Correctional Service Portfolio Minister Joe Muli has called for unity within the Papua New Guinea Correctional Service (CS) following the appointment of Noel Sarei as the organization's substantive Commissioner on Tuesday, June 16.Speaking during the appointment ceremony, Minister Muli urged senior officers and staff throughout the Correctional Service to work together as the country moves towards the 2027 National General Election.He said while governments and ministers may change, public servants remain responsible for implementing government policies and ensuring services continue to function.“For us ministers, we are only here to make policy, but it is up to the heads of departments and public servants to carry out the groundwork.”“It is not only the Prime Minister or ministers who move the country. It is the public servants and department heads who implement policy.”The Minister said unity across key state institutions, including the Police, Defence Force, Health, Education and Correctional Service, remains critical to national development.The appointment of Commissioner Sarei also marks a significant milestone for the Correctional Service, with the National Executive Council playing a direct role in the appointment process.Outgoing Acting Commissioner and newly appointed Deputy Commissioner Corporate Bernard Nepo, echoed the Minister’s call for unity, saying the organization can achieve more when officers work together.“In any organization, when there is unity, you are able to achieve a lot,” Nepo said.Nepo also urged officers to use social media responsibly and avoid making comments that undermine the organization's leadership.“When I became a Commissioner, there were comments saying I was not eligible for the role and referring to me as a junior inspector. It all depends on a person's knowledge.”He said such comments create unnecessary division within the organization and damage the image of the Correctional Service.Furthermore, he stated that he fully respected the government’s decision to appoint Commissioner Sarei and pledged his support to the new leadership.“Three months ago, I heard there would be a new appointment of a Commissioner, and I said whoever is appointed, I am willing to work under them.”Commissioner Sarei now assumes leadership of the Correctional Service on a four-year term as the organization focuses on strengthening rehabilitation programs, improving operational capacity and enhancing service delivery across the country.The ceremony also highlighted a common message from the Minister, the incoming Commissioner and the outgoing Acting Commissioner that unity, professionalism, and cooperation will be essential to the future direction of the Correctional Service.

PNG Correctional Service (CS) has entered a new leadership chapter with Noel Sarei officially appointed as the substantive Commissioner for a four-year term today, June 16, as Correctional Service Minister Joe Kuli called for unity, institutional stability and a stronger focus on prisoner rehabilitation ahead of the 2027 National General Election.The appointment ends a two-year period of acting leadership under Inspector Bernard Nepo and places Sarei at the helm of one of the country's key law and justice institutions, with a mandate to strengthen rehabilitation programs, improve staff capacity and address long-standing infrastructure challenges across correctional facilities nationwide.In a notable development, Sarei's appointment is also the first Correctional Service Commissioner appointment to be endorsed through the National Executive Council (NEC), highlighting the Government's direct involvement in shaping the future leadership of the organisation.Speaking during his acceptance address, Commissioner Sarei said he was humbled by the appointment and committed to advancing reforms within the service."It is a great honor to be appointed as Commissioner of Papua New Guinea Correctional Service, and on behalf of my family and my people of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, I accept this mandate with the greatest humility."Sarei acknowledged that many correctional facilities throughout the country continue to face significant challenges, including aging infrastructure, staff welfare concerns, and limited rehabilitation opportunities for inmates.He said his administration would prioritise reforms aimed at improving prisoner rehabilitation and preparing inmates for successful reintegration into society."My administration will focus mostly on improving the rehabilitation aspect of correctional service practices."Sarei said his leadership would also focus on strengthening staff capacity, enhancing professional standards and developing prison industries that can contribute towards a more self-sustaining correctional system.The incoming Commissioner's vision was strongly backed by outgoing Acting Commissioner Bernard Nepo, who served in the role for the past two years and used the occasion to urge officers throughout the country to unite behind the new leadership.Nepo said the organisation had made significant progress during his tenure despite operational challenges and limited resources and stressed that continued unity would be essential moving forward."I want us to work together under the leadership of the new Commissioner.""We will stand as a united force."He pledged his full support to Commissioner Sarei and called on correctional officers at all levels of the organization to do the same."If you want our support, I tell you, we will comply and we are ready to support you."Nepo also cautioned officers against using social media platforms to undermine the organization or its leadership, saying internal matters should be dealt with through proper channels."No CS officer should be going to Facebook and bringing down the name of the Commissioner."Meanwhile, Minister Joe Kuli delivered a broader message on national service and institutional continuity, reminding officers that governments and political leaders may change, but public servants remain responsible for delivering services to the people.With the country moving towards the 2027 National General Election, Kuli said officers must remain focused on their responsibilities regardless of future political developments."Country bai move."He said ministers, members of parliament and governments would eventually come and go, but the responsibility of implementing government policies and maintaining public services remained with the nation's public servants."Public servants are the ones implementing government policies.""People will come and go, governments will come and go, but the country must continue."Kuli said the Correctional Service plays a critical role in maintaining public safety and supporting national development, urging officers across the country's correctional institutions to remain committed to their duties and support the organisation's new leadership."Unity must be maintained throughout the organization."The Minister said Sarei's four-year appointment provides important leadership continuity for the Correctional Service at a time when the organisation is seeking to strengthen rehabilitation programs, improve correctional infrastructure and enhance service delivery nationwide.As the Correctional Service marks 50 years of service, leaders say the focus now shifts to building a more professional, united and rehabilitation-focused institution capable of meeting the demands of the future while continuing to serve the nation beyond political and leadership transitions.

De La Salle Secondary School has often found itself at the centre of public criticism whenever incidents involving students from all-boys schools’ surface on social media.But according to Principal Ms. Annette Ingirin, the school refuses to allow negative perceptions to define its identity and instead uses criticism as motivation to improve. Speaking with PNG Haus Bung during the De La Salle Reunion and Meet-and-Greet on Saturday, June 13, Ms. Ingirin said negativity can either become a stumbling block or a steppingstone. "Negativity can be viewed in two ways," she said. "You can allow it to strengthen you and help you move forward, or you can allow it to destroy you. Any negativity directed at our school, we step on it, look for the positive in it, and continue moving forward." Ms. Ingirin said the school has made significant progress in student discipline over the years and should not be judged solely on isolated incidents that often gain attention online. "You can attest to that. We don't have many fights anymore, and we are better," she said. She said the school's reputation should also be measured by the thousands of students who have gone on to make meaningful contributions to the country. From political leaders and senior public servants to doctors, educators and business professionals, Ms. Ingirin said many distinguished country men began their journey at De La Salle. "When you look around and see how many prominent people have come through this school, you'll realize we're not that bad," she said. Ms. Ingirin also challenged what she described as a tendency for people to quickly associate negative behavior with the school because of its status as an all-boys school. "People automatically assume that because we are a boys' school, any negative behavior must be connected to De La Salle," she said. Her comments came as former students from different generations gathered to celebrate the school's history, achievements and contribution to the nation during the reunion event. While acknowledging that challenges exist, Ms. Ingirin said the school's focus remains on building better young men and continuing to improve rather than dwelling on criticism. For De La Salle, she said, the true measure of the school lies not in the negative headlines that occasionally emerge, but in the generations of leaders, professionals and citizens who have passed through its gates.

Seven years after leaving school and becoming a young mother, 25-year-old Doris Joe is celebrating a milestone that few small business owners achieve.She has secured a retail partnership with City Pharmacy and placing her products on the shelves of one of Papua New Guinea’s largest retail networks.As the founder of Doris’s Neem Products- an SME hair and skincare brand built from locally sourced neem and coconut, she has transformed what began as a personal hobby into a growing business now entering the mainstream retail market.The official in-store launch on Friday, June 12, marks a major breakthrough for the young entrepreneur whose products have until now been sold primarily through social media, word of mouth and a network of independent agents.For Doris, the business began with a simple observation, with a common question she keeps getting from her friends “My friends use to ask me what I use on my hair and skin in which I would normally answer them to buy hair, food and other products, but they always came back asking me how to use them.”Then from those repeated questions, sparked an idea “So why not I create the products myself and show them how to use it and they can buy it from me.”That is exactly how it started for Doris- a hobby that soon evolved into a business venture.Today, Doris’s Neem Products manufactures a range of hair and skincare products using ingredients sourced within PNG, while also supporting local suppliers through the use of locally sourced production materials.The journey, however, was far from straightforward. Born in Enga Province, Doris completed Grade 8 at Boreboa Primary school before attending Gerehu Secondary School. In 2019, she withdrew from Grade 11 after losing interest in her studies and struggling to stay focused on her education.“I felt disappointed when they put me into that class, so I withdrew myself because I lost focus and started misbehaving.”A year later, she became a mother. While many of her former peers were pursuing higher education, Doris found herself on a completely different path.“While my classmates were being selected to colleges and university, I challenged myself to do something worthy that would give me money.”Determined to improve her knowledge, she later enrolled in business courses through Pacifund using her own savings.“That is where I improved my business management skills.”On August 22, 2022, she formally registered Doris’s Neem Products and began laying the foundation for commercial production.Since then, the business has steadily grown and now culminating in a partnership with City Pharmacy Retail, which has selected Doris's Neem Products as one of its local SME brands for retail distribution.Speaking during the launch, Doris thanked CPL Group for supporting local entrepreneurs and creating opportunities for small businesses to grow.She also encouraged young Papua New Guineans not to allow setbacks to define their future.“You can have a lot of things going around, but you must focus on your hobby and give it more time.”“I am a mother, but I never let that stop me from putting time into my hobby. Now look how it turned out.”While many of her former classmates have gone on to higher education and employment, Doris says her next goal is to create opportunities for others.“It is now my dream to employ about 100 educated youths into my company, hopefully next year and beyond.”Despite her success in business, Doris says her own learning journey is far from over.“We are learning every single day, and I want to go back to school and learn more. Education stops when we die!”The partnership represents more than a product launch. It highlights the growing role of local SMEs in PNG’s economy and demonstrates how determination, self-investmentand persistence can create opportunities beyond the classroom.Seven years after leaving school, Doris Joe is no longer wondering what will come next.As her products move from home production to retail shelves across the country, she is already looking beyond her own success, dreaming of employing 100 young Papua New Guineans while continuing her own education journey.For a young mother who once walked away from school uncertain of her future, the next chapter may be even bigger than the first.

The aviation future of Mt Hagen’s Kagamuga Airport has entered a decisive construction phase, with major runway works commencing on June 4 as Papua New Guinea accelerates plans to position Mt Hagen and the Highlands region as a key agricultural export hub for Asia-Pacific markets.At the centre of that national direction, Civil Aviation Safety Authority Director Benedict Oraka said Kagamuga is being strategically positioned as a critical node in Papua New Guinea’s long-term aviation and export framework.Speaking during the CIMC Transport and Infrastructure Sectoral Committee meeting on June 3, Oraka said airport upgrades nationwide are designed to reshape the country’s aviation capacity, reduce congestion, improve aircraft handling capability, and support a shift toward larger fleet operations such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A220.“Mt Hagen has the potential to become a major agricultural export hub for the Asian market. We should target markets such as Indonesia, India and China. If we grow the Highlands as an agricultural basket, we can increase production, expand exports and generate revenue that is not presently there,” Oraka said.“For Kagamuga and other airports, the direction is clear—to build capacity that can safely handle bigger aircraft and growing cargo demand,” Oraka noted during the briefing.The comments come as Kagamuga Airport undergoes a K39.4 million runway upgrade that is now transitioning from planning into active construction. The project is backed by a delivery schedule running through to December 2026 and is designed to align airport capacity with rising freight demand from the Highlands’ agricultural production zones.National Airports Corporation (NAC) confirmed that runway pavement repairs at Mt Hagen (Kagamuga) Airport commenced on June 4 and are expected to take approximately nine months to complete, weather permitting. The works are considered essential to enabling safe operations for heavier aircraft types, including the Airbus A220 and Boeing 737.The upgrade was officially launched on April 28, 2026, in Mt Hagen, Western Highlands Province, by Civil Aviation Minister Wake Goi and Western Highlands Governor Wai Rapa.National Airports Corporation Acting Managing Director Dominic Kaumu said the runway works are essential to meet rising aviation demand and enable safe operations for newer aircraft types.He confirmed that contractors have already been mobilised, with the project timeline aligned to national aviation expansion targets and peak travel periods expected in 2026.According to Kaumu, the works will be carried out on the central 18-metre portion of the runway, including turning nodes and Taxiway B, and will involve asphalt overlay, runway grooving, new pavement markings, aircraft parking bay improvements and drainage upgrades.Kaumu emphasized that all works will be executed under strict safety and operational standards to ensure continued airport functionality during the construction period.Western Highlands Governor Wai Rapa described Kagamuga Airport as one of the most important economic gateways in the Highlands region, handling high passenger volumes and placing increasing pressure on existing infrastructure.He called for strict quality control in construction delivery and urged community cooperation to ensure the project is protected and completed to a high standard.Civil Aviation Minister Wake Goi said the upgrade is part of the broader Civil Aviation Development Investment Program Phase Three (CADIP III), which will continue rolling out additional runway and terminal improvements from 2028 onwards.He also outlined complementary measures aimed at modernising the airport environment, including the relocation of informal markets and tighter regulation of trade activities around the terminal precinct.With works now officially underway, Kagamuga Airport stands at the centre of Papua New Guinea’s aviation reset—reframing the Highlands from a domestic regional hub into a strategic export corridor designed to move agricultural produce into fast-growing Asian markets.

Port Moresby International Airport is set for a major transformation under a K2.5 billion redevelopment programs aimed at expanding capacity, improving passenger services, and positioning the country’s main aviation gateway for future growth.The National Government, National Airports Corporation (NAC), and key aviation stakeholders officially launched the redevelopment program on Friday, June 5, marking one of the largest aviation infrastructure investments in the country's history.The project will be delivered in four phases over six and a half years, beginning with the extension of the Domestic Terminal by 110 metres to ease congestion and address current operational challenges. Phase One will also include upgrades to airfield ground lighting and power supply systems.According to NAC, growing passenger numbers are driving the need for expansion. Annual passenger movements through Port Moresby International Airport increased from 779,039 in 1997 to 1.68 million in 2025, with projections indicating traffic could reach 2.5 million passengers by 2035 and 3.7 million by 2045.Phase Two will focus on redesigning and expanding the Domestic Terminal through the Civil Aviation Development Investment Program (CADIP III), including new check-in counters, aerobridges, baggage systems, VIP lounges, concession areas, and disability-accessible facilities.Phase Three will deliver expanded apron facilities to accommodate Air Niugini’s incoming Airbus A220 and Boeing 737 fleet.The final phase includes construction of a new international terminal featuring modern passenger processing technology, self-check-in facilities, upgraded security screening systems, expanded commercial space, and a runway extension from 2,750 metres to 3,500 metres. Cargo, maintenance, taxiway, and green-energy infrastructure are also planned under public-private partnership arrangements.Civil Aviation Minister Wake Goi described the redevelopment as a long-term investment in the country's aviation future.“Investing in areas that bring big returns is the way to go forward for the next 50 years,” Goi said.He said the redevelopment would deliver significant improvements to both domestic and international airport infrastructure while creating opportunities for further private sector investment in the aviation sector.Prime Minister James Marape, who attended the launch, said airports remain critical infrastructure for economic growth, trade, tourism, and national connectivity.“Airport facilitates the economy, commerce and people movement in society,” Mara.pe said.He commended NAC for prioritizing the domestic terminal expansion and announced government support for the first phase of the project.“I want to say that government will put K20 million to support that expense, and I thank NAC for setting aside K5 million kina,” he said.NAC said the redevelopment will strengthen readiness for APEC 2033, improve operational efficiency, enhance passenger experiences, and support long-term growth in aviation, tourism, and trade.With feasibility studies and financing arrangements for the final phase expected to begin in 2027, the redevelopment is set to reshape the country's premier aviation gateway for decades to come.

More than a year after the release of her signature hit Melanesian Queen, PNG local artist Mereani Masani is making her long-awaited return with a new single, ‘MI GO’ that will be released today June 5th. The track delivers a message of healing, self-discovery and moving forward after a toxic relationship; something Mereani believes will resonate with many listeners. “It is about celebrating a new chapter after coming out of a toxic relationship and where you are not stuck in this place of uncertainty and depression,” she said. “This song is to remind us that it is okay to move on with your life and be happy.” “If that was not meant for you, then it's not for you. You cannot hold back and keep staying in that same place, so it’s like, ‘MI GO NAU!’” Written entirely in Tok Pisin, MI GO marks a deliberate return to the language for the singer, who said she intentionally chose to tell the story in a way that would feel authentic and relatable to local audiences. Beyond her own experiences, Mereani revealed the song was also inspired by a conversation with her nephew, who was struggling after the breakdown of a long-term relationship. “It was flowing through my mind, and when I talked with my nephew who was coming out of a long-term relationship, it became even more relatable.” The discussion reinforced the central message of the song, which is knowing when to let go and move forward. “Man, you have to let her go. Maybe she’ll come back or maybe she won’t, but you can’t be stuck in this place forever where it’s sad or life is over.” In a surprising burst of creativity, Mereani said the song was written in just one day and produced in less than 24 hours. The release also signals the beginning of a new chapter for the artist, who confirmed that fans can expect an album in the future, although she is not yet ready to announce a release date. “As an artist, I have to be in that certain place to actually feel what I write,” she said. “I am also a full-time mum, so I won’t give an exact timeline for the album, but I am aiming to put one out soon.” While balancing motherhood and music, Mereani said inspiration remains the driving force behind her song writing process, describing it as something that comes when the right creative moment, or what artists often call a muse, arrives. Fans will get their first chance to hear MI GO perform live when Mereani takes the stage at the WAN FIRE Music Festival come June 20. For an artist whose last major release crowned her as one of PNG music’s most recognizable voices, MI GO is more than just a comeback single; it is a declaration of growth, healing and the courage to move forward.

NRL record try-scorer Alex Johnston expressed that the support of his wife and children combined with his strong Papua New Guinean heritage, made his decision to join the PNG franchise in 2028 an easy one. Johnston revealed that he had already made up his mind to join the PNG-based NRL club as soon as its entry into the competition was officially announced. The South Sydney Rabbitohs winger said his family played a key role in the decision-making process, with his wife immediately supporting the move. “Once I spoke to the missus, she was all for it. She is the boss pretty much. So, she is happy, I am happy,” Johnston said. The veteran winger said there were few concerns about relocating, despite questions often raised about safety in the country. He said his experiences visiting the country have always been positive, and he is looking forward to spending more time in communities across the nation. Johnston explained that while contract negotiations focused on securing the right deal, his long-term intention had always been to join the PNG franchise. “As soon as the Chiefs were announced, I had basically made up my mind that I wanted to go.” The 31-year-old said his children are also excited about the move and the opportunity to become part of a historic chapter in rugby league. The signing is expected to be one of the most significant in the club’s early history, with Johnston bringing a wealth of NRL experience and a record-breaking career to the country’s first team in the national competition. Widely regarded as one of the game’s greatest finishers, Johnston recently became the NRL’s all-time leading try-scorer and believes the next chapter of his career is about more than personal achievements. During his visit, Johnston also spoke about creating pathways for young players and helping inspire the next generation of rugby league talent. His move to the PNG franchise is being viewed as both a major recruitment coup and a powerful symbol of the club's ambition as it prepares for its inaugural NRL season in 2028. For Johnston, however, the decision came down to family, heritage and the opportunity to help build something historic. With the backing of his wife, the excitement of his children, and the support of rugby league fans across Papua New Guinea, Johnston says he is ready to embrace the next chapter of his career.

Institute of National Affairs Executive Director Paul Barker is urging authorities to strengthen preparations for a possible El Niño event, warning that prolonged dry conditions could threaten water supplies, agriculture, health services and electricity generation across the country.Speaking to PNG Haus Bung, he stressed on the need for early planning. Barker said preparedness measures must be put in place now to reduce the impact of drought conditions on communities and the economy. He said national agencies, provincial governments and key sectors need to work together to ensure response systems are ready before dry conditions intensify. A major concern highlighted by Barker was water security, which he said remains critical for households, agriculture and hydroelectric power generation. “Preparedness means having backup water supply systems and being ready to respond when things do happen,” Barker said. He said authorities should priorities reserve water supplies, irrigation systems and contingency plans for urban centers heavily dependent on major water sources. Barker warned that prolonged dry conditions could place additional pressure on health facilities and schools, particularly in rural areas where access to water is already limited. He said lessons from previous drought events should guide planning efforts and strengthen the country’s ability to respond to future climate challenges. In the energy sector, Barker called for greater investment in solar power to complement existing hydroelectric generation systems. “With a long dry season, we can actually be geared with our electricity supply to using that sun more, because solar investments are a useful diversification for electrical generation,” he said. Barker said diversification is an important risk-management strategy not only for energy generation but also for agriculture. He encouraged farmers to grow a variety of crops, including drought-resistant food crops, to reduce the risk of food shortages during extended dry periods. Despite the challenges associated with El Niño conditions, Barker noted that some sectors could benefit from prolonged dry weather. He said coffee has historically performed well during dry periods, helping some growers maintain income when food crop production declined. “Coffee was actually getting quite a good yield in some of the El Niño years, and those who had coffee income were able to help balance their overall income and purchase food,” he said. Barker also warned of increased fire risks during prolonged dry conditions and urged communities to exercise caution when using open fires near forests, agricultural land and plantations. He stressed that preparedness and prevention remain the most effective response to potential drought impacts. “Preparedness and prevention are better than cure, but you have to be ready to respond when things do happen,” Barker said. With forecasts indicating the possibility of an El Niño event later this year, Barker said now is the time for governments, communities and businesses to strengthen planning efforts and protect essential services, livelihoods and water supplies.

The CIMC Transport and Infrastructure Sectoral Committee reconvened for its first meeting of 2026 on Wednesday, June 3rd, bringing together key stakeholders to address long-standing transport and infrastructure challenges affecting the country. Held at the Crown Hotel in Port Moresby city today, the meeting brought together representatives from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), Motor Vehicle Insurance Limited (MVIL), Department of Works and Highways, PNG Ports Corporation, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) but there were some major agencies that weren't present like National Maritime Safety Authority (NMSA), National Airports Corporation (NAC), Road Traffic Authority (RTA), and other sector stakeholders. The meeting was chaired by former Institute of Engineers Papua New Guinea (IEPNG) President Mrs. Edea Bourage. Mrs. Bourage noted that the committee had not met throughout 2025 due to the absence of a chairperson, with the previous meeting held on April 4th, 2024, under former chairperson Philip Habon. During the meeting, Mrs. Bourage presented an overview of transport and infrastructure issues raised by the committee between 2018 and 2024. Among the key concerns highlighted were legislative and institutional reforms, accessibility and inclusion in public transport systems, enforcement and asset protection, urban transport coordination, emerging regulatory risks, government funding gaps, and sustainable infrastructure maintenance. “The subcommittee has identified the right issues in the last 10 years. The next step is disciplined and structured implementation,” Mrs. Bourage said. She said many of the issues identified over the years remain unresolved due to weak coordination, unclear institutional responsibilities, and limited implementation of recommendations. “There is a lack of clarity on institutional responsibility. Who is doing what? That is something that is not really clear,” she said. Mrs. Bourage also highlighted accessibility challenges within public transport infrastructure, particularly for people living with disabilities. “There has been no progress on accessibility, particularly in public transport infrastructure,” she said. According to the committee brief, the meeting was convened to re-engage stakeholders, address significant outstanding action items from previous meetings, promote information sharing among sector agencies, and develop strategies to address challenges affecting the transport sector. Expected outcomes include improving stakeholder awareness of the committee's work, maintaining consistent engagement among sector agencies, and addressing outstanding action items that have remained unresolved. Mrs. Bourage stressed that future committee meetings must focus on accountability and measurable outcomes. “We cannot just name an organization. There must be a person responsible for each action item,” she said. The Transport and Infrastructure Sectoral Committee is one of eleven sectoral committees established by the Consultative Implementation and Monitoring Council (CIMC) to identify and discuss challenges affecting various sectors of society and develop policy recommendations through consultation between government, private sector, civil society, churches, and development partners. CIMC facilitates national dialogue on public policy issues through annual development forums and regular sectoral committee meetings, seminars, and workshops. The committee is expected to meet regularly throughout the year as members work to advance outstanding reforms, strengthen inter-agency coordination, and improve transport and infrastructure services nationwide.

After what many believed would be his final performance in 2025, Tolai rock legend Leonard Kania is saying that retirement can wait. The man affectionately known as the "King of Tolai Rock" returns to the stage in 2026 to celebrate an extraordinary 40-year journey in the country’s music industry, embarking on a nationwide anniversary tour alongside a new generation of stars including his son Saii Kay, rising sensation Jarahn, and reggae icon Anslom. Speaking exclusively to PNG Haus Bung, Kania revealed that his 2025 Han Buruk album launch was originally intended to be his farewell performance. "That was supposed to be my last performance," Kania admitted. "But when I thought about it, it didn't sit well with me. I've been doing music for 40 years and it has become part of who I am. Many of my loyal fans also didn't want me to quit." Having begun his musical journey in 1986, Kania is now celebrating four decades of entertaining audiences across the country. "I started in 1986 and now it's 2026, so that makes it 40 years I've been in music," he said. "I still feel strong." Looking back on a catalogue that spans more than 100 songs across five albums, Kania says one track stands above the rest for personal reasons. "I don't have a favorite album or track, but my first-ever song with Itambu Band, Maria, will always be special. It opened the Yumi FM Countdown back then." Released in 1991, Maria became one of the defining songs of his career and helped launch a legacy built on blending traditional Tolai rhythms with contemporary rock music. Over four decades, Kania has not only dominated radio airwaves but has also helped shape East New Britain's distinctive rock sound, earning him the widely recognized title of King of Tolai Rock. Joining Kania on the anniversary tour are some of the country's most popular and promising artists. His son Saii Kay has established himself as one of PNG's leading contemporary musicians, while Anslom remains a household name in the reggae internationally and rising star Jarahn, who is also related to Kania, represents the next generation of talent making an impact both locally and internationally. "For Saii Kay and Jarahn, they are my sons, so it was easy for me to bring them along for my 40th anniversary tour," Kania said. He believes the younger artists will help connect the tour with a broader audience, particularly through their strong social media presence. "They don't only attract local followers but international followers as well. Especially Jarahn, as one of our young stars. This is his time." The tour will also feature Kania's brother, Uralom Kania. The anniversary tour has already kicked off in Goroka and will continue across the country with confirmed performances in: Port Moresby – Cosmopolitan, June 5 Rabaul – Ralum Country Club Lae – Club 99, July 18 Madang – July 24 Arawa – Hangar Tavern Bar, August 28-29 Buka – Pasis Deck, September 4 As preparations continue for the Port Moresby show, Kania has invited fans, especially members of the East New Britain community living in the capital, to join the celebration. "If you don't have any other commitments on Friday, please come and join me in celebrating my 40th anniversary in the music industry," he said. For Leonard Kania, the milestone is more than a celebration of longevity. It is proof that after 40 years, the music still plays on.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) continues to work to improve infrastructure investment strategy in PNG while focusing on climate resilience, national connectivity and creating stronger conditions for private sector growth.Speaking during the recent 2nd Green Finance Summit, Mr. Soon Chan Hong, ADB Country Operations Head for PNG said infrastructure investments must now be designed with long-term climate risks in mind to ensure projects remain sustainable for decades. “Infrastructure is not easy to change once we make an investment,” he said. “Minimum 20 years, 30 years, maybe 50 years infrastructure will be there, so once we make a wrong choice at the start, at the design, then we are stuck.” Hong said ADB currently operates across eight sectors in PNG, including transport, energy, urban and rural development, finance, public sector management and social development. He explained that the bank’s work combines both “hard infrastructure” such as roads, airports and power systems, alongside “soft infrastructure” including policy support, governance reforms and technical assistance. According to Hong, ADB’s active project portfolio in PNG is valued at around US$1.5 billion across multiple sectors, with infrastructure projects making up the majority of investments. He said around 60 percent of ADB’s portfolio is concentrated in the transport sector, including roads and civil aviation projects, while another significant portion focuses on energy infrastructure. Among the major projects highlighted were the Highlands Highway Project, Civil Aviation Development programs and Hydropower Rehabilitation and Electricity Distribution upgrades. “When there is a road, when there is better air connectivity or reliable power supply, people get benefit because residential, commercial and other businesses can grow,” Hong said. “Basically, we provide the environment for private sector development.” Hong said climate resilience is now being integrated directly into project design and infrastructure planning because investments made today will shape the country’s future for decades. He said ADB is assessing climate risks during the planning stage to ensure infrastructure can withstand future environmental pressures and avoid locking PNG into vulnerable systems. “With regard to resilience and sustainable investment, clearly we look into the impact of climate change and then how our investment can lock in more sustainable development,” he said. ADB is also supporting road maintenance reforms and updated infrastructure standards aimed at improving climate resilience across transport networks. Hong said infrastructure development alone is not enough and must also be supported by stronger governance systems, policy reforms and private sector participation. The bank is also working with development partners including the World Bank, International Monetary Fund and other agencies to support policy reforms and improve the investment environment in PNG. ADB has also implemented technical assistance programs supporting private sector development with assistance from the Australian and New Zealand governments. Hong said partnerships remain critical because no single institution can deliver large-scale infrastructure transformation alone. “We have limited resources and limited number of people, so we have to be very efficient,” he said. “The national priorities clearly become one of the very important criteria when we discuss and design projects.” ADB says its long-term approach in PNG is focused on building resilient infrastructure systems that improve connectivity, strengthen economic growth and create better conditions for private sector investment across the country.