PNG Haus Bung

With support from the Governments of the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is partnering with national, provincial, and local authorities to protect vulnerable communities from El Niño.As El Niño-related drought, frost, and water scarcity threaten food security, livelihoods, and essential services, IOM is supporting government-led, evidence-based action across Papua New Guinea.This initiative contributes to the wider United Nations El Niño Anticipatory Action, Response and Resilient Recovery Plan by strengthening technical readiness, generating timely data, and delivering targeted support to communities in need.As dry conditions affect different parts of the country, IOM is helping government counterparts identify emerging risks, improve preparedness, and guide assistance to the last mile.This support reflects the three interconnected areas of the United Nations approach: coordinated technical support; stronger data and evidence for decision-making; and last-mile delivery across anticipatory action, response, and early recovery.In West New Britain and New Ireland, IOM has integrated El Niño questions into ongoing Tropical Cyclone Maila last-mile assessments, enabling provincial authorities to use existing deployments to reach remote communities.Preliminary findings point to damage to food gardens, reduced harvests, rising food prices, water shortages, and interruptions to schooling. The evidence is helping authorities prioritize needs and plan timely action.In Hela Province, more than 40 government officials, including district and Local-Level Government managers, agriculture and community development officers, and disaster management focal points, completed IOM-supported training on drought preparedness, community awareness, and digital assessments.Participants will support awareness and assessments across the province’s four districts and eighteen Local-Level Governments, strengthening local systems for early action.In the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, IOM is supporting the authorities in operationalizing drought preparedness and response plans.Following technical support to the Bougainville Directorate of Disaster, the North Bougainville District Development Authority approved PGK 3.5 million for drought response.IOM is now supporting government-led assessments, preparedness planning, and response and recovery training, so resources can be directed to priority needs.With support from the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office through the Climate Action for a Resilient Asia (CARA) Flexible Fund, IOM and the Autonomous Bougainville Government are also delivering community training in Iangain, Wonolek Ward, and Pinapel Island.The training builds on community consultations and drought assessments, focusing on disaster risk reduction, sustainable agriculture, nature-based approaches, and water management, turning locally identified priorities into practical last-mile action.“Preparedness begins before a crisis. By aligning partner support with government leadership and coordinated United Nations efforts, we can identify risks early, use evidence to direct resources where they are most needed, and help communities protect lives and livelihoods,” said Tedius Owiti, IOM’s Chief of Mission ad interim.With support from the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom, IOM will continue working with government and United Nations partners to strengthen coordination, generate timely evidence, and deliver targeted last-mile support to communities most at risk from El Niño.

The National Economic and Fiscal Commission (NEFC) has highlighted the need to improve health funding and accountability at the 25th National Health Conference held at APEC Haus in Port Moresby on October 8 and 9, 2026.NEFC Principal Policy Analyst for Cost and Finance, Mala Marare, presented on health financing reforms and ways to strengthen the governance and financial arrangements of Provincial Health Authorities (PHAs).Mr. Marare said health funding must reflect the actual cost of delivering services to ensure hospitals and health facilities have the resources they need to serve communities.He highlighted the establishment of PHAs as an important step towards bringing provincial hospitals and rural primary health services under a more integrated management system, while noting that challenges remain in funding and service delivery capacity.As part of its ongoing Intergovernmental Financing Arrangement Review (IGFAR), NEFC is conducting a proposed Cost of Services Study covering 20 PHAs.The study will examine the costs of hospital treatment, public health programs, administrative operations and governance, as well as assess the capabilities of Level 4 and Level 5 hospitals.Mr. Marare noted that health authorities face different operating costs and service delivery challenges, meaning funding arrangements must account for their individual needs rather than apply the same cost estimates across all facilities.The findings are expected to help guide future health funding decisions, strengthen accountability and ensure resources are directed towards improving services for communities across Papua New Guinea.NEFC said its participation in the conference reflects its commitment to providing evidence-based policy advice to support fairer distribution of public resources and a more effective health system nationwide.

Thirty-nine teachers from Taurama Primary School visited the Melanesian Haus Exhibition booth in Waigani, Port Moresby, for the first time on Friday, October 9, to learn more about Papua New Guinea’s political and administrative history.The educational tour formed part of the school’s activities for International Teachers’ Day, observed on October 5, and aimed to strengthen teachers’ knowledge of the country’s national identity and governance history.Chief Secretary Ivan Pomaleu, OBE, commended the initiative, saying teachers who understand the nation’s history are better equipped to pass that knowledge on to students.He said the visit provided an opportunity for educators to connect with the people, events and institutions that have shaped PNG’s development.Led by Head Teacher Marilyn Komeng, the tour involved 39 of the school’s 42 teachers, who explored historical artefacts, cultural displays and timelines documenting the country’s journey from pre-independence to the present day.The exhibition also features portraits of PNG’s past and present prime ministers, chief secretaries and governors-general, alongside political memorabilia and cultural artefacts representing the country’s provinces.Ms. Komeng said the experience gave teachers valuable first-hand knowledge that would help them deliver more engaging and informative lessons in the classroom.She also thanked Mr. Pomaleu for establishing a Special Events Committee within the Department of Prime Minister and National Executive Council to coordinate and support educational visits.Mr. Pomaleu encouraged other schools to consider similar tours, highlighting the role of informed teachers in educating future generations about the country’s history and development.Ms. Komeng said stronger partnerships between schools and government institutions were important for teachers’ professional development and would help prepare them for future educational visits.

Thousands of residents in Saroa village, Rigo District, Central Province, are struggling to find enough water as prolonged dry conditions continue.Families are waking up as early as 4am to collect water from the drying Ginimare creek and local wells.According to local Village Councillor Koroa Koroa, the village depends on two wells — one used for washing and another for cooking and drinking.Residents say household water tanks have run dry, forcing people to queue for water or travel to other communities.Those with transport can collect water from the Kempweltch River near Kwikila, while some families depend on relatives in Port Moresby.The crisis is also affecting food supplies.Local resident Jerry Gari said food gardens are producing little, leaving families increasingly dependent on purchased food and financial support from relatives.Residents are calling for urgent government assistance, including emergency water supplies and food relief.The situation raises serious concerns about how rural communities will cope if dry conditions continue into December and January.For families in Saroa, access to clean drinking water has become a daily struggle.

As the El Nino weather condition continues its torment in part of the country, the prime minister has now called for the immediate mobilization of resources for disaster assistance for impacted communities.Prime Minister James Marape has directed all Provincial and District Administrations throughout Papua New Guinea to immediately mobilise Disaster Relief and Assistance for communities affected by the ongoing El Niño-induced dry weather conditions and other Disaster-related challenges, assuring the nation that the Marape-Rosso Government remains committed to supporting affected communities.  Prime Minister Marape said the National Government has already made Disaster Funding available for transfer to the relevant accounts, and District and Provincial Authorities must now take responsibility for ensuring that assistance reaches people who need it most.“We have Funds for Disaster Transfer to all our accounts already. I want all our Districts to start get to work on making sure our people are saved and let’s start to work on this,” Prime Minister Marape said.The prime minister stressed that the Government’s immediate priority is to ensure the safety and welfare of citizens, particularly those in rural and remote communities experiencing difficulties associated with prolonged dry weather and other natural disasters. He said the Government recognises the challenges confronting affected communities and is determined to ensure that assistance is coordinated effectively through established District, Provincial and National Government structures.Prime Minister Marape called on all District Administrators and relevant Government Authorities to take proactive measures to identify affected communities, assess their immediate needs and coordinate appropriate Relief Assistance without unnecessary delays.“Every District must now step up their game in making sure we attend to our people’s needs wherever they are. We have no time to waste. Start to assist our people,” he said.The Prime Minister emphasised that District Administrations are the first points of contact for communities requiring assistance and must work closely with Provincial Authorities to ensure that emerging Disaster situations are promptly reported and addressed.He encouraged citizens experiencing hardship from the prevailing weather conditions and related disasters to immediately contact their respective District Administrations.“If any one of you out there throughout our country feeling this, as I’ve always been saying, go to your District Administrators,” Prime Minister Marape said.

Papua New Guinea’s experience in improving the distribution of government funding to provincial and local-level administrations has been presented at an international forum in Manila, Philippines.The National Economic and Fiscal Commission (NEFC) represented PNG at the inaugural Intergovernmental Fiscal Institutions Network (IGFIN) meeting held from September 28 to 29, bringing together senior officials from fiscal commissions, councils and related institutions to discuss funding arrangements, decentralization and service delivery.The meeting provided PNG with an opportunity to share lessons from nearly two decades of experience following the 2009 intergovernmental financing reforms, while learning from other countries as the Government reviews its current Intergovernmental Financing Arrangement Review (IGFAR).NEFC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Alphonse Kapi Malipu MBE told participants that the key issue was not just how much funding was transferred to provincial and local governments, but whether the money was enough to meet the actual costs of delivering essential services.Presenting on Social and Human Development Transfers, Mr. Malipu highlighted the challenges of distributing resources across PNG’s 22 provinces, 96 districts and more than 300 local-level governments.He pointed to differences in geography, population, remoteness, infrastructure and financial capacity, which influence how much it costs to deliver services in different parts of the country.Drawing on NEFC’s Cost of Services work, Mr. Malipu explained that PNG’s funding approach considers government responsibilities, minimum service standards, service delivery costs, fiscal capacity and equalization to address differences between provinces.He said the effectiveness of funding arrangements should be measured by whether resources reflect local needs, reach communities and improve service delivery outcomes.Participants also discussed funding for health, education and social protection, including the role of Provincial Health Authorities and the use of targeted grants, performance conditions and equalization mechanisms to improve social outcomes.The discussions come as PNG undertakes the IGFAR process to determine which aspects of the existing financing system should be retained, amended or strengthened.NEFC Principal Policy Analyst and IGFAR Project Manager Nigel Ainui said the commission’s approach was based on evidence and data, with the cost of delivering services and assessments of provincial fiscal capacity forming the foundation of the system.Mr. Ainui said the 2009 reforms had significantly shaped how subnational governments were funded, but the experience gained over the years made a review necessary.He said the establishment of Provincial Health Authorities, District Development Authorities and City Authorities had also created new questions about service delivery responsibilities, funding and accountability.The ongoing review provides an opportunity to ensure funding arrangements remain aligned with these changing institutional structures.Other NEFC representatives also contributed to the Manila discussions, with Director Policy Eric Kumasan participating in discussions on institutional roles in revenue sharing, while Director Fiscal Policy and Administration Idau Airi contributed to a session on reviewing state and provincial finances.Principal Policy Analyst Valentine Sime shared insights on institutional performance, data and reform, while Mr. Malipu joined a panel examining stabilization grants and risk-sharing mechanisms.The inaugural IGFIN meeting was convened by the Forum of Federations in partnership with the Philippine Department of Budget and Management, the World Bank Group, the Australian Government and the Canadian Embassy in the Philippines.Discussions covered fiscal equalization, revenue sharing, social transfers, subnational fiscal oversight and emerging challenges in intergovernmental financial relations.The meeting also established the foundation for an ongoing peer network, supported by a light secretariat to be hosted by the Forum of Federations.Mr. Malipu welcomed the initiative, saying continued cooperation among fiscal institutions would allow countries, particularly developing nations, to exchange experiences and adapt lessons to their own circumstances.For PNG, the engagement comes as the Government reviews its decentralization and funding arrangements, with the aim of ensuring public resources are distributed fairly, and essential services are delivered effectively across the country.

The prime minister is calling for more investment in the electricity sector, citing the need for more generation to support development and the economic growth in Papua New Guinea (PNG).Prime Minister James Marape made a call for massive private sector investment in electricity generation across PNG following the completion of the K263 million Ramu Transmission System Reinforcement Project in Lae, declaring that reliable and affordable power is essential to achieving the Government’s ambition of building a K200 billion economy by 2030 and beyond.Speaking at the official completion ceremony of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)-supported project at Taraka Substation just recently, Prime Minister Marape said the Government was deliberately investing billions of kina in roads, electricity transmission and telecommunications infrastructure to unlock the country’s economic potential. The project, supported by a Japanese concessional loan commitment of ¥8.34 billion (approximately K237.2 million at indicative current exchange rates) through JICA and K54.7 million in counterpart funding from the Government of Papua New Guinea, represents a major investment in strengthening the Ramu electricity grid and improving power reliability.It includes approximately 134 kilometres of additional 132kV transmission line, 326 transmission towers, telecommunications systems and upgrades to the Ramu Switchyard and Sing-sing, Erap and Taraka substations.According to JICA, the reinforced transmission network is expected to substantially reduce transmission-related electricity outages in Lae and surrounding areas while increasing the capacity of the Ramu Grid to meet future demand.The Marape-Rosso Government has spent more than K1.9 billion to date on the 132kV transmission network running from Tari through Mt Hagen and Yonki to Lae since taking office in 2019. This represents a major investment in an economic region that accounts for approximately 60 per cent of Papua New Guinea’s economic activity and population.The project is also expected to contribute towards Papua New Guinea’s national target of achieving 70 per cent electricity access by 2030, supporting improved living standards and economic opportunities for approximately 3.4 million people. Prime Minister Marape thanked the Government and people of Japan, particularly Japanese Ambassador His Excellency Mochizuki Hisanobu, and JICA for their longstanding partnership with PNG.

New Simberi Gold has officially signed the revised 2013 National Executive Council (NEC) Endorsed Community Development Agreement (CDA), securing a transparent benefit-sharing framework and a K15 million State infrastructure commitment for the landowners of the Tabar Islands.The landmark agreement was executed on Friday, October 9, 2026, at the Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) Head Office in Port Moresby by New Simberi Gold's umbrella entity, Tabar Island Holdings Pty Ltd (TIHPL).The signing marks the final piece of a negotiation process spanning nearly three decades, following a prior execution ceremony on August 28, 2026, by other state and landowner stakeholders. New Simberi Gold temporarily deferred its signing to allow joint-venture partners—including St Barbara, Lingbao Gold Group, and Kumul Minerals Holdings Ltd—to finalize internal board approvals.The revised CDA resolves historical grievances by establishing a direct, transparent pipeline that routes mining royalties straight to their intended local beneficiaries. Alongside improved royalty management, the agreement locks in a three-year, K15 million state funding package to build critical socioeconomic infrastructure across Simberi and the wider New Ireland Province."Following concerns raised over royalty distribution in the past, this agreement establishes a more transparent process that directs royalties straight to beneficiaries," said TIHPL Country Manager Randy McMahon. "That is one of the most significant achievements of this CDA. It creates opportunities for government and industry to work together on community priorities."The strategic agreement looks past the active lifespan of the mining project, setting up a long-term development blueprint designed to support landowners, safeguard their families, and maintain local economic stability well beyond the eventual closure of the mine.MRA Project Coordination Manager Pelis Vatnabar highly commended the milestone, noting that intense stakeholder discussions resumed in 2025 before successfully concluding this year. Vatnabar stated that the breakthrough structurally unites the State, provincial governments, landowners, and the developer to protect the collective socioeconomic future of the Tabar Islands.Mr. Vatnabar said the milestone strengthened the partnership between the company, the State and the various levels of government,creating an opportunity to work collectively towards the broader development interests of Simberi stakeholders.For New Simberi Gold and its partners, the signing marks an important achievement in establishing an updated framework forcommunity development and stakeholder cooperation. The focus now shifts to working with the participating parties to progress theagreement’s commitments and support practical, lasting benefits for communities throughout the Tabar Islands and New Ireland Province.

Air Niugini is supporting Pacific artists by providing travel for three performers from Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands to attend the inaugural Wan Pasifika Festival in Port Vila, Vanuatu.The artists travelled to Vanuatu over the weekend ahead of the festival, which takes place on Saturday, October 10, 2026.Among the participating artists is PNG reggae musician Anslom Nakikus, who will represent the country alongside other performers, including Sharzy.The festival will celebrate music, culture and tourism, while using arts to promote awareness of climate change under the theme “Climate Action and Changing Mindsets.”Air Niugini Chief Executive Officer Alan Milne said the airline was pleased to support the festival, which brings Pacific communities together for a worthy cause.“Air Niugini is pleased to support this inaugural festival because it provides a platform for Pacific people to come together, share their culture and use the power of music and creativity to encourage greater awareness and positive change.”He said regional connectivity was about more than transporting people.“It allows ideas, culture and important conversations to travel across our region.”“By supporting the participation of these artists, we are helping Pacific voices reach a wider audience and contribute to a conversation that matters to all of us.”Anslom said he was proud to travel on Papua New Guinea's national airline while representing the country's music in the Pacific.The Wan Pasifika Festival brings together musicians and cultural performers from across the region under the theme “Climate Action and Changing Mindsets,” using music and creativity to raise awareness of climate change.Air Niugini said its support reflects its broader role in connecting communities across Melanesia and the wider Pacific while helping create opportunities for cultural exchange.

Kina Bank has stepped up efforts to promote cancer awareness and early detection among its employees through an awareness session focused on breast and cervical cancer.The session, held this week, brought together medical professionals from Port Moresby General Hospital and the Papua New Guinea Cancer Foundation to educate staff on recognising warning signs, understanding risk factors and the importance of regular screening and timely medical care.Dr Molly Lamese, Senior Medical Officer, and Dr Ruth Badia, Registrar with the hospital’s Pathology Department, led the discussion, encouraging staff to be proactive about their health and seek medical advice when they notice unusual changes in their bodies.Dr Lamese stressed that understanding what is normal for one’s body is an important step towards identifying potential warning signs early.“Knowing what is normal for you is important. If you notice a new lump, change in the breast or nipple, unusual discharge or any other change that concerns you, do not ignore it. Early detection gives us a better opportunity for timely treatment and care,” Dr Lamese said.Dr Badia highlighted the importance of cervical cancer screening, urging women to take advantage of available screening services and seek professional medical advice when needed.“Cervical cancer screening is an important part of looking after your health. Women should make use of available screening services and seek medical advice if they have concerns. Prevention, screening and early treatment can make a real difference,” she said.Kina Bank Executive General Manager People and Culture, Ann Steele, thanked the visiting medical professionals and the Papua New Guinea Cancer Foundation for helping employees better understand cancer prevention and early detection.Ms. Steele said the awareness session reinforced the need to turn knowledge into action through regular screening, prevention and early medical intervention.“As a people-focused organisation, we want our staff to have the knowledge and confidence to take care of their health and encourage their families and loved ones to do the same. We hope the conversation continues beyond October,” she said.Kina Bank said it remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote employee health and wellbeing while encouraging greater awareness of cancer prevention, screening and early detection.

The recently signed Papua LNG (PLNG) benefit sharing agreement has been applauded by the prime minister as it now paves the way for the Final Investment Decision (FID) to take place next month.Prime Minister James Marape commended the political leadership, landowners and communities of Gulf and Central provinces for reaching a landmark agreement on the sharing of benefits from the Papua LNG Project, describing it as a major milestone towards the project’s targeted FID on 15 December 2026. The Prime Minister welcomed the agreement reached on Wednesday, 7 October, establishing an 80:20 headline benefit-sharing arrangement between Gulf and Central provinces, saying it demonstrated maturity, cooperation and a shared commitment to national development.“This is a very important milestone in our march towards Final Investment Decision for Papua LNG. I commend the leaders of Gulf and Central provinces, the landowners, the facilitators and everyone involved for putting aside differences and reaching an agreement that is fair and equitable,” Prime Minister Marape said.He particularly acknowledged Petroleum Minister Hon. Jimmy Maladina and the national petroleum authorities for their leadership, coordination and facilitation of the negotiations. The Prime Minister said the agreement reflected the longstanding relationship between the people of Gulf and Central, whose ancestors traded through the traditional Hiri trading system.“Gulf and Central are not strangers to each other. From ancient times, through the Hiri trading system, our people understood trade, cooperation and the principle of equitable benefit-sharing. “That same spirit has prevailed in this important agreement. Gulf Province provides the gas resource and also hosts important pipeline infrastructure, while Central Province hosts the gas processing and export facilities, together with sections of the pipeline infrastructure. Both provinces have a legitimate stake in this development,” he said.Prime Minister Marape said the 80:20 arrangement was consistent with the broad principles established under the existing PNG LNG Project, where benefits were distributed between upstream resource areas, downstream facilities and pipeline corridors.He congratulated Gulf Governor Sir Christopher Haiveta, Acting Gulf Governor Morris Taudevin, Kikori MP and Minister for Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs Hon. Soroi Eoe, Kerema MP and Finance Minister Thomas Opa, Central Governor Rufina Peter, Hiri-Koiari MP Keith Iduhu, Kairuku MP Hon. Peter Isoaimo, and landowner representatives from both provinces for their leadership, cooperation and commitment to reaching the historic agreement."This agreement is a credit to all of you. It demonstrates that when our leaders sit together in good faith, we can reach outcomes that serve our people and strengthen investor confidence,” he said.

The simmering trademark dispute between New Zealand Rugby and Papua New Guinea's incoming NRL franchise has erupted into a legal battle after NZR filed a High Court injunction to stop the new club from using the Chiefs name.In a statement released on Thursday, NZR said it is seeking both an interim and final injunction which stops the use of the names "PNG Chiefs", "Chiefs" or any other similar names in New Zealand.The move represents a major escalation in the dispute and threatens to disrupt the PNG club's plans to formally unveil their inaugural jersey and branding in Port Moresby on October 21 - less than two weeks away.The PNG team, which is set to join the NRL in 2028 as the competition's 19th franchise, is backed by a $600 million Australian government funding package. The Chiefs Super Rugby club have argued that allowing another professional sporting franchise to use the same name in the same trans-Tasman market risks undermining a brand it has spent three decades building.NZR chief executive officer Steve Lancaster said for 30 years the Chiefs and their players have built an "incredibly strong identity that is widely recognised and loved by fans"."We want to be absolutely clear, this is not about rugby league's growth in the Pacific. We welcome the development of the Pacific region through sport and the passion that the people of Papua New Guinea have for both rugby and rugby league."Lancaster added that since October 2025, when the expansion side's name was confirmed, NZR has shared its concerns with the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) and has sought to engage them to agree a positive outcome."For 30 years the Chiefs and their players have built an incredibly strong identity that is widely recognised and loved by fans. We have raised our concerns with the ARLC directly and consistently over the last year in attempting to find a resolution. We now have a responsibility to protect the Chiefs brand," he said.The Waikato side has used the Chiefs name since 1996 and holds registered trademarks covering its logo in New Zealand and internationally, including Australia.The Super Rugby club's position appears to be backed by IP Australia, which has reportedly raised repeated concerns about the PNG's club's attempts to secure trademark protection for its name.The ABC last week reported the NRL has received three adverse reports in response to the PNG club's trademark applications, with IP Australia declaring there is a "real and tangible danger" of brand confusion.An adverse report from IP Australia is a formal notice identifying issues with a trademark application that need addressing before it can be accepted.The choice of the Chiefs name has particular significance in PNG.Prime Minister James Marape announced the name last year after a public process, saying the word reflected the country's history, with chiefs - both men and women - having played an important role in communities across the nation's many tribes.Chiefs CEO Simon Graafhuis said the 'Chiefs' identity also carries significant cultural meaning and connection the Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions."We know it means a great deal to our players and coaches past and present, fans and supporters here and around the world," he said."Teams in different sports and markets can exist alongside one another with the same name, but the issue here is the similarity of our sports competing in the same market, for the same fans, in overlapping windows."Source: https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/sport/1792677/nz-rugby-seeks-high-court-injunction-to-block-png-chiefs-name