Papua New Guinea (PNG) officially launched the first-ever King’s Baton Relay on January 8, 2026, marking a new chapter in the nation’s participation in the Commonwealth Games.The King’s Baton Relay, launched by His Majesty King Charles III on March 10, 2025, at Buckingham Palace, is a longstanding tradition that connects Commonwealth nations through sport, culture, and shared values. For the first time, every Commonwealth nation and territory received its own baton, customized to reflect local culture, before being reunited at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. In his address, Governor-General Sir Bob Dadae highlighted the significance of the Baton, emphasizing its role in promoting national pride, cultural identity, and Commonwealth values. “The presence of the King’s Baton is both simple and deeply meaningful,” said Sir Dadae. “It marks a time for reflection on our identity as a people while reaffirming our place within the wider Commonwealth and global community.” The Papua New Guinea Baton, designed by acclaimed local artist Mr. Jemeson Agwi of Wosera Gawi, East Sepik Province, features three distinct faces representing the nation’s Commonwealth Games aspirations, the national flag surrounded by cultural motifs from the four regions, and elements symbolizing pastoral heritage and faith. Through its design, the Baton tells a uniquely Papua New Guinean story of unity, diversity, and resilience. The Governor-General also stressed the importance of sport in PNG, noting that it fosters community cohesion, nurtures discipline, teamwork, and leadership, and inspires young people. “Sport has always played a powerful role in Papua New Guinea, bringing us together across regions, languages, and traditions.” The launch ceremony also recognized the contributions of the PNG Commonwealth Games Association, government partners, sponsors, volunteers, and community leaders in bringing the King’s Baton Relay to life. “Every village it enters, every young person who sees it, and every athlete who draws inspiration from it becomes part of this national and Commonwealth journey.” The ceremony concluded with the official declaration that the King’s Baton Relay is now launched in the country, a moment celebrated as a symbol of national pride, unity, and the enduring power of sport. “May God bless our people, our athletes, the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, and the Commonwealth of Nations.”

East Gate Karate Academy has already opened enrolment for 2026, inviting people of all ages to train under Julius Piku Sensei.The academy offers self-defence, fitness and discipline programmes tailored for kids, teens, adults and seniors. Training follows the traditional Shotokan Karate syllabus and includes sports karate, women’s karate, specialised self-defence, group and private sessions, seminars and competitions. A Street-Smart Pro Program is also available for practical, real-life self-defence skills. East Gate Karate Academy is located at the Stratos Building, Level 1, Stratos Avenue, Savannah Heights, Waigani. For more information or enrolment, call 7776 8311 or email eastgatekarate@ekere.net.

2025 saw part 2 of the popular franchise, Five Night’s at Freddy’s hit the big screen, bringing the classic combination of horror and childhood innocence back to its audience. Let’s compare the suspense-filled first film and its recent sequel.Plot & Story Five Nights at Freddy’s (2023): The original Five Nights at Freddy’s introduces Mike Schmidt, a troubled young man who takes a low-wage job, working as a night-shift guard at Freddy Fazbear’s Pizzaria. After spending his first night on the job, he realizes the late-night shift at Freddy’s will be tough to survive. Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 (2025): In Five Nights at Freddy’s 2, Mike Schmidt returns to Freddy’s to discover a hidden evil dormant for years, now resurrected with an appetite for revenge.   Verdict: Both films connect horror with childhood trauma, however, the first instalment is more focused on an outsider’s perspective on the horrors at Freddy’s whereas the second film explores the villain’s origins in depth. Characters & Performances Five Nights at Freddy’s (2023): Josh Hutcherson delivers his solid performance yet of a struggling guardian, walking the delicate line between being a parent and an older sibling. Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 (2025): Although actress Elizabeth Lali was the main character, the show was stolen by young actress Audrey Lynn-Marie who played Charlotte – a child with a tragic fate. Verdict: While both films featured strong leads, Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 stands out because of brilliant performances by young actors. Atmosphere & Horror Five Nights at Freddy’s (2023): The first film thrives on atmosphere with quiet, tense, suspenseful moments that keep viewers on the edge. Psychological unpredictability and fear of the unknown is utilized as characters try to familiarize themselves with a new environment. Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 (2025): The sequel pushes the horror further with a different kind of suspense – one of familiarity and expectation of a bad outcome. Scenes are faster paced, with occasional jump scares and unsettling depictions of childhood trauma. Verdict: Five Nights at Freddy’s builds dread but the sequel focuses more on reconnecting with scares.  Themes & MessageFive Nights at Freddy’s (2023): This film explores fear of the unknown, isolation, and the consequences of ignoring past trauma. The abandoned animatronics signify lost souls adding tragedy into horror. Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 (2025): The second instalment pushes the message of truthfully facing childhood trauma, the price of uncovering dark secrets and the cycle of terror that is Freddy Fazbear’s legacy. Verdict: The two films continue the storyline of discovering and confronting evil without losing sight of what’s important. Scares & Jump Scares Five Nights at Freddy’s (2023): The first film creates fear through its eerie atmosphere and rising tension, using few predictable jump scares. Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 (2025): The sequel also uses jump scares that feel overused but compensates with fast-paced horror scenes. Verdict: Jump scares need to be used sparingly but also effectively to keep audiences on the edge. Final Verdict What makes Five Nights at Freddy’s truly horrific is the weaponization of childhood innocence and psychological distress. Otherwise, scare techniques are common and expected in almost any horror film. Rating (out of 5): Five Nights at Freddy’s (2023): ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆ (3/5) Five nights at Freddy’s 2 (2025): ★ ★☆ ☆ ☆ (2/5) 

National Capital District (NCD) City Manager Mr. Ravu Frank has called on residents of Port Moresby to embrace reflection, and renewed determination as the city farewelled 2025 and welcomed the New Year at Ela Beach on Wednesday night.Speaking during the New Year’s Eve celebrations Mr. Frank described 2025 as a challenging yet eventful year, marked by resilience, perseverance, and the celebration of Papua New Guinea’s 50th Anniversary of Independence. “This year was not smooth sailing for everyone.” “We had our ups and downs, rough patches and difficult moments, but we pushed through. That fighting spirit shows our determination and commitment to succeed despite challenges.” He congratulated residents for completing the year’s journey and acknowledged the realities of urban life in a fast-growing and culturally diverse capital city, noting that surviving and thriving in Port Moresby requires courage, resilience, and the right mindset. Mr. Frank commended the leadership of the NCD Governor, the three Open Members, the NCDC Board and Management, and the Motu Koita leadership for their efforts in delivering services and maintaining the city amidst ongoing challenges. As the country marked 50 years of Independence in 2025, the City Manager said the year would remain a significant milestone in Papua New Guinea’s history, describing it as a once-in-a-lifetime moment. “It was a special year that will never come again.” “I am honoured to be alive during this historic period and to have witnessed and contributed to the golden jubilee celebrations as City Manager.” He thanked city residents for their continued support towards NCDC’s efforts to make Port Moresby a safer, more liveable city and encouraged the public to carry that support into 2026 with renewed energy and a willingness to improve from past shortcomings. Mr. Frank urged residents to use the New Year as an opportunity to reflect on their personal and professional lives, learn from failures, build on successes, and support one another as members of one city family. “Let us leave behind our frustrations and negative ways and enter 2026 with refreshed and refocused minds, ready to meet new challenges and opportunities.”

Jona Film Production, recently took to social media to make an official announcement of the third instalment of the Ples Man franchise, titled ‘Plesman 3: Wigman’.According to Jona Film Production’s Facebook post, the third film is different because it will be a ‘pure cinematic feature film’ unlike Ples Man 1 & 2 which were educational films. Additionally, Ples Man 3 will be produced not only to meet international standards but also to showcase Papua New Guinea’s unique beauty and culture. “This country is rich not only because of its natural resources but because we have unique traditions, customs, and identities found nowhere else on Earth.” Though the title indicates the central focus is the Huli/Wigman people, the post explained that the film represents every Papua New Guinean tribe. Jona Film Production emphasized the importance of the film demonstrating the significance of preserving cultural practices. “Culture is not something we inherit automatically it is something we must protect, teach, and pass on.” Corporate companies, government agencies, and NGOs are invited to participate and be involved in Ples Man 3’s production.

Following the conclusion of 2025, National Capital District (NCD) Governor Powes Parkop, took to social media to share his heartfelt New Year’s message, reflecting on the achievements of the year and looking ahead to the future with optimism and determination.Governor Parkop expressed deep gratitude to the residents of Port Moresby, Members of Parliament, NCDC staff, and all partners who have contributed to the progress of the city and the nation.He urged citizens to appreciate life and even made special mention of improving the safety of young women and girls.“We must appreciate the privilege of life and opportunities it’s presents, have more respect and with pride for our city, for our nation and for all of our people.”“More particularly we need to multiply our efforts to ensure woman and girls are fully participating and benefiting from the wealth and opportunities our country can offer.”He also acknowledged the critical role of the youth in shaping the future, particularly in areas like economic development, health, education, and infrastructure.“We are the transition generation.”“We are tasked with reshaping our economy and creating more opportunities for the next generation.”As the New Year begins, the Governor called for renewed passion, determination, and unity among the people of NCD and the wider Papua New Guinea community.He urged citizens to work together as "One City, One Nation, and One People," with a shared vision for progress and prosperity.“We are one world, living together in one city, one people, heading towards one future.”“Let us move together, being an inclusive city of a thousand tribes, 860 languages, and all faiths and cultures, to be productive and prosperous in 2026 and beyond.”In closing, Governor Parkop wished all citizens a safe and joyous celebration and called on everyone to make 2026 a year of "unprecedented delivery and unity."“Happy New Year, and God bless Papua New Guinea!”

Director: Janeen DamienCast: Miranda Cosgrove, Pierson Fode, Madison Pettis, Torrance Combs Rating:  PG-13│Genre(s): Romantic-Comedy │Run Time: 1hr 45min A GOOD TIME-KILLER – DATING SHOW ELEMENT ADDS A TOUCH OF UNIQUENESS IN ITS OTHERWISE BASIC PLOT “The Wrong Paris (2025) is your average rom-com of guy meets girl except with a dating show.” Arts student, Dawn (Miranda Cosgrove) desperate to study abroad in Paris, France, enters into a dating show for a quick-cash grab. However, the show takes them to Paris, Texas and the show’s ‘Bachelor’ Trey McAllen (Pierson Fode) may be rigging the game to keep her longer. The Wrong Paris plays into the typecasts of dating shows in a hilariously accurate way but also gives room for authentic characters that don’t play into stereotypes. For instance, while Dawn is categorized as the ‘small town girl’ trope, her ambitions to pursue further education instead of just falling in love and dropping her goals is refreshing. Although, the film heavily relies on typecasting, it also contains characters have urgency outside of the show adding a touch of reality. Apart from including a dating show, the film does not really bring anything new to a typical rom-com full of cheesy lines, a conniving antagonist and a misunderstanding resulting in a brief separation. Actress Miranda Cosgrove delivers an average but still solid performance. Classic line delivery and emotions. However, if Cosgrove wishes to hone her acting further, she might want to pursue more emotionally intense roles. Final Verdict: The Wrong Paris is just your average rom-com, nothing special. Rating: ★★ ☆ ☆ ☆ (4.5/10) Best suited for: Generally, anyone wishing to pass time with snacks.

Port Moresby is making strides in women’s sports with the recent launching of the inaugural Governor’s Netball Cup bringing together young women, community leaders and sporting officials in the nation’s capital. The event, held as part of NCD’s festive season activities, will see 20 netball teams compete in the first-ever netball edition of the long-running Governor’s Cup.Speaking at the launch, NCD Governor Powes Parkop expressed gratitude to all participating teams, club owners, managers and players for embracing the initiative, noting that the introduction of netball into the Governor’s Cup reflects the city’s commitment to creating opportunities for women and girls. “This is the first time netball has been integrated into the Governor’s Cup, and it sends a powerful message that our city belongs to everyone – men and women, boys and girls.” Netball, described as an almost exclusively women’s sport, was recognized for its role in empowering young women by providing a platform for personal growth, well-being and sporting excellence. Governor Parkop also highlighted the broader purpose of the competition, stating that the expansion of the Governor’s Cup aligns with Port Moresby’s vision as an inclusive city bringing people from diverse cultures, languages and backgrounds. “Our city is home to over 1,000 tribes and more than 860 languages. Events such as this help to unite our people through sport, connection and celebration.” He also announced a commitment of K360,000 towards the tournament, investing in the sport. He hopes that the investment will motivate many individuals to participate in netball. While only 20 teams have signed up for this year’s competition, organizers are hopeful that this number will increase in the years to come, potentially attracting more teams across the city and Central Province.

The 5th National Mock Youth Parliament officially kicked off on December 15th, 2025, at the National Parliament House, with 60 young leaders from across Papua New Guinea coming together for a week-long leadership program.The event, themed "Youth Leading PNG’s Next 50 Years," seeks to strengthen democratic values and empower youth to take on future leadership roles in the country. In the opening session, participants were challenged to move beyond theoretical discussions and bring their ideas into real-world action. UNFPA Deputy Representative, Mr. Mark Hutchinson, urged the young leaders to make their voices heard. “We have to move from mock legislation to real world implementation. Do not leave your ideas in the room but show us that you are ready to lead.” This year’s program, which includes workshops on data literacy, good governance, ethical leadership, and civic engagement, will culminate in a Mock Parliamentary Session where participants will debate a mock bill, simulating the process of lawmaking in Papua New Guinea. The National Mock Youth Parliament is a collaborative initiative led by UNFPA, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through the EU-funded Transparency and Accountability in Papua New Guinea (TAP in PNG) Project, the National Youth Development Authority (NYDA), and the National Parliament of Papua New Guinea. In her keynote address, Her Excellency Erika Hesznos, the European Union Ambassador to Papua New Guinea, reiterated the EU’s commitment to the program, emphasizing the importance of investing in the country’s future leadership. “In the next five to ten years, you—young people—will be in key positions of power. It is crucial that we invest in and build your leadership capacity now.” She also encouraged participants to network and learn from one another. “This is an opportunity to connect with like-minded young people and work towards a common goal. Learn as much as you can and build your network.” Mr. Nicholas Booth, the UN Resident Coordinator ad interim and UNDP Resident Representative, also praised the participants, highlighting the role of the Mock Youth Parliament in strengthening democratic values. “The democratic spirit lives in all of you. You embody debate, transparency, and the courage to hold leaders to account.” “Through this Youth Parliament, you will see how democracy works in Papua New Guinea, and your capacity to become democratic leaders will be strengthened.” The Clerk of Parliament, Mr. Kala Aufa, reminded the participants of the importance of active engagement and questioning in a thriving democracy. “True democracy thrives when young people ask questions.” “You will learn how bills are developed and debated, but more importantly, you will learn how to use your voices.” The National Mock Youth Parliament will conclude on December 19th with an Outcome Statement, which will be presented to the Governor of the National Capital District.

Transparency International PNG (TIPNG) and the National Department of Education (NDoE) have announced an important partnership aimed at enhancing civic education across the country. The two organizations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today, Thursday 11th December 2025 to update and roll out the School Based Civic Education (SBCE) Curriculum, supported by the Australia-Papua New Guinea Law and Justice Partnership (APLJ). This partnership, which was finalized on International Anti-Corruption Day, marks a major step in TIPNG’s mission to instill strong principles of governance, transparency, and accountability in future generations. The MoU aims to introduce the revised SBCE curriculum nationwide over the next three years, with the goal of equipping students with the knowledge and tools needed to become responsible, active citizens. TIPNG’s CEO, Ms. Arianne Kassman, emphasized the importance of this initiative. “TIPNG’s vision is to foster a country where all citizens operate within the rule of law and are free from corruption.” “Through this partnership, we are helping cultivate a population that participates effectively in governance, ensuring that state agencies are held accountable and that national resources are used responsibly.” The SBCE curriculum, which has already been trialed in several provinces, is designed to teach students about active citizenship, human rights, democracy, and the importance of good governance. The curriculum includes a comprehensive toolkit for grades 3 through 12, featuring a Teacher Resource Book, an Android Application with ethical dilemmas, and posters on various civic concepts, all aimed at fostering greater civic engagement. Since its inception in 1998, TIPNG has worked closely with the NDoE to promote civic education across Papua New Guinea. The new MoU builds on this long-standing collaboration, setting the stage for the nationwide roll-out of the SBCE curriculum. Previous agreements between the two organizations focused on the initial development and testing of the curriculum, laying the groundwork for its broader implementation. “The signing of this MoU is a decisive step toward turning our successful School Based Civic Education Project into a national movement.” “This partnership is an investment in the young population, teaching them not just what their rights are, but how to use them to ensure good governance.” The partnership also acknowledges the continued support of the Australian Government through APLJ, which has played a crucial role in the curriculum’s development and implementation. This national roll-out will be crucial in helping shape the next generation of Papua New Guineans, instilling in them the values of transparency, accountability, and responsible citizenship. With this initiative, TIPNG and the NDoE aim to ensure that every student in the country has the tools to contribute to a more democratic and just society.

A blessing indeed for the people of Kutubu in Southern Highlands Province as locals, leaders’ teachers and students witnessed the recent grand opening of Waro Junior High School.It was all thanks to the MRDC through its Community Investment Trust Fund program, funded by Petroleum Resources Kutubu (PRK). They invested K13 million to build the state-of-the-art education facilities which will serve the community. Facilities included, a new mess hall, teachers house, e-library and dormitories. Chairman for Waro Junior High School, Peter Wawe expressed his joy and gratitude towards, MRDC, Santos and the landowners for their contribution towards the brand-new school. He also acknowledged the challenges faced by the people as a result of politics. “Our God has blessed us greatly with resources, but mismanagement and bad leadership has destroyed us.” “We have oil being transported but still, there were no tangible benefits.” “Our children were unable to go to school outside of Southern Highlands Province.” Wawe’s words were met with great support from the people. Meanwhile Principal for Waro Junior Highschool, Planny Moro who’s been serving for the past five years, described the project as a ‘50th Jubilee Legacy Project’. He also urged everyone in attendance to let go of hatred and resentment towards the shortfalls of leaders not delivering services on time. “The first two years I never received a salary; I never received my rightful entitlements. It cost me time spent with my family, but I will not blame the government.” He proudly highlighted little achievements the school has achieved under his administration, which includes: The school operating for five years 2024, the school registered as a government boarding school Ten teaching positions were created The school received its first GTFS during its third quarter in 2024 and has continued to 2025The school registered as ‘disadvantaged’, enables teachers to have additional allowance before leaving for holidays“Our mission is to create a conducive environment to teach and learn for excellence.”

Mr. Thoa Ora is currently one of the lucky individuals who scored a hefty K50, 000 win in Maggi’s Golden Ticket Promotion.An unexpected but delightful win for the Taurama resident. He recounted that family members had gone shopping the previous week and that was when they made the purchase. “They bought a 12-pack Maggi Noodles, but it wasn’t until a few days ago that I discovered one of the golden tickets inside a noodle packet.” “I was aware of the promotion happening, as I’ve seen it being advertised around shops.” He also added that this win might’ve just given him an opportunity to start up a small market business.