allow for vital upgrade works, with the next phase scheduled to begin later this week, subject to the issuance of a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM).The upgrade project, which began in October 2025, has already progressed through Stages One, Two and Three. These works continued through the festive season to ensure uninterrupted operations for Fokker and similar or smaller aircraft during the peak travel period. With flight operations now returning to usual levels, the contractor is preparing to commence Stage Four of the project. Once this begins, the runway length will be reduced by 490 metres, from its original 1,900 metres to 1,410 metres. NAC confirmed that the remaining runway length will still accommodate Q400, ATR, Dash 8 and similar or smaller aircraft types, allowing continued air services to and from Hoskins Airport. The NAC noted that the timing of the works will depend on weather conditions, and any changes will be communicated to stakeholders as needed. According to NAC, the runway upgrade is a critical project that will significantly improve safety, security standards and overall airport operations at Hoskins. The corporation is working closely with the contractor to ensure the works progress smoothly, with minimal delays, and are completed on schedule. NAC has apologized for any inconvenience caused by the temporary runway restrictions and thanked travelers, airline operators, the business community, the people of West New Britain and the wider PNG public for their understanding and cooperation as the upgrade works continue.

The Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) has made history with the launch of its first-ever Gender Strategy, becoming the world’s first national rugby league federation to introduce a comprehensive framework dedicated to advancing gender equality in the sport.The strategy aims to advance gender equality across rugby league by fostering inclusive, safe, and empowering environments that enable women, men, girls, and boys to participate and lead at every level of the game. The development of the strategy has been supported by the Australian Government through the PNG Rugby League Pathways Development Program, which partners with PNG rugby league stakeholders to strengthen pathways for both young women’s and men’s participation and high performance in the sport. The Gender Strategy was shaped through nationwide consultations with players, coaches, and administrators, alongside a collaborative design process involving PNGRFL, the PNG NRL Academy, and staff from the PNG Rugby League Pathways Development Program. It aligns with PNGRFL’s vision of “Better People, Better Sport, Better Nation.” The strategy outlines practical actions to drive progress for women and girls across four key areas: Participation, including coaching pathways Leadership and decision-making Visibility, including media representation Safe and respectful environments PNGRFL is believed to be the first national rugby league federation globally to develop such a comprehensive gender equality framework, and the first sporting organization in Papua New Guinea to do so — positioning PNG as a regional leader in the Pacific. Announcing the strategy ahead of a landmark year for women’s rugby league in 2026, including PNG hosting Women’s Rugby League World Cup matches, PNGRFL Chief Executive Officer Stanley Hondina said the strategy would guide the organization’s future direction. “In recent years, PNGRFL has prioritized rugby league for women and girls as part of our overall strategy. This document will help focus our activities and programs to make real impact,” Mr. Hondina said. “This is not just about encouraging more girls and women to play rugby league. It reflects our ambition to see more women in leadership and decision-making roles, in off-field positions such as coaching and refereeing, to amplify positive media coverage of women in rugby league, and to make our sport safer and more welcoming for all.” Santos PNG Orchids player Carol Humeu, who has represented Papua New Guinea at the past two World Cups, welcomed the strategy and its long-term vision. “I am encouraged that our up-and-coming players, both female and male, will be supported to participate equally in our national sport,” Ms. Humeu said. “I have seen significant change since I began playing rugby league in 2012, and I believe this strategy will help advance gender equality in and through rugby league even further.” Mt Hagen Eagles Women’s Head Coach and 2025 Santos Cup Coach of the Year, Regila Wifred, described the strategy as a breakthrough for women’s rugby league, particularly in the Highlands. “This is a huge step forward for PNG rugby league,” Ms. Wifred said. “It has taken many years to build a professional environment for women in the Highlands, and this strategy will help us build on what we have achieved and create opportunities for more women across all regions as leaders, coaches, and players.” Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, His Excellency Ewen McDonald, said the Australian Government was proud to support the initiative. “This is a significant milestone for rugby league in Papua New Guinea,” High Commissioner McDonald said. “A structured framework that promotes safer, more inclusive, and empowering environments for women and girls will have far-reaching benefits for the nation and is an important step on PNG’s pathway towards an NRLW franchise in the future.”

Internal investigations carried out by the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNG) in Eastern Highlands Province (EHP) have resulted in multiple arrests, charges, and court referrals involving both police officers and civilians.The Constabulary’s Internal Affairs Division recently submitted a detailed report to police leadership outlining the outcomes of investigations conducted following violent clashes in Goroka during the 2025 academic year, particularly those linked to unrest at the University of Goroka.Acting Commissioner of Police Samson Kua said the investigations were prompted by numerous complaints lodged against Goroka Police at the height of the clashes, leading to the deployment of an independent and impartial Internal Affairs team from Port Moresby.He said the Internal Affairs team temporarily suspended both the Provincial Police Commander and the Goroka Police Station Commander while investigations were carried out and also extended inquiries to complaints raised by civilians.The two senior officers have since resumed their duties; however, their cases remain under review by the Internal Affairs Division.As part of the investigations, three men, identified as Barnabas Simahe, Neriso Philip, and Jerson Baina, were arrested and charged for Unlawful Assault under Section 6(3) of the Summary Offence Act. Each was fined K2,000, with a default sentence of two years’ imprisonment.Two additional civilians, Keith Kitika and Ricky Gahaizo, were arrested and charged for Unlawful Assembly under Section 64 of the PNG Criminal Code Act. Their cases are currently pending before the committal court.Acting Commissioner Kua explained that while many individuals were involved in the violence, only five suspects were arrested because they were clearly identified by witnesses who came forward to assist investigators.He said several students implicated in the clashes could not be apprehended as they had discontinued their studies and returned to their home provinces, but investigations will continue when they resume classes.“These results indicate the positive actions taken by the Constabulary in dealing with offences committed at the height of the University of Goroka clashes, resulting in injuries, destruction to properties and suspension of clashes for the 2025 academic year,” Kua said.The Internal Affairs Division also investigated reports of police misconduct connected to the discovery of a male body in the Yonki Dam on October 25, 2025.During the investigation, the Rural Police Station Commander assigned to the case was attacked by local residents, which escalated into a retaliatory police response that resulted in looting and destruction of property at the Agamore Market.Acting Commissioner Kua said two male suspects, a PNG Power employee and a police reservist, were arrested and charged with willful murder.In addition, nine members of Kainantu Police were arrested and served with serious disciplinary charges for their involvement in looting and destroying the Agamore Market.He added that four more police officers linked to the Yonki homicide investigation are currently under Internal Affairs scrutiny and will be arrested soon.A separate case involved a police reservist accused of causing grievous bodily harm to a man from Kimiyau Village in Goroka. The accused, Reserve Constable Richard Gotaha, was arrested and charged by Internal Affairs investigators, and the matter is now before the committal court.Mr. Kua commended members of the Internal Affairs Division for enforcing the law firmly and upholding discipline and ethical standards within the Constabulary in Eastern Highlands Province.He said such actions are critical to rebuilding public trust and confidence in policing, not only in Eastern Highlands Province but across the country.