PNG Haus Bung

The PNG Chiefs have today announced Papua New Guinea gold producer K92 Mining as a Major Partner of the club on a long-term commercial agreement.K92 Mining will support the PNG Chiefs across the next six years with support in its Foundation (2026) and pre-NRL (2027) seasons, followed by four NRL seasons from 2028 to 2031 as the club officially makes its entry into the NRL competition.The partnership – which will combine strong investment with a shared commitment to community, workforce development and long-term opportunities for Papua New Guineans – will see K92 Mining feature on the back of the shorts of the PNG Chiefs.K92 Mining will also receive brand recognition on elite training apparel, stadium signage and media backdrop presence, as well as hospitality and executive access. A key feature of the partnership will be an annual Community and Workforce Impact Allocation, which will provide funding for staff engagement, development and community initiatives. The partnership will also include community days in K92-supported communities, youth clinics and shared legacy projects.PNG Chiefs CEO Lorna McPherson welcomed K92 Mining on board as a partner.“We’re delighted to welcome K92 to the PNG Chiefs family and we look forward to building a partnership that goes well beyond the football field,” she said. “K92 Mining is a Papua New Guinean business that understands the importance of investing in people and communities, and that makes this partnership particularly meaningful.”“We want this club to be something which all Papua New Guineans are proud of, and we want to create opportunities and leave a positive legacy. This partnership gives us the opportunity to work together in communities, engage young people and create initiatives where we can deliver a genuine and measurable impact for PNG.”K92 Mining Chief Executive Officer and Director David Medilek said the partnership reflected the company’s long-term commitment to Papua New Guinea and its people.“We are proud to join the PNG Chiefs as a Major Partner and support a team that will represent Papua New Guinea in the world’s premier rugby league competition. “Papua New Guinean players have made significant contributions to the NRL for decades, and the Chiefs will now give the country a team of its own to rally behind.”“For a nation so passionate about rugby league, this is a moment of immense national pride and an opportunity to inspire the next generation. “Rugby league brings people together and means so much to Papua New Guineans, and we share the excitement of fans across the country.”“This long-term partnership reflects our commitment to Papua New Guinea and its people, and we look forward to supporting the Chiefs both on the field and through initiatives that engage communities and create opportunities for Papua New Guineans.”K92 Mining operates the high-grade underground Kainantu Gold Mine in the Eastern Highlands Province of Papua New Guinea, producing gold, silver and copper.

Police officers serving under the Northern Command have been warned against abusing their authority, intimidating members of the public and using unlawful force.Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police for Northern Command, Chief Superintendent Samson Siguyaru, says the imprisonment of four police officers for a combined 52 years should serve as a serious warning that police misconduct can have legal consequences.Siguyaru says police officers are expected to uphold the law, protect the public and respect the rights of every person, regardless of the circumstances.He has directed provincial police commanders under the Northern Command to remind their personnel of their responsibilities and ensure officers comply with established police procedures and legal requirements.The warning reinforces the expectation that police officers must exercise their powers lawfully and remain accountable for their actions while carrying out their duties.Siguyaru says police personnel must not use their positions to threaten, intimidate or mistreat members of the public.The imprisonment of the four officers, serving a combined 52 years, highlights the serious consequences officers may face when their actions result in criminal convictions.Siguyaru has urged police commanders to ensure their personnel understand the importance of professional conduct, respect for human rights and accountability in policing.The Northern Command oversees policing across several provinces and is responsible for ensuring officers maintain discipline and carry out their duties in accordance with the law.Police officers are not above the law and must be prepared to answer for their actions.

PNG LNG has hopped on to PNG Chiefs sponsorship wagon as a Premier Partner on a multi-year agreement.Through this alliance, the PNG LNG branding will be on the top back of the PNG Chiefs men’s playing jersey from the club’s inaugural NRL season in 2028, alongside a strong presence across stadium signage, media backdrops, digital channels and hospitality.This also gives PNG LNG exclusive partnership rights in the oil and gas category that will extend well beyond the playing field. This paves way for the PNG Chiefs and PNG LNG to work on an industry-leading Education and Pathways Program, including secondary school engagement, an PNG LNG Pathways Academy at the club’s Centre of Excellence, mentoring, work experience and support for players moving into the workforce after football.PNG Chiefs CEO Lorna McPherson stated that the partnership aligned with the club’s ambition to create opportunities beyond rugby league.“PNG LNG is one of Papua New Guinea’s major private sector investors, and we’re proud to welcome them as a Premier Partner as the PNG Chiefs build towards our first NRL season and continue to make an impact on our nation,” McPherson said.“This is a substantial investment into our club, but we want this partnership to reach beyond what happens in 80 minutes on the field each week.“By working together on education and career pathways, we can help young people see the opportunities available to them and support players as they plan for life after the game. As we establish a club for all Papua New Guineans, partnerships like this will help create lasting connections between the team, schools and communities.“We look forward to working with PNG LNG to build opportunities that will benefit people across the country.” She adds.During the signing ceremony, ExxonMobil PNG Chairman and Managing Director Dinesh Sivasamboo, remarked that the Chief was more than just a team but a nation unifier.“The PNG Chiefs are more than just a team. They are a core part of the national vision for a unified and prosperous Papua New Guinea, and it is truly inspiring to stand alongside the PNG Chiefs in the build-up to their NRL start in 2028.”PNG LNG PNG Limited operates the $19 billion PNG LNG project and is one of Papua New Guinea’s largest private sector investors, supplying the country with fuel and future energy developments.

Papua New Guinea will be represented by four swimmers at the World Aquatics Swimming Championships (25m) in Beijing, China, from December 1 to 6, 2026.Papua New Guinea Swimming Inc. (PNGSI) has selected Helena Faunt, Josh Tarere, Thomas Chen, and Jhnayali Tokome-Garap for the international competition, where they will face some of the world's leading short-course swimmers.All four athletes are currently training in Brisbane and Melbourne and will be accompanied by coach Rick Van der Zant and team manager Carly Pini.Faunt, representing Boroko Amateur Swimming Club (BASC), will make her international debut following her recent record-breaking performance at the FedEx National Short Course Swimming Championships in Lae, Morobe.The 14-year-old swimmer clocked 28.38 seconds in the girls' 50-metre short-course freestyle, breaking the previous national age-group record of 28.55 seconds held by Savannah Tkatchenko since 2014.Tarere and Chen, both members of the BSP Kundu Gold Target Squad, bring valuable international experience to the team following their participation in the recent Commonwealth Games.Tokome-Garap, a member of the BSP Kundu Platinum Target Squad, also joins the team after a remarkable run of performances in international competition.She set three PNG national age-group short-course records in the girls' 17-year-old 50-metre freestyle, backstroke and butterfly at the Queensland Short Course Championships in Brisbane in August.She also broke the PNG national age-group long-course record in the girls' 17-year-old 50-metre butterfly at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in July.Tarere, Chen and Tokome-Garap have each competed at multiple World Aquatics Swimming Championships, giving the team valuable experience ahead of the Beijing event.PNGSI said the selection reflected the swimmers' development, performances and experience within the national athlete pathway.The championships will provide the four athletes with an opportunity to test themselves against elite international competition.PNGSI congratulated the selected swimmers and acknowledged the contribution of their clubs, coaches.

Prime Minister James Marape has called for free, fair, transparent and credible 2027 National General Elections, confirming that the Government has already provided K50 million to the Papua New Guinea Electoral Commission and expects to formally present a further K150 million today, Tuesday, 20 October 2026.Prime Minister Marape said the additional K150 million, allocated through the 2026 Supplementary Budget, would bring the Government’s total commitment to K200 million ahead of next year’s elections.“Our government has already provided K50 million, and we expect to present another K150 million, bringing our total commitment to K200 million,” Prime Minister Marape said.“With this level of funding, we expect the Electoral Commission to step up preparations and deliver free, fair and credible elections in which every eligible Papua New Guinean has the opportunity to vote.”The Prime Minister said the funding must translate into improvements in electoral rolls, polling arrangements, logistics, training of election officials and election security.He called for consideration of polling arrangements that would allow sufficient time for voters to participate, particularly in remote and difficult areas.“We must consider arrangements that give our people adequate time to vote, including polling over one week where necessary, rather than restricting everyone to a single day,” he said.“We must properly train our election officials and ensure police and security personnel are prepared to protect the electoral process.”Prime Minister Marape stressed that electoral officials, police officers, security personnel and public servants must carry out their responsibilities professionally and impartially.“Run a fair election. Defend the electoral process and allow our people to exercise their democratic rights without fear, intimidation or interference.”

Nambawan Super Ltd (NSL) has signed a landmark three-year sponsorship deal with the PNG Chiefs, becoming their official superannuation partners ahead of Chiefs inaugural season in 2028.With this deal, the NSL logo will be displayed on the lower back of the official PNG Chiefs playing jersey starting from the upcoming consumer merchandise window and continuing through the team’s early development and entry into the league. Moreover, NSL now gains brand and category exclusivity along with a strong presence across the clubs broadcast, digital and merchandise platforms.NSL Board Chairman Richard Sinamoi expressed great pride in the long-term strategic alignment and the profound national significance underpinning the partnership."As a Board, we are incredibly excited to support this initiative that carries a stable, ten-year bilateral government commitment from both Papua New Guinea and Australia. This long-term international framework removes short-term political uncertainties, establishing a highly secure and professional foundation for a national development intervention that all our Members and Papua New Guineas can be very proud of.”“This partnership allows our members to be a part of Papua New Guinea's pride and joy as our team steps onto the global NRL stage; beloved by our Members and Papua New Guineans right across the country, fostering immense national unity and ensuring Member-owned domestic capital drives our country's historic sporting future." Sinamoi stated.Moreover, Chief Executive Officer of NSL added that this alliance is a cornerstone of their strategic vision to grow and diversify membership base."Historically, Nambawan Super has been perceived by many as exclusively a fund for public sector employees, but this high-impact national platform enables us to boldly clarify our brand position to show that we are open, forward-thinking, and built for all working Papua New Guineans.”“Only a small fraction of our Nation’s population - around 10%, currently benefits from superannuation. We aim to use this prominent platform to spark a national shift toward total financial coverage in retirement.”He further added that this collaboration places them alongside an elite group of leading domestic, international brands and corporations that unite behind the club such as Bank South Pacific, SP Brewery and Toyota, which are also prominent investee companies within Nambawan Super's portfolio.“When you look at the scale and shared vision of this alliance, bringing together Papua New Guinea’s number one superfund and the country's number one bank to stand alongside our nation's number one sporting team is a completely natural and powerful synergy. It is a partnership that makes perfect strategic sense for our members; uniting the stewards of their financial future with the pioneers of our sporting future on a truly historic international stage."

The Australia-Papua New Guinea Ministerial Forum will take place in Port Moresby today, bringing ministers together to advance shared priorities and deepen our partnership.This will be the first Ministerial Forum since Prime Ministers Albanese and Marape announced the entry into force of the Pukpuk Treaty in July, marking a new chapter in our relationship. The Treaty establishes Papua New Guinea's first alliance with any country and Australia's first new alliance in more than 70 years.Sustained engagement with partners like Papua New Guinea is essential to supporting a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.As well as the Deputy Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister, Australia will be represented by:The Hon Amanda Rishworth MP, Minister for Employment and Workplace RelationSenator the Hon Murray Watt, Minister for the Environment and WaterThe Hon Anika Wells MP, Minister for Communications, Minister for SportThe Hon Pat Conroy MP, Minister for Defence Industry, Minister for Pacific Island AffairsThe Hon Kristy McBain MP, Minister for Emergency Management, Minister for Regional Development, Territories and Local GovernmentThe Hon Nita Green MP, Assistant Minister for Pacific Island AffairsThe breadth and seniority of Australia's delegation demonstrate the priority we place on our relationship with Papua New Guinea.This year's Forum will focus on translating the ambition of our Alliance into practical outcomes that benefit Australians and Papua New Guineans, including strengthening our defence and security partnership and cooperation on telecommunications and critical infrastructure.The Ministerial Forum will be held alongside the annual Papua New Guinea – Australia Business Dialogue, bringing government and business representatives together to identify opportunities to increase trade and investment, support jobs and strengthen economic resilience.Together, Australia and Papua New Guinea are addressing shared challenges, seizing new opportunities and supporting the long-term prosperity and security of both our nations.Following the Forum, the Deputy Prime Minister will travel to Timor-Leste on 21 October, further strengthening our partnership and defence cooperation. It will be his second visit to Timor-Leste since the establishment of a Parseria Foun ba Era Foun (New Partnership for a New Era) by Prime Ministers Albanese and Gusmão earlier this year.

Education Minister Francis Kikin Siune has congratulated Grade 10 and Grade 12 students across Papua New Guinea for successfully completing their 2026 National Examinations, while condemning examination fraud and violence against education personnel.The Minister acknowledged the hard work, dedication, and resilience demonstrated by students throughout the academic year, describing the completion of national examinations as a significant milestone in their educational journey.“You have done yourselves, your families, and your country proud.”He also thanked teachers, school administrators, and parents for their commitment and support in ensuring the examinations proceeded smoothly, without major disruptions across most parts of the country.“Our teachers and parents are the backbone of our education system.”However, Minster Siune raised concerns over incidents that threatened the integrity and safety of the examination process.A few days before the examinations began on October 12, fake Grade 12 Physics and Advanced Mathematics papers were circulated online and among teacher and student groups.The Minister clarified that the papers were false, repeating that the Department of Education maintains strict security measures to protect national examination materials.He also condemned an incident in Hela Province in which a Grade 12 examination invigilator was allegedly attacked and slashed with a bush knife after confiscating a mobile phone from a student who had brought it into the examination room.“Violence against our teachers and examination supervisors is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”“Invigilators perform a crucial civic duty to maintain fairness and academic integrity.”He said law enforcement agencies were pursuing those responsible and warned that anyone involved in examination cheating or violence against education personnel would face the full force of the law.

Prime Minister James Marape has announced that Cabinet has approved measures to curtail unnecessary government expenditure as Papua New Guinea responds to the effects of El Niño, rising living costs and other economic pressures.They include nonessential official travel, conferences, meetings and programmes.  Prime Minister Marape said the decision was necessary to ensure that limited public funds were directed towards urgent national priorities, particularly disaster response, essential government services and development projects capable of being completed before the end of 2026. “Cabinet has approved that we must cut back on all unnecessary travel, conferences, meetings and government programmes that are not essential at this time,” Prime Minister Marape said. “We are going through difficult times as a country. El Niño is affecting our communities, the cost of living remains high, and our people are facing increasing pressure.” “This is not the time for unnecessary spending. Government departments, agencies and public institutions must exercise financial discipline and ensure that every kina is spent responsibly.” Marape said Cabinet’s decision would require government agencies to review their remaining activities and expenditure commitments for 2026, giving priority to programmes that directly benefit the people. He said official travel, workshops, conferences and meetings that could be postponed, conducted through alternative arrangements or avoided altogether, they should not place unnecessary demands on public finances.“Our priority must be to help our people through these difficult times, maintain essential services and complete the important work already underway,” he said.“Government money must be used where it is needed most — supporting communities affected by disasters, maintaining health and education services, and ensuring that critical infrastructure and development programmes continue.”

The East New Britain Provincial Health Authority (ENBPHA) is committed to ensuring that the newly built Molot Health Centre in the Duke of York Islands (DOY) has the much-needed medicines and equipment in stock for inpatients seeking medical attention.Speaking at the recent opening of the facility, Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Director of Curative Services Dr. Patrick Kiromat noted that the seven-year impasse, caused by various delays, has finally come to an end.He highlighted that residents will no longer need to undertake dangerous boat journeys during bad weather and rough seas just to seek medical treatment.The elevation of the facility from a community health post to a level three health centre means it can now serve inpatients.Previously, the facility functioned primarily as a delivery suite, requiring patients to be referred to St. Mary’s Vunapope Hospital or Nonga General Hospital (Rabaul Provincial Hospital).“The elevation of the facility being from a community health post to a level three health centre status serves as an inpatient unlike previously as a delivery suite where referrals will be made to St Mary’s Vunapope Hospital and Rabaul Provincial Hospital,” Dr. Kiromat explained.As part of this transition, the ENBPHA will work closely with the Kokopo District Development Authority and National Health Services Standards to improve two additional aid posts on the island, ensuring comprehensive medical coverage for the people of DOY.Relieved that essential health services are finally within reach, DOY Local Level Government (LLG) President, Jack Kongkong, pledged his full commitment to supporting the facility's operations and its staff.“This Health Centre will make a big difference to us the people of Duke of York. Our people will not die anymore because of no health worker,” President Kongkong stated.“As a president, I will now make commitment at a very high standard that all the staff will be well looked after and assisted to carry out outreach programs into the 21 wards.”On behalf of the ENBPHA management, Dr. Kiromat extended his gratitude to East New Britain Governor Michael Marum, Kokopo MP Ereman ToBaining Jnr, and the local community for their joint efforts in bringing the project to fruition.“Today, we are grateful to have this health service re-open again after the last past 7 years and so on behalf of ENBPHA, I would like to thank the Governor, Kokopo MP and everyone, including the LLG that has contributed to make this a reality. Congratulations to everyone,” Dr. Kiromat said.The newly opened Molot Health Centre can accommodate up to 30 inpatients daily, including mothers in labor, effectively answering long-standing calls for accessible healthcare.Beyond serving the Duke of York Islands, the facility will also extend its services to villagers from neighboring Watom Island.

Prime Minister James Marape has pledged his government’s commitment to combating sorcery accusation-related violence (SARV) in Papua New Guinea. He expressed support for funding the National Action Plan, establishing a coordinated secretariat and involving frontline organisations in efforts to protect victims and bring perpetrators to justice. Marape gave the assurance in Parliament in response to questions without notice from Opposition Leader James Nomane, who called for urgent Government intervention to address what he described as one of the country’s gravest human rights crises. Mr. Nomane highlighted findings by the Australian National University recording 1,039 incidents involving 1,553 victims across four provinces over a four-year period, with more than 98 per cent of cases reportedly failing to reach the courts. He questioned why the Sorcery Accusation-Related Violence National Action Plan, introduced in 2015, remained unfunded and largely unimplemented after 11 years. The Opposition Leader sought the Prime Minister’s commitment to an initial K50 million allocation in the 2027 Development Budget, the establishment of a dedicated SARV Secretariat under the Department of Prime Minister and National Executive Council, and the inclusion of frontline organisations, including the Melanesian Institute, Tribal Foundation and churches. Prime Minister Marape welcomed the questions, describing sorcery accusation-related violence as unacceptable and particularly devastating for vulnerable women and girls.“I want to place on record my appreciation to the Opposition Leader for raising a very, very important question,” Prime Minister Marape said. “This is unacceptable in 2026, as it was unacceptable in the past.”The prime minister then assured Parliament that he would convene an early working meeting in his office involving relevant Government agencies and frontline stakeholders to determine practical steps towards implementing the National Action Plan.

The Mineral Resources Development Company (MRDC) will open its Kutubu Heritage Hotel in November 2026.This new facility will give travellers a base from which to explore Mount Bosavi in Kutubu, Southern Highlands Province, which the MRDC Managing Director Augustine Mano has called "Papua New Guinea's Jurassic Park".The crater of this extinct volcano, about four kilometres across and one kilometre deep, shelters a rainforest so isolated that a 2009 expedition by the BBC, the Smithsonian Institution and Papua New Guinean researchers found the Bosavi woolly rat, the world's largest rat, along with other species new to science.The hotel will also provide access to two of the province's leading natural attractions, Lake Kutubu, Papua New Guinea's second-largest lake and home to fish species found nowhere else, and the Beaver Falls, also known as Wasi Falls, one of the country's most spectacular waterfalls. Together with Mount Bosavi, these sites position Kutubu as a significant nature and cultural tourism destination for the Southern Highlands Province.Since August, PNG Air has flown into Moro every Monday and Thursday from Port Moresby and Mount Hagen, the first regular passenger service there in six years. The route is served by the Mangi Kutubu, an ATR 42-600 owned by MRDC subsidiary Petroleum Resources Kutubu and leased to PNG Air, the first aircraft PNG landowners have bought and leased to a major national airline.The aircraft, the MRDC Group's stake in PNG Air and the Kutubu Heritage Hotel form a chain designed to keep the benefits of tourism with landowners and local communities. It is MRDC's way forward for building lasting wealth beyond mining and petroleum.Mr. Mano said conservation must sit at the heart of this growth. "Once a species becomes extinct, it cannot be brought back," he said. "We are investing ahead of established tourism demand, and that carries commercial risk. But we believe the long-term economic value justifies taking that risk."