Hosting a free, fair and safe election is the focus of the Papua New Guinea Electoral Commission (PNGEC) to ensure this current election yields the expected results by the end of its scheduled time. It is not only that, but to also ensure the elections are conducted accordingly with the candidates elected through the democratic process, with no corruption or violence involved. The PNGEC’s stand is strongly supported by Prime Minister James Marape who appealed to all candidates and voters across PNG to uphold peace, discipline and respect during the election period. “The Electoral Commission, with the support of local-level administrators, is doing its absolute best to ensure a free, fair and safe election,” the Prime Minister said. “I urge all candidates and voters not to cause stress or disruption to their communities or to the country. Elections are serious national exercises, and they must be conducted with dignity, peace and respect.” Meanwhile, the commencement of the polling this week did not go as planned for one province. In Southern Highlands province, polling had to be delayed due to concerns raised regarding the electoral roll. Fortunately, this was resolved and polling is expected to take place today (Tuesday) in some areas. Acting Provincial Administrator and Provincial Election Advisory Committee (PEAC) Chairman David Kelma yesterday (Monday) addressed concerns over inflated rolls at Mendi Police Station and it was agreed for the recently updated 2025 electoral rolls will be used. This issue had delayed distribution of ballot boxes and papers over the weekend, and distribution started late yesterday (Monday). However, it is understood that some LLGs in districts closer to Mendi, especially Mendi Central kick-started polling on Monday. Meantime, Prime Minister Marape reminded the nation that the LLG elections are taking place in the year of PNG’s 50th Independence Anniversary, symbolizing the enduring strength of its democracy. “In our 50th anniversary year, voting freely and fairly is one of the most important expressions of our nationhood,” he said. “I encourage all Papua New Guineans to cast their votes correctly and peacefully, choosing leaders who will unite, serve, and strengthen our communities.” Meanwhile, polling will run for 14 days, ending on 8th November with counting to commence afterwards from the 9th of November and ending on 20th November, that is another 14 days. The return of writs will be on Friday 21st November. PNGEC is urging all to turn up to vote and to ensure a free, fair and safe LLG elections.

TISA Bank is proud to partner with the BNBM Hardware and Huawei in the development and access to reliable green energy solutions for households in Papua New Guinea (PNG).This was said by the TISA Bank Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr. Sunil Pokharel at the launch of the bank’s new loan product- Sola Pawa Loan- in Port Moresby city on Tuesday 21st October. Mr. Pokharel, in highlighting the need for people to access reliable energy, said only 15% of the people have access to reliable electricity in PNG and just 13% are connected to the national grid. “This is not merely a statistic- it is a story of families who cannot study after sunset, of clinics that struggle to refrigerate vaccines, and of small businesses that must close early because of darkness,” said the CEO. “Yet, we are a nation blessed with abundant natural energy resources- the sun that shines across our highlands, coasts, and islands; the rivers that power our lands and the ingenuity of our people.” “This energy gap; therefore, is not a barrier- it is an invitation to act differently, to bring light where it is most needed,” he said. Reflecting on this, he said TISA Bank believes that real progress happens when finance becomes a force for inclusion, which is the basis for them to proudly launched the Sola Pawa Loan- a green financing product designed to make clean and reliable energy affordable for every Papua New Guinean. “Through this initiative, our customers can now purchase solar- powered kits manufactured by Huawei and distributed by BNBM, enabling households, schools, and small businesses- even in remote areas- to enjoy sustainable light and power.” He said "Sola Pawa" is not just about energy, it is about empowering people through the use of reliable energy. “This is Banking on Change in action.” “This is TISA Bank bringing light, hope and opportunity to every corner of Papua New Guinea,” said Mr. Pokharel.

The new TISA Bank has teamed up with Huawei and the BNBM Hardware to deliver an innovative loan product that is targeted at encouraging the use of green energy to enable reliable power in Papua New Guinea (PNG).This new loan product, “TISA Sola Pawa Loan,” was launched last night in Port Moresby city witnessed by the bank’s clients, staff and management of Huawei, BNBM and a delegate from the Central bank- Bank of Papua New Guinea (BPNG). TISA Bank Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr. Sunil Pokharel said this initiative enables finances to access reliable electricity, especially in the rural parts of the country. “Through this initiative, our customers can now purchase solar power manufacture by Huawei and distributed by BNBM, enabling households, schools and small businesses- even in remote areas- to enjoy sustainable light and power,” said the TISA Bank CEO. “This is more than a loan. It is a bridge between darkness and opportunity, between aspiration and achievement.” “For the bank like TISA, it represents innovation, enjoying new markets like the renewable energy and sustainable housing,” he said. This innovative sola power product is FusionSolar. It’s a Huawei Power- M small hybrid power solution. It integrates grid, solar DG and battery. It is widely used in off- grid and unreliable grid areas and provides reliable and stable backup power for homes and buildings. The launching of the loan product is the first of such initiatives in PNG where all three parties have come together and decided to do something different. Mr. Pokharel said the initiative started with Huawei to engage with a distributor and a bank to create a financial product that would finance the purchase of its innovative product that is reliable and is powering homes in most parts of the world.

The Papua New Guinea National Museum and Art Gallery (NMAG) recently held a fundraiser to support its maintenance, where the vision for its future was revealed to the public.The NMAG Board Trustee President, Mr. Terence Moka said going forward, the National Museum must innovate through technology so to better preserve the history and cultures of Papua New Guinea in the artifacts and stories that it holds. “As we continue to celebrate our 50th independence anniversary right through to 2026, we also take this moment to look ahead for the National Museum and Art Gallery, for the next 50 years,” said the president. “We want to do it on innovation and technology. We want to ensure that we continue preserving and protecting our cultural heritage and history for future generations.” “This is our time to modernize, to strengthen the role of the National Museum and Art Gallery as a living institution that will tell stories into the future. One that connects our past, inspire our future and shape the future of Papua New Guinea.” Hence, the recent fundraiser was important to ensure that goal is achieved going forward. The fundraiser raised close to half a million kina. Mr. Moka thanked NMAG Legacy Champions, who donated large amounts to funds to the cause. They are Mineral Resources Development Company (MRDC), Paga Hill Estate, and New Porgera Limited (NPL). He also thanked Friends of the Museum for their outstanding support in organizing the whole fundraiser that was help last Friday in Port Moresby city.

The inaugural Friends of the Museum (FOM) Gala Night fundraiser, held last night in Port Moresby city, has raised quite a significant amount of money to go towards the maintenance of the National Museum in order to continue preserving Papua New Guinea's rich cultural heritage.Chair of the Friends of the Museum, Ms. Sylvia Pascoe said the National Museum plays an important part of holding the ancient and modern history of every man and women in Papua New Guinea, through the artifacts, the stories behind them, tells of a thousand people of ancient cultures weaved in one modern country. As such, Ms. Pascoe said the support from the government and corporate PNG is vital to helping preserve the cultural identities of the people. She said the FOM work is to engage the various sectors to support a good cause. “Friends of the Museum now exist to bridge that gap between the friends and corporate PNG and with everyday Papua New Guineans near and far,” said Ms. Pascoe. “Many of you have the resources to make a difference, we’re simply offering the pathways.” “Thanks to you, we have raised almost half a million kina,” she said. The priority of the maintenance is the massive air-conditioning system in the museum, which is over 50 years old, and in need of a replacement. This is important in that many of the cultural artifacts and certain animal specimens kept at the National Museum require the right room temperature to preserve their properties. Meanwhile, the Defence Minister Dr. Billy Joseph, who was quest of honor at the event representing the tourism minister, who had other engagements, acknowledged the importance of the museum and the work the team is doing to improve the facilities. In his speech, he confirmed that a proposed allocation of funds has been brought forward to Cabinet for approval. That funding proposal is for the maintenance of the National Museum, which he said Tourism Minister Belden Namah presented. He did not further reveal the status of the proposed funding- where it is now, but it is hoped that the funding be included in the 2026 National Budget.

The Sirinumu Lake, created by the Sirinumu Dam that was commissioned in 1963, has a massive tourism potential that the national government and Central provincial government could tap into.This was highlighted by the Chairman of the Koiari Local level Government (LLG) Special Purpose Authority (SPA) Mr. Paul Noel at the recent opening ceremony of the first water supply system for villages on the lake. Mr. Noel said apart from the dam, there is potential for recreational activities like water sports or just a boat cruise provided by local tourism providers on the massive lake for people who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Port Moresby city; however, for this to happen, say in the next few years, there has to be cooperation with organizations like the Papua New Guinea (PNG) Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA). “This area (Sirinumu Lake) has a huge potential,” said Mr. Noel. “I want the TPA and the others to work together to fulfill this potential to provide income opportunities for our people.” The PNG TPA was also represented at the Opening Ceremony of the new water supply system on Thursday 17th October. Meanwhile, Mr. Noel also urged the Central provincial government and administration to partner the Koiari LLG SPA to deliver such income making potential. “We can do so much if given appropriate funding support,” he stated.   

It was a joyous moment especially for the mothers and daughters of Berebei, a predominantly Seventh Day Advantage village on an island in the middle of the Sirinumu lake in the Central province, when taps next to their homes where officially turned open to allow water to flow.This is the first time in over sixty (60) years that water is now flowing to homes of landowners of the massive Sirinumu Dam that supplies both water and electricity to Port Moresby city and parts of Central province. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the new water supply system, Mr. Steven John, the Chairman of the landowner company- the Sirinumu Development Company, said it has been a long time coming and eventually the first village now has water running on taps next to homes. “Villagers will no longer have to travel far to get water, a struggle everyone knows too well.” The project came about following a church gathering at the village some time back, where members at the gathering asked for a better water supply system. That request was taken to heart by the Koiari Local Level Government (LLG) Special Purpose Authority (SPA) who then move to have the water system installed using funding parked in their account. They set to work on the project with contractor SMJ Plumbing & Building Services, which was represented at the opening ceremony by Mr. Sibona Fafave, the Managing Director. Given the urgency to establish the water supply system, the company took just two weeks to install the whole system, which includes pipes, taps, pump and a massive water tank. The opening today marks the start of more such projects to come as planned for by the Koiari LLG SPA with more villages on the Sirinumu lake to get proper water supply system. In attendance at the ceremony today where dignitaries from the government, the Department of Provincial Government and LLGs, Department of Prime Minister, the Central Provincial Government and stakeholders and villagers.

The recent rise in alcohol fueled incidents in the city of Port Moresby is prompting police to seek public support to curb it.The National Capital District (NCD) Metropolitan Superintendent (Met. Supt.), Warrick Simatab, told PNG HAUSBUNG that public support is needed to assist police officers in their duty to keep the peace and protect the people, which are the residents of Port Moresby city. He said this following the recent fighting incident that occurred this week at Konedobu where a couple of people were seriously injured and had to be admitted to the hospital for medical attention. The fight started from a drunken brawl. “You know a lot of these things arise from alcohol consumption and alcohol sale,” stated the Met. Supt. He said police will crackdown on illegal sales and the consumption of alcohol in public places. Public can support by identifying and reporting alcohol sales in places not permitted to sell them. Also, public can support by being responsible consumers of alcohol by staying out of trouble. “Police will soon be starting operations; we’re focusing on cracking down of alcohol and I want everybody to support police to stop the illegal sale of alcohol. This is only what I want, the support of the public to uphold the law.”

The National Capital District (NCD) Metropolitan Superintendent, Warrick Simatab, has confirmed that police have taken control of the fighting incident at Konedobu and that no deaths were reported from the incident. Speaking to PNG HAUSBUNG, the NCD police boss condemned the misleading information on the incident circulating on social stating that people were killed. He clarified that the incident started from a drunken brawl which went out of control, resulting in a huge fight and people receiving serious injuries to their bodies. “What has been circulated on the social media is false, there are no deaths,” stressed Met. Supt. Simatab. “Police have taken control of the situation; they have attended to it in the night and this morning. There is now a mediation between the people involved in the fight. Our policemen at Town Police Station and our taskforce are intermediating, trying to bring peace within the community.” “As far as I know, people are seeking treatment at the hospital in regard to that fight. There have been no deaths and police have taken control of the situation,” said the Met. Supt. He said there are a lot of speculations on social media which are not true about the incident. Meanwhile, a person of interest is now in custody after being detained by police at the scene of the incident. Simatab is calling on the others involved in the fight to come forward and surrender to police. Eyewitnesses have been urged to assist police with investigations.

Prime Minister James Marape before kickoff of the Prime Ministers XIII match this afternoon at the Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby city, announced the official name of the PNG NRL team that will enter the Australian NRL in 2028.Prime Minister Marape announced that the team will officially be known as the “PNG Chiefs”, a powerful reflection of the country’s deep cultural roots, ancient governance systems, and enduring unity. “We are a nation of a thousand tribes,” Prime Minister Marape stated. “Before there was a modern state called Papua New Guinea in 1975, our people lived for thousands of years under tribal structures led by chiefs — both men and women — who governed, protected, and held our communities together.” Marape said the name Chiefs depicts Papua New Guinea’s (PNG’s) authentic cultural history. “It tells the story of how our ancient tribal systems — diverse and sovereign in their own right — fused into one sovereignty in 1975. That fusion was an amazing miracle, forming one democracy, one people, one nation — and now, one team.” PNG is the only country in the world where rugby league is the national sport— a game that unites the nation across more than 800 languages and 1,000 tribes. The establishment of a PNG-based NRL franchise marks a historic milestone in the country’s sporting and national journey. The PNG NRL team, expected to enter the competition in 2028, will be based in Port Moresby but carry a truly national identity, drawing players from all provinces.

Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Australia will now start working on a recruitment pathway to allow Papua New Guineans join the Australian military as the recently signed “Pukpuk Treaty” is about to go through parliament for ratification.This was announced by the Minister for Defence Dr. Billy Joseph in a press statement on Friday 10th October, where he stated that both countries will establish a recruitment task force that will be led by himself and the Australian Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Miles. The recruitment taskforce will also comprise of officials from both countries with the first meeting to occur before the end of 2025. Among its key focus points, the taskforce will establish a methodical and considered process to identify eligible Papua New Guinean citizens to join the ADF. The taskforce will also focus on providing opportunities to PNG’s youth, while maintaining the integrity of ADF recruitment standards and continuing to help support growth of the PNGDF as an independent sovereign force. PNG and Australia will work in partnership to develop a sustainable pathway for PNG citizens to enlist in the ADF. This initiative will take time to develop and refine; however, both PNG and Australia are committed to its success. This builds on the announcement that eligible permanent residents living in Australia who are also Papua New Guinea citizens can apply to join the ADF from 1 January 2026. Minister Joseph said developing a recruitment pathway from Papua New Guinea into the Australian Defence Force is a historic step, reflecting the shared history and commitment to enhance integration between the two countries. “Since beginning this process in January, we have now seen a transformation in our defence relationship through the signing of the Pukpuk Treaty, which is reflected in what we are doing in terms of recruitment, our joint exercises and our operations and I am looking forward to working with my good friend and counterpart, Minister Marles, to develop a taskforce that will see this recruitment and integration come to fruition,” Dr. Billy said.

The recently signed Mutual Defence Treaty, the "Pukpuk Treaty”, will now go through the finals step of the process, which is to progress to the National Parliament for ratification, so to come into effect. Prime Minister James Marape said this is the process as per the laws of Papua New Guinea (PNG). “Subject to Section 117 of our Constitution, our parliament will have a handle of this Treaty, and parliament will then ratify and upon ratification, it becomes a Treaty Document in which our two defence forces coexist going forward into the future,” said Prime Minister Marape. The prime minister also made it very clear that the treaty is subject to a review of its status, to determine its continuity. “Our defence ministers will meet at the defence ministers’ biannual meetings to ensure that the operationalization of this treaty is not out of sync.” “The work of this Treaty will be and must be consistently consistent with each nation’s Constitutional requirements and of course, our obligations to the United Nation’s charter for first response to peace and the upkeep of peace.” The Pukpuk Treaty was signed by Prime Minister Marape and his Australian counterpart, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia on Monday 6th October 2025.