Emmanuel MAIPE

Prime Minister (PM) James Marape wants the people to make use of the economic infrastructures delivered by the government to better their livelihoods and with it, contribute to nation building.Speaking on the recent infrastructures that he opened just recently while on his road trip from Port Moresby to Lae city on the new Trans Highway, he focused his call on the farmers and businesses especially.The prime minister said Papua New Guinea’s future will be built on the people, agriculture and connected communities, telling residents in Kundiawa town in Simbu province that sustained investment in roads and bridges is opening the way for farmers and small businesses.Speaking during a stop on the Government’s national road journey through the Highlands, PM Marape said infrastructure is meaningless unless it helps families get produce to market and children to schools and clinics.“We are not only building new roads; we are maintaining our existing roads and upgrading the key links that keep our villages connected to markets,” he said.“When a farmer in Gembogl or Karamui can bring coffee and fresh food to Kundiawa in a day, that is development.”The Prime Minister said improved connectivity is already creating economic opportunities in the Highlands by cutting travel time, lowering transport costs and giving communities better access to services and investment.He said the road program going through Chimbu is part of a bigger national push to ensure development reaches every district, not just the big cities.The delegation’s journey will include road and bridge openings and provincial economic initiatives across the Highlands.“This journey from Port Moresby, through Lae and up into the Highlands shows what we can achieve when we work together,” Mr. Marape said.“We can do it. This country can do it.”The Prime Minister said roads must go hand in hand with agriculture and people-centred investment.“Infrastructure is one part of it. We must also invest in our people through education, and we must diversify our economy through agriculture, small businesses and downstream processing,” he said.“Our message as Papua New Guinea approaches its 51st Independence Anniversary is simple: development must reach every village, every garden, every market,” he said.“We can connect our country. We can grow our farms. We can empower our people.”The Prime Minister added that the maintenance and sustenance of this infrastructure will drive efficiency for our people and for the national economy.

The devastations caused by the El Niño is widespread, in the pacific, a lot of countries are being impacted including Papua New Guinea (PNG) where water and food sources, and cash crops like coffee are being affected.PNG Hausbung was up in the Highlands of PNG recently where this important cash crop was the focus of attention, and at the recent 70th PNG Agri- fest in Goroka in Eastern Highlands province, much was discovered regarding the struggles and the call for assistance from the affected small holder coffee farmers.One such farmer is Mr. Andrew Robert. He is a small-scale coffee grower from the Goroka district, and his story is similar to many other farmers in his position in the upper and lower highlands who are being impacted by the El Niño, whether by drought or frost.  Mr. Robert explained that the prolonged dry weather experienced so far has resulted in the coffee berries not ripening despite the coffee bearing flower. “That’s our issue with this El Nino; therefore, what we want is our district, Local Level Government (LLG) and our Eastern Highlands provincial government to do something to address this matter,” he said.“What we want is to at least have access to good water supply so we can be able to give water to our crops, especially at this time. So, it can be a win- win situation to ensure production continues, and we being able to sustain ourselves.”Coffee production and exportPNG Coffee is sort after internationally and it is grown in the highlands region and parts of the coastal regions as well that supply those quality beans, due to the climate and vegetation of these areas.According to the Coffee Industry Corporation (CIC) Production and Export Statistics, coffee is grown in 16 provinces of PNG, but production is mainly centred in Eastern Highlands, Western Highlands, Jiwaka, Morobe and Simbu provinces. These provinces account for over 90% of production.East Sepik supplies most of PNG Robusta exports. The Arabica coffees produced in PNG, especially those produced on the larger estates, are considered to be among the finest gourmet coffees in the world.In 2025, PNG exported more than 1.5 million bags of coffee, something which the Prime Minister hailed as a significant achievement at the start of 2026. It earned approximately K1.31 billion in export revenue. That is a K573 million increase from the 2024 export revenue of K737 million.The announcement was made by the Minister for Coffee, William Bando at the start of the year.The Prime Minister noted that global demand for Coffee continues to rise, with studies indicating Coffee could soon become the second most traded commodity in the world after oil. However, the export levels can be maintained with enough good assistance to growers currently facing El Nino impacts.Assistance neededAlso speaking to PNG Hausbung was Mr. Jonah Negiha, the Regional Land-use Advisor from the Department of Agriculture and Livestock, Provincial Industry and Support Services Highlands Region, based in Goroka.He said the situation is serious not just for the coffee farmers, but for all other crops in the highlands region that are experiencing dry weather brought on by the El Niño. “This El Niño is causing a lot of damage. In the lower areas, there is drought. Further up in the mountains, frost is affecting the crops,” he said.He said there are programs delivered by the Department of Agriculture and Livestock with support from stakeholders to assist farmers; however, there is a big need for further support from the higher ups to ensure better delivery.The government’s supportApart from the support on ground from the immediate authorities responsible for agriculture, the National Government is overall doing its bit as well to support coffee growers and producers.  Although it’s not in the form of immediate support like access to water and other necessary items; it will enable access to markets and further support for growers in the long run.Just on Tuesday 8th September, the Prime Minister opened a new bridge and a new road project in Bena in the Eastern Highlands province where he made a call to the coffee growers in the province to take advantage of the infrastructures to increase coffee production.  “I want you to deliver coffee bags to repay the money we are investing in building infrastructure,” he said.“There is wealth growing by you through the use of your land, your sweat and your effort, and the road enables the marketing.“When you improve, the country improves. Together, we all grow.”In addition to this, the State had initiated El Niño assessments earlier in the year for the potential impact provinces, where the feedback from the teams undertaking this exercise would go towards assisting these provinces.So, it is hoped that these reports are being attended to and the impacted provinces and districts are actually getting help.The desired outcomeHowever, one can say that the El Niño is increasing the price for coffee on the international market, which is a good thing for coffee producers. This is because the El Niño generally pushes coffee prices higher on the world market because it disrupts production in major coffee-growing countries and creates fears of lower global supply.But for small scale coffee growers like Mr. Robert from the Goroka district, there is not much joy here despite the increased selling price. He said the current price of coffee is good, but farmers stand to lose revenue with the poor harvest of coffee due to the prolonged dry weather. He said better help is what is needed right now.Indeed, what coffee growers need is support like Water Supply and Irrigation Support, Emergency Financial Assistance, Distribution of Climate-Resilient Coffee Seedlings, and Infrastructure Support.Supporting small-scale coffee growers during the current El Niño is important because coffee is not just a crop in Papua New Guinea—it is a major source of income, employment, export earnings, and rural livelihoods.

Papua New Guinea (PNG) is marking its 51st Independence Anniversary and Air Niugini is joining in the celebration by giving away 51 free return airfares to Papua New Guineans.Yes, Air Niugini is inviting customers to share the stories that have connected the airline to their family, opportunity and community over the past five decades, and get into the draw to get the chance to get a free return airfare.Announcing the campaign on Monday 07th September, Air Niugini Chief Executive Officer Mr. Alan Milne said the airline's success has always been built on the people it serves."As Papua New Guinea celebrates 51 years of independence, Air Niugini is proud to celebrate alongside the nation and give back to the people who have supported us throughout our journey. For more than 50 years, we have connected communities, reunited families, supported businesses and helped bring Papua New Guineans together.This campaign is about recognising those connections and celebrating the stories that make our country unique. We are honoured to be part of Papua New Guinea's nation-building story and look forward to creating many more journeys and memories with our people."Air Niugini Chief Commercial Officer Mr. David Glover said the campaign provides a unique opportunity for Papua New Guineans to share their most meaningful travel experiences."Every flight has a story behind it. Whether it is a first-time traveler, a student pursuing their dreams, a family reunion, a business opportunity or a journey home, Air Niugini has been privileged to play a role in countless personal stories across our country. Through this campaign, we want to hear those stories and celebrate the emotional connections that travel creates. We encourage Papua New Guineans everywhere to share their experiences for a chance to win one of 51 return airfares."The campaign, themed "Wherever PNG Takes You, We've Been Flying With You," reflects Air Niugini's enduring role as Papua New Guinea's national airline and its contribution to connecting one of the world's most geographically diverse nations.For more than five decades, Air Niugini has been much more than an airline. Since independence, it has connected provinces and communities, supported the movement of people and goods, facilitated tourism and trade, and provided vital links between urban centres and remote regions of the country.Through every stage of Papua New Guinea's development, the national carrier has remained committed to bringing people together and opening doors to new opportunities.As the nation celebrates 51 years of independence, Air Niugini is inviting Papua New Guineans to share their personal Air Niugini journey as part of this special anniversary campaign.Customers can enter by posting a short story together with a photo or video on Facebook, Instagram or TikTok using the hashtags #MyAirNiuginiStory and #51YearsFlyingPNG, while tagging @AirNiugini. Entries must be submitted between 7 and 28 September, with winners announced weekly throughout the campaign period.A total of 51 winners will receive free return airfares, comprising 50 domestic return tickets and one international return ticket. Winners will be selected based on authenticity, emotional connection, and relevance to the campaign theme by an Air Niugini judging panel.The campaign is open to Papua New Guinea residents aged 18 years and above. Participants may submit multiple entries; however, only one prize can be awarded per person. Entries must be original and respectful. Winners will be announced on Air Niugini's social media platforms and contacted directly.As Papua New Guinea reflects on 51 years of independence and looks ahead to the future, Air Niugini remains proud of its role in connecting the nation and supporting the aspirations of its people.After more than five decades of service, one thing remains unchanged: wherever PNG takes you, Air Niugini has been flying with you.

Coffee farmers in the lower highlands region need proper support from respective authorities to ensure their crops are sustained to supply the market and also sustain themselves especially during this El Nino period.Mr. Andrew Robert is one such farmer. He is a small holder coffee grower in the Goroka district of Eastern Highlands province. PNG Hausbung had a chat with him during the 70th Papua New Guinea (PNG) Agriculture and Trade Festival in Goroka, where he revealed his struggle.Mr. Robert explained that the prolonged dry weather experienced so far, has resulted in the coffee berries not ripened despite the coffee bearing flower. “That’s our issue with this El Nino; therefore, what we want is our district, LLG and our Eastern Highlands provincial government to do something to address this matter,” he said.“What we want is to at least have access to good water supply so we can be able to give water to our crops, especially at this time. So, it can be a win- win situation to ensure production continues, and we be able to sustain ourselves.”Meanwhile, Mr. Jonah Negiha the Regional Landuse Advisor from the Provincial Industry and Support Services Highlands Region, said the situation is serious not just for the coffee farmers, but for all other crops in the highlands region that are experiencing dry weather. He said there are programs delivered by the Department of Agriculture and Livestock; however, there is a big need for further support from the higher ups.Meantime, the current price of coffee is good, but farmers stand to lose revenue with the poor harvest of coffee due to the prolonged dry weather.       

The Department of International Trade and Investment has come on board as a government department sponsor of the 70th Papua New Guinea (PNG) Agriculture and Trade Festival in Goroka, Eastern Highlands province.This sponsorship was solidified yesterday in Goroka when a dummy cheque was presented to the Chairman of the festival committee and President of the Highlands Farmers and Settlers Association (FSA), Mr. Wilson Thompson, by the Department’s Deputy Secretary Policy, Mr. Frazer Murray.“On behalf of the department of International Trade and Investment, we support the event that you are hosting and also congratulate you on the 70th PNG agri- trade festival here in Goroka,” he said.“This is an event which the department is very much supporting the drive in reviving agriculture and continuing the overall goal of the government’s objectives of promoting the agriculture sector, downstream processing and all the way to the markets. So, we would like to acknowledge your contribution, not just in Goroka, but throughout the country.”Upon presenting the cheque of K15, 000, the Deputy Secretary Policy hoped that this funding will help stage the three- day event and with it, continue the partnership that the department has with the FSA.

The 70th Papua New Guinea Agriculture and Trade Festival officially kicked off today in Goroka, Eastern Highlands province, bringing together more than 40 organizations, including government departments, corporate businesses, and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs).Despite a slow start to the dull and overcast morning, crowds of people including families, school children came flocking in.The National Sports Institute showground was bustling with people and stalls dishing out information to the public.The event also featured a good number of SMEs setting up to promote and secure the opportunity to expand through this platformMeanwhile, the festival received a timely support prior to its launch from the Department of International Trade and Investment.A funding support of K15, 000 funding was presented by the Deputy Secretary Policy Mr. Frazer Murray, to the President of the Highlands Farmers and Settlers Association, Mr. Wilson Thompson.The three-day festival will continue throughout the weekend, concluding on Sunday, August 30.

The Papua New Guinea (PNG) Agriculture and Trade Festival is set for this Friday 28th August, marking also the 70th Anniversary of the Coffee Industry and Agriculture in the country.The main host of this significant event is the Famers and Settlers Association (FSA). The President of the FSA Mr. Wilson Thompson, says the event will take place in Goroka, Eastern Highlands province and has already attracted over 30 corporate, government and financial institutions.‘We have Chemica Ltd, International Container Terminal Ltd and PNG Biosecurity Authority (former NAQIA) coming on as Bronze Sponsors, and we invite others that wish to support the Festival and events,” he said.“The festival is to celebrate as well as showcase and promote the primary industry sector and innovations and its importance in business and industry, and trade and primary to secure our food and income security of the country.”The festival is historic as it also celebrates the establishment of the Association in 1956 and also the hosting of the first Highlands (Goroka) Show by the Association to bring together tribal groups and to showcase agriculture, commerce and industry.Also, the year 1956 is memorable as the coffee industry was firmly established after the visit of Professor Baron Goto from the University of Hawaii, invited under the sponsorship of the Bank of New South Wales (now Westpac Bank), Commonwealth Bank of Australia (now BSP), Colyer Watson Ltd, A. H Bunting Ltd and the Highlands Farmers and Settlers Association, to study and report on the viability of the Coffee Industry. He also visited the cocoa establishments.Following the passing of the Coffee Industry Act, the National Coffee Authority has now replaced the Coffee Industry Corporation, with its own Board and powers and functions.Meanwhile, the gate fees for the festival have been slashed to allow more people to enter the Showground to learn more about the coffee industry and agriculture as a business opportunity.

Minister for International Trade and Investment Richard Maru has left the People First Party and has formed his own political party along with two other former party members ahead of the 2027 National General Election.This latest political part, the Nesenel United Pati (NUP), was launched today with Minister and Member (MP) for Yangoru Saussia Richard Maru, Madang Governor Ramsey Pariwa and Member for Maprik, Libert Kapris as the founding members. The party’s secretary is Mr. Dominic Krasombi.Minister Maru said the NUP will be anchored on three core values: God first, people second, and the leader being the last.“Our mission as a political party is to cast a new vision for our country,” said the Party Leader.Maru said so many things have been done in the same old ways and it's not working, especially in a time where new technology and innovations are changing the way the world works. He added that in such time, it requires new leadership and vision in order to rip the benefits of investments and trade with partner countries and translate it into real benefits for the people.“Our party is here to inspire our nation, giving the people hope, Together, we are going to build a united, strong and more prosperous Papua New Guinea,” Maru said.The NUP is teaming up with the PNG Party where Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture and MP for Vanimo Green, Belden Namah, is party leader.The two leaders also signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) today, sealing their partnership in working together going into the National General Election next year and forming a new government in 2027.  The Registrar of Political Parties Mr. Emmanuel Pok officially handed over the certificate of the new party to Minister Maru after being satisfied that all legal requirements were met to establish the newest political party.He said this now makes a total of 44 registered Political Parties in the country, where 23 of them have members in parliament.Now that the NUP has been launched and the MoA signed with PNG Party, the focus now is shifted to the 2027 National General Election. Minister Maru said they will be aggressive in getting candidates to run under their party banner in the hope to get enough candidates elected to parliament, so as to have the chance to form a new government to run on their policies and visions.

PNGFM Limited has partnered with the Farmers & Settlers Association (FSA) to bring the 70th PNG Agriculture & Trade Festival to audiences across Papua New Guinea.Celebrating its 70th year, the Festival will be held at the Goroka Showground from 28–30 August 2026, marking seven decades of agriculture, trade, innovation and community.As the Festival’s Official Radio & Digital Media Partner, YUMI FM will be on the ground in Goroka capturing the people, stories, exhibitors and key moments that make the event one of PNG’s most recognised agricultural gatherings.Through radio, digital and social media coverage, PNGFM will extend the Festival beyond the showgrounds, allowing audiences around the country to see, hear and experience the event wherever they are.PNGFM Limited CEO Esther Gegelagi said the partnership was an opportunity to use PNGFM’s platforms to give greater visibility to an industry that remains important to the country and its people.“Agriculture is part of everyday life for so many Papua New Guineans, and this Festival has been celebrating that contribution for 70 years. What better way to share that story than through YUMI FM, our local Tok Pisin community station. We want to take the Festival beyond Goroka and share its people, businesses and stories with audiences across the country. This is what PNGFM does best – connecting our people and giving PNG stories a bigger platform.”Agrifest Corporate Organiser Jemmima Colbran said the Festival’s 70th year was an important milestone and welcomed PNGFM and YUMI FM as media partners.“Seventy years is a significant achievement for the PNG Agriculture & Trade Festival. It reflects generations of farmers, businesses, industry partners and communities who have contributed to agriculture in Papua New Guinea. Partnering with PNGFM gives us an exciting opportunity to share this milestone with a wider audience and bring the energy of Agrifest to people across the country.”

Perodua PNG Limited has just introduced its latest SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle) - Traz to the Papua New Guinea market, exactly a year after establishing itself as a vehicle dealership in the country.Perodua PNG Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr. Ben Wong introduced the Perodua Traz just recently on Thursday 13th August at the Perodua Showroom in Port Moresby city.“It’s an SUV that does not ask you to compromise all the things that matter every day,” said the CEO.“The Traz is a five- seat SUV designed for families, professionals, businesses looking for practicality, comfort, safety and efficiency.”“In PNG, people like SUVs. We like the higher driving position; we like the extra space. We like confidence that come from having better ground clearance and we like a vehicle that comfortably handles both city roads and weekend activities.”The Perodua Traz is not about just one feature, or about just one specification; its about bringing together all the things people are looking for in a modern vehicle.The Traz is an SUV designed with good ground clearance, practical space, fuel efficiency, modern safety, driver assistance technology, and most importantly, value for money.The CEO said that the demand for the vehicle is actually high in PNG. The response from the PNG market has been very encouraging, with initial allocation request, showing an iimpressive increase.“One thing we have learned during our first year in Papua New Guinea is that customers want more than just transport,” said Mr. Wong.  “They want something practical, something economical, something safe, something they can depend on and something they can be proud to drive. We believe the all-new Perodua Traz brings all these things together and we are very proud to welcome the newest member of the Perodua family to Papua New Guinea.” The new Traz is on display now at the Perodua showroom and it’s an eye catcher with its slick design and capabilities.

The PNG Chiefs have strengthened their coaching ranks ahead of their historic entry into the National Rugby League, confirming former Dally M Coach of the Year Anthony Seibold as an assistant coach for the club's inaugural 2028 Telstra Premiership campaign.Seibold brings a wealth of experience to the expansion franchise, having coached 142 NRL games as head coach of the South Sydney Rabbitohs, Brisbane Broncos and Manly Sea Eagles. His appointment adds further depth to a coaching staff led by head coach Willie Peters, with former NRL player Luke Burt also serving as an assistant coach.Beyond rugby league, Seibold has built an impressive coaching résumé across multiple sporting codes, including a role with England Rugby Union and his current position with AFL club Collingwood. His broad coaching background is expected to provide valuable insight as the Chiefs continue building the foundations of the club ahead of their NRL debut.The appointment also reunites Seibold with Peters, with the pair having previously worked together at South Sydney and Newcastle.Seibold said the opportunity to help establish Papua New Guinea's first NRL club was one he was eager to embrace."I'm looking forward to working with Willie Peters and supporting the vision that this club has," Seibold said."The Chiefs are building something special with strong values and great people, and I'm excited to play my part in helping them succeed."The chance to make a positive impact on players, staff and the wider community was a big reason I wanted to join the Chiefs. Success on the field is important, but building something that inspires people across Papua New Guinea is just as meaningful."PNG Chiefs General Manager of Football Michael Chammas welcomed Seibold's appointment, describing the experienced coach as a significant addition to the club's football department."We're really excited about Anthony joining our coaching staff and believe that he will add a great deal to the playing group and football department as a whole," Chammas said."His experience in numerous roles across rugby league is a great benefit to us, and his time as a head coach in particular will help him be a trusted advisor to Willie. It will also complement the attributes that Luke brings as an assistant coach, and we believe they will work extremely well together alongside the rest of our football staff."Chammas said Seibold had recently visited Papua New Guinea and was enthusiastic about the opportunity to be part of the country's first NRL team."Having just spent time in PNG recently, Anthony is tremendously excited about the opportunity that lies ahead for the Chiefs and Papua New Guinea as a country, and his appointment is another great addition for our club."We're looking forward to welcoming him and his family to our Chiefs family in November 2027 as we continue to build strong foundations for our first NRL season."The appointment marks another major milestone for the PNG Chiefs as the club continues assembling its football operations in preparation for its long-awaited entry into the NRL in 2028.

President of the Farmers and Settlers Association (FSA), Mr. Wilsom Thompson acknowledges the intention of the National Institute of Standards and Industrial Technology (NISIT) to host a workshop to talk about its services to agriculture.NISIT will host a one (1) day Consultation Workshop in Goroka, Eastern Highlands province on the 27th of August 2026. The intention is to promote NISIT’s role and contribution to the agriculture sector with the following objectives:Role of Standards and Measurement,Testing and Certification,Accreditation in Agriculture, andTrade Promote the current draft Agriculture Sector Standards. Which are open for Public Commenting. “We thank NISIT for this initiative,” said the FSA President, further stating that these standards are important for the Agriculture sector.Meantime, NISIT’s Consultation Workshop coincides with the PNG Agriculture and Trade Festival 70th anniversary, which will take place at the Goroka show grounds from 28th to the 30th of August2026.NISIT will also set up a stall in the show grounds to promote its services specific to the PNG agriculture sector.“We acknowledge the opportunity for the general public to visit the NISIT stalls during the three-day PNG Agriculture and Trade Festival in Goroka.The Farmers and Settlers Association commends NISIT’s decision in coinciding with this Festival.