The Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) could see a more inclusive approach to supporting military families in the future, with discussions emerging around expanding the Military Wives Convention to include spouses of all serving members.The idea was raised during the 9th Biennial Military Wives Convention currently underway at in Port Moresby this week, where more than 300 delegates from military units across the country have gathered for the week-long event.Licensed Officer Lieutenant Jasmine Numbuk said the convention has traditionally focused on wives of serving Defence Force members, but changing family dynamics within the organisation may require a broader approach in the years ahead.She noted that the Defence Force now has more women serving in uniform, with some married to civilian husbands who are also affected by military postings, deployments and the demands of Defence Force life.Lieutenant Numbuk said there is growing recognition that support programs should reflect the changing makeup of military families and provide opportunities for all spouses to participate in discussions that affect their lives.She said the convention's theme, "Arise Esthers for Such a Time as This," has encouraged participants to reflect on their roles not only as supporters of serving members, but also as leaders within their families and communities.For Lieutenant Numbuk, one of the most significant aspects of the convention has been witnessing women confidently share their experiences and contribute ideas that could help shape future policies within the Defence Force.As a female officer serving in a traditionally male-dominated institution, she said listening to military spouses has provided valuable insight into a different style of leadership centred on support, understanding and family wellbeing.She said military wives play an important role behind the scenes, helping serving members remain focused on their duties while managing responsibilities within the home and community.Throughout the week, delegates are participating in leadership discussions, faith-based activities and cultural programs that highlight the contribution military spouses make to the overall success of the Defence Force.Lieutenant Numbuk said the convention is not only about discussing current issues but also about preparing for the future by ensuring spouses have a stronger voice in conversations that affect military families.She added that recommendations from this year's gathering could help shape future conventions and strengthen recognition of the vital role spouses play in supporting the Papua New Guinea Defence Force.With participation continuing to grow, organisers believe the event will remain an important platform for leadership development, representation and inclusion within the wider Defence Force community.

More than 300 military wives and mothers from across Papua New Guinea have gathered in Port Moresby for the 9th Bi-annual Military Wives Convention for a week-long event aimed at strengthening support systems for Defence Force families and addressing issues affecting life within military communities.Hosted by the Force Support Battalion (FSB) Military Wives, the convention brings together women from various Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) units to discuss challenges, share experiences and contribute recommendations that could help improve the welfare of military families.Licensed Officer for the convention, Lieutenant Jasmine Numbuk, said the gathering provides a valuable opportunity for Defence Force dependents to voice concerns and participate in discussions that directly impact their lives.She said the convention serves as an important platform for understanding the realities faced by families living in barracks and allows Defence Force leadership to gain greater awareness of issues affecting dependents.Throughout the week, participants will engage in presentations, panel discussions and awareness sessions covering a range of topics including gender-based violence, mental health, family welfare, lifestyle diseases and administrative matters affecting military families.Lieutenant Numbuk said the planning process involved identifying key concerns within barracks communities and inviting organisations that could contribute to addressing those issues. These include health professionals, welfare agencies and specialists involved in domestic violence prevention and family support services.She explained that military wives often experience many of the same challenges and are in a unique position to provide practical recommendations on how those issues can be addressed.As part of the convention, surveys will be conducted among military wives, female soldiers and military couples to gather information from different perspectives. The findings will help ensure recommendations are evidence-based and reflect the needs of the wider military community.Lieutenant Numbuk said the Defence Force hopes to use the information collected to develop programs and strategies that promote stability within barracks and strengthen support systems for serving members and their families.She added that military spouses play a critical role in supporting Defence Force personnel and that understanding their experiences is essential to maintaining strong and resilient military communities.The convention will conclude later this week with delegates presenting recommendations that will be submitted to Defence Force leadership for consideration.

The Uni Piggies Rugby Football Club produced a solid performance in Round 9 of the Capital Rugby Union (CRU) competition, with the club's A Grade side leading the way with a convincing 22-10 victory over Defence on Saturday.The senior side delivered a disciplined and determined display throughout the match, controlling key periods of play and capitalising on scoring opportunities to secure the 12-point win. The result adds valuable competition points to Uni Piggies' campaign as they continue to push for a strong finish to the season.The day began with the Under-20 clash at Field 1, where Defence narrowly defeated Uni Piggies 3-0 in a closely contested encounter. Despite creating opportunities, the young Piggies side was unable to break through a resilient Defence outfit.In the Under-23 match, Uni Piggies put up a spirited effort but fell short, going down 5-3. The match remained competitive from start to finish, with both teams battling hard for possession and territory.While the junior grades were unable to secure victories, the A Grade side ensured the club ended the day on a positive note. Their strong attacking play and defensive commitment proved too much for Defence, allowing Uni Piggies to claim an important win in front of their supporters.The mixed results see Uni Piggies take one win from three matches against Defence in Round 9, with the club now turning its focus to the next round of the CRU competition as they look to build momentum in the weeks ahead.

The Kulumata Circuit in Port Moresby city is strengthening its focus on youth development by encouraging young people to take active roles in church leadership and activities.Vice Chairman David James said youths are being mentored and given opportunities to organise and lead church programs as part of ongoing leadership development.He also confirmed that the circuit is sponsoring youths to attend an upcoming youth convention, with participants currently preparing and camping ahead of the event scheduled for later this month.Mr. James said the initiative is part of a broader effort to build capacity among young people within the church.“We encourage them to be part of leadership and take the lead in organising activities. Most of the organisers you see here are youth leaders. We are mentoring them and allowing them to lead,” he said.The circuit says youth engagement remains a key priority alongside its church development programs.

The Kulumata Circuit in Port Moresby city held a fundraising event yesterday during the King's Birthday public holiday, aimed at supporting ongoing church development projects and preparations for its annual Thanksgiving later this year.Vice Chairman David James said the fundraiser is part of efforts to help the circuit meet its financial targets ahead of the October Thanksgiving celebration.He said funds raised through Thanksgiving will be directed towards key church priorities, including the completion of a church building and plans to acquire additional land for future development.“We are doing fundraising for Thanksgiving, which falls in October this year. We have targets to meet, so these activities are helping us work towards those goals,” Mr. James said.“These collections go towards the church projects. We still have a building to complete and land we are working to acquire.”Kulumata Circuit Treasurer Ms. Natasha Kedamwana said the fundraising is part of the circuit’s structured plan leading up to Thanksgiving, with members working towards a set financial target each year.“Basically, this foundation is towards our Thanksgiving. By September we should be coming up with the amount that the church has set. So, we work towards that every year,” she said.She added that today’s event marks the first fundraising activity for the year, with more planned in the coming months.“So basically this is our first fundraising and there’ll be more coming,” Ms. Kedamwana said.The event featured volleyball and darts competitions, as well as children’s games, bringing together families, youth, and church members in a day of activities and fundraising.Mr. James said this is the first fundraising activity for the year, with another planned for early September.

The race for finals positions in the Capital Rugby Union (CRU) competition is heating up after seven rounds, with several divisions shaping up for an exciting second half of the season.In the Pepsi Premier Grade competition, Brothers remains the team to beat, maintaining their unbeaten record and opening up a six-point lead at the top of the ladder. Valley Hunters sit in second place, while Harlequins and MBB Marlins currently occupy the remaining Top Four positions.Despite Brothers' strong start, the battle for finals places remains wide open. Nova, Crusaders and Juggernauts are still within reach of the Top Four, while Wanderers and University will be looking to build momentum as the season progresses.The Pepsi A Grade competition continues to be one of the closest contests in CRU this season. Defence holds onto the top spot, but only five competition points separate first and fourth place. Harlequins, Kone Sharks and University remain firmly in contention, with a single result capable of reshaping the standings in the coming weeks.In the Moni Plus Under-23 Boys division, Wanderers continue to lead the competition despite suffering their first loss of the season. MBB Marlins remain second, while Defence's Round Seven victory has pushed them into third place and within striking distance of the ladder leaders. Brothers currently hold the final Top Four position, although several clubs remain in the finals hunt.Kone Sharks continue their unbeaten run in the Moni Plus Under-20 Boys competition and remain the pace-setters after seven rounds. Wanderers are close behind, while Valley Hunters and Defence round out the current Top Four. With only six points separating second and fifth positions, the race for finals rugby remains highly competitive.In the NiuPower Open Women's competition, Valley Hunters have made an impressive start to the season and sit alone at the top of the ladder after three rounds. Juggernauts and Nova are also unbeaten and share second place on points, ensuring the competition remains tightly contested in its early stages.No matches were played in the NiuPower Under-20 Girls competition over the weekend. Juggernauts and MBB Marlins remain unbeaten and share top spot, while Nova and Kone Sharks continue to position themselves as strong finals contenders.With several divisions separated by only a handful of points, the battle for finals places is expected to intensify as the CRU season enters its crucial middle stages. While Brothers and Kone Sharks have established themselves as the teams to catch in their respective competitions, many clubs remain within striking distance, setting the stage for an exciting run toward the finals.

Harlequins have strengthened their hold on top spot in the Capital Rugby Union A Grade competition following Round 6, but the race for the minor premiership remains wide open.The ladder leaders continued their unbeaten season with a 22-5 victory over Ruswin Crusaders, moving to 22 competition points and maintaining a narrow advantage at the summit.However, Defence are breathing down their necks, sitting just one point behind on 21 points after six rounds. Defence kept their title hopes alive with a hard-fought 15-10 win over Theodist MBB Marlins and remained firmly in contention for top spot.The bigger story is Defence's quest to return to Premier Grade rugby. Currently competing in A Grade, the club is working towards earning promotion back to the top division, making every match and every competition point crucial.Elsewhere, Kone Sharks continued their strong campaign with a 15-0 victory over Fincorp University Piggies, while Chemcare Juggernauts edged SWG TSI Valley Hunters 5-0 to remain among the leading contenders.Kramer APAC Brothers also secured a 23-5 win over MR Ethan Wanderers.Round 6 Results•     Kone Sharks 15-0 Fincorp University Piggies •     Kramer APAC Brothers 23-5 MR Ethan Wanderers •     Harlequins 22-5 Ruswin Crusaders •     Defence 15-10 Theodist MBB Marlins •     Chemcare Juggernauts 5-0 SWG TSI Valley Hunters A Grade Standings After Round 61.    Harlequins – 22 pts 2.    Defence – 21 pts 3.    Juggernauts – 18 pts 4.    University – 18 pts 5.    Kone Sharks – 17 pts With only five points separating first and fifth, A Grade is emerging as one of the most competitive competitions in CRU this season.Juggernauts, University and Kone Sharks remain within striking distance of the leaders, ensuring the ladder could change dramatically from week to week.As the competition heads into the second half of the season, the battle for the minor premiership is shaping up as one of the most intriguing races in CRU rugby.The question now is: who will finish on top of A Grade in 2026? Will Harlequins hold their advantage, or can Defence complete their push back towards Premier Grade rugby by claiming the minor premiership?

Kramer APAC Brothers remain the team to beat in the Pepsi Capital Rugby Union (CRU) Premier Grade competition after extending their unbeaten run to six straight victories in Round 6.The competition leaders defeated Ruswin Crusaders 29-15 to maintain their perfect record and strengthen their grip on top spot on the ladder.While Brothers continue to set the pace, the battle behind them is emerging as one of the most exciting storylines of the season.Harlequins moved into second place following a hard-fought 18-16 victory over Chemcare Juggernauts, while Theodist MBB Marlins kept their unbeaten record intact with a convincing 24-13 win over MR Ethan Wanderers.SWG TSI Valley Hunters also continued their strong form, edging Fincorp University Piggies 13-10 in a closely contested encounter.Round 6 Results:•     Kramer APAC Brothers 29-15 Ruswin Crusaders •     SWG TSI Valley Hunters 13-10 Fincorp University Piggies •     Theodist MBB Marlins 24-13 MR Ethan Wanderers •     Harlequins 18-16 Chemcare Juggernauts With Brothers unbeaten, Marlins yet to suffer a loss and both Harlequins and Valley Hunters continuing to collect crucial wins, the race for finals positions is beginning to take shape.As the competition moves into the second half of the season, attention is turning to which club is best placed to challenge Brothers' dominance and potentially end their winning streak.

What began as a school-based promotional campaign has evolved into a significant source of support for schools across Papua New Guinea, with Paradise Foods’ Smart Start School Promotion delivering hundreds of thousands of kina in educational assistance since its launch in 2022. The initiative was created to encourage healthy nutrition among children while providing schools with an opportunity to secure funding for much-needed infrastructure and development projects. Paradise Foods Junior Brand Manager Rex-Obed Milamala, said the impact of the promotion can be seen in schools that have used grant money to construct classrooms, improve facilities and provide better learning environments for students. “We have gone back and visited some of the schools that won in previous years and seen firsthand how the grants have been used,” Mr. Milamala said. “Many schools have invested the money into building classrooms and teachers' houses, creating lasting benefits for both students and educators.” The promotion awards school grants to winning schools in each region, with Paradise Foods estimating that approximately K200, 000 in grant funding is distributed annually through the program. Additional consolation prizes are also provided to students who participate. Mr. Milamala said interest in the competition has continued to grow each year, attracting thousands of entries from schools across the country. This year, Paradise Foods expanded the prize structure by introducing a K11, 000 runner-up grant in each region, allowing more schools to benefit from the initiative. The company says the change reflects its commitment to responding to the needs of schools and ensuring support reaches more communities. Beyond infrastructure development, the promotion also promotes the consumption of Smart Start Breakfast Biscuits, which are fortified with Vitamins A, B6 and B12 to support children's growth, learning and overall wellbeing. He added that the combination of education support and nutrition awareness has made the promotion a valuable community program. “The grants go directly back into schools and communities where they can make a real difference. That's what makes this promotion special.” With participation continuing to increase nationwide, Paradise Foods expects the Smart Start School Promotion to remain a key part of its community engagement efforts for years to come.

Two schools in Papua New Guinea’s Southern Region have received a combined K44, 000 in education grants through Paradise Foods' 2026 Smart Start School Promotion. Hagita Primary School in Milne Bay province was named the Southern Region grand prize winner, receiving a K33, 000 school grant, while Karea Primary School in Gulf province secured the newly introduced runner-up prize of K11, 000. The winners were drawn today at Paradise Foods' headquarters in Port Moresby as part of the nationwide promotion, which aims to support schools and improve educational infrastructure across the country. Paradise Foods' Area Sales Manager Jack Lote said the Smart Start School Promotion has become one of the company’s most anticipated national campaigns since its launch in 2022. “Now in its fifth year, the Smart Start School Promotion has become a highly anticipated national campaign. The initiative has funded impactful projects that benefit students and communities across Papua New Guinea,” Mr. Lote said. The promotion ran from March 2 to April 30 in which more than 200 schools nationwide engaged in generating 26, 849 entries over the eight-week campaign period. Mr. Lote said the Smart Start Breakfast Biscuit remains one of Paradise Foods' flagship nutrition products and is fortified with Vitamins A, B6 and B12 to support children’s brain and body development. He added that the promotion reflects the company’s commitment to giving back to communities through education and youth development initiatives. Meanwhile, Junior Brand Manager Rex-Obed Milamala, said previous grant recipients had used the funding to build classrooms, teachers' houses and other facilities that directly benefit students and teachers. “These prizes help schools grow and develop by allowing them to build classrooms, teachers’ housing and school facilities that students can use every day,” Mr Milamala said. He said all entries were collected and verified under strict procedures, with police supervision ensuring transparency and integrity throughout the draw process. Students entered the competition by purchasing three Smart Start biscuits, placing the wrappers in an envelope with their school details, and submitting them into designated entry bins at participating schools. In addition to the school grants, Paradise Foods' will distribute 200 consolation prizes nationwide, with 50 allocated to each region. The prizes include school bags containing water bottles, lunch boxes, socks, and stationery. The regional winners of the 2026 Smart Start School Promotion are: SOUTHERN REGION: Grant Winner – Hagita Primary School Runner-up – Karea Primary School MOMASE REGION: Grant Winner – Omega Primary School Runner-up – Bowali Primary School HIGHLANDS REGION: Grant Winner – Kerebug Primary School Runner-up – Tega Primary School NEW GUINEA ISLANDS REGION: Grant Winner – Tapo Primary School Runner-up – St Martins Primary School Paradise Foods thanked all students, teachers and community members who participated in this year's promotion and congratulated the winning schools. The company stated that the promotion will continue next year as part of its ongoing support for education and community development across Papua New Guinea.

Papua New Guinea has renewed its call for stronger trade and investment partnerships with Europe as Prime Minister James Marape officially opened the 5th EU-PNG Business Forum in Port Moresby. The two-day forum, held at the Hilton Hotel, has brought together approximately 400 participants, including government officials, investors, development partners, business leaders and more than 40 European companies interested in exploring opportunities in Papua New Guinea. Opening the forum, Prime Minister Marape said Papua New Guinea is positioning itself as a key investment destination in the Pacific and is committed to creating an environment that encourages sustainable economic growth and private sector development. He highlighted the country's vast natural resources, growing population and strategic location, while encouraging European investors to look beyond traditional sectors and explore opportunities in agriculture, renewable energy, manufacturing, fisheries, tourism, digital connectivity and infrastructure development. The Prime Minister emphasized the Government's vision of moving the country away from simply exporting raw materials and towards greater downstream processing and value-added industries that create jobs and retain more economic benefits within Papua New Guinea. "Our goal is to build a stronger, more diversified economy that creates opportunities for our people while ensuring that investment contributes to long-term and sustainable development," he said. European Union Ambassador Erika Hasznos echoed the Prime Minister's sentiments, describing the forum as a significant platform for strengthening economic cooperation between Papua New Guinea and the European Union. She said the EU remains committed to supporting Papua New Guinea's development ambitions through investment, trade partnerships and private sector engagement. Ambassador Hasznos noted that European businesses are increasingly interested in opportunities across the Pacific and that Papua New Guinea's economic potential, natural resources and growing market continue to attract attention from investors. "The European Union sees Papua New Guinea as an important partner. Through forums like this, we can build stronger commercial relationships, identify investment opportunities and support sustainable growth that benefits both Papua New Guinea and European businesses," she said. The forum comes at a time when Papua New Guinea and the European Union are seeking to deepen economic cooperation through initiatives that support infrastructure development, climate resilience, renewable energy projects and improved market access. Panel discussions throughout the first day focused on investment opportunities, economic reforms, sustainable resource development, and the role of the private sector in driving growth. Business leaders from Papua New Guinea and Europe also participated in networking sessions and business-to-business meetings aimed at establishing new partnerships and exploring potential investments. The event was expected to generate discussions around key sectors identified as critical to Papua New Guinea's economic future, including agriculture, fisheries, energy, digital transformation and transport infrastructure. This was an important opportunity for government and business leaders to engage directly on challenges and opportunities facing investors while promoting Papua New Guinea as a destination for responsible and sustainable investment.

PNG Air says it is entering a new phase of growth with fleet expansion and network development aimed at strengthening air connectivity across Papua New Guinea. The airline announced that new aircraft are joining its fleet as part of an aggressive expansion strategy designed to improve services and support growing passenger demand. The latest addition, Mangi Kutubu, recently completed its maiden flight and is now part of PNG Air's modernising fleet. Chief Executive Officer Brian Fraser said the airline remains focused on reliability, safety and connecting communities throughout the country. "We are proud to be the People's Choice Airline. Aviation plays a vital role in connecting communities, supporting business, improving access to services, and creating opportunities for growth," he said. As part of the fleet renewal program, PNG Air will begin phasing out its Dash 8 aircraft in the coming weeks. The Dash 8 has served Papua New Guinea for decades and has been a key part of the country's aviation network, particularly in connecting remote communities. Mr. Fraser acknowledged the aircraft's contribution to the nation's aviation history, describing its retirement as the end of an important chapter for the airline. The fleet upgrade comes as PNG Air continues to invest in improving services and expanding its network across the country. The airline also highlighted its operational performance, noting that it currently ranks among the top-performing airlines in Oceania for on-time arrivals, alongside major regional carriers. PNG Air says its ongoing investments are aimed at ensuring safer, more reliable and more efficient travel for Papua New Guineans well into the future.