People living along the coastlines of Papua New Guinea (PNG) as well as those out on the islands will continue to experience strong winds and prolong rain because this is the peak of the wet season.The National Weather Service (NWS) of Papua New Guinea (PNG) has announced that the country’s wet season is always at its peak when it comes to the month of January and February, where there are systems developing in the Coral Sea as well as the Gulf of Carpentaria, and when these systems develop, low pressure develops also resulting in strong winds over the lands. Director for National Weather Service Mr. Jimmy Gomoga, highlighted that during this peak period, it is normal to experience strong wind surges especially over the land and over the seas causing rough seas. “For land gales or very strong winds on land, it will be felt from the Indonesian border all the way up to the islands of Samarai.” “For now, we have weak Lalina in progress causing more rain falls over in Western Province, New Guinea Island Region, and some parts of West Sepik. Apart from these areas, other parts of the country are experiencing average to above rainfalls.” Mr. Gomoga further elaborated that due to the low pressure, strong force winds will be felt especially during the early hours of the mornings, and the areas these will be felt is from the PNG Borders to Milne Bay along the Southern Region coastlines. “The National Weather office urges all to stay away from sea, no fishing, no long travel between islands or from mainland to islands as accidents at sea are most likely to happen at this time.” “All are urged to look out for weather warnings especially those along the coastal areas, any property that can be blown away by wind must be tucked in safe and firm, roofs must be carefully hammered to avoid destruction.” “Safety is very important at this time when the wet season is at its peak in the country, people must not be confused, there is no cyclone in the area it is just the peak point of our wet season,” Mr. Gomoga reiterated. “Prolong and heavy rains, including strong winds, should continue until the months of April and May when these weather patterns change and we transition into the dry season.” All necessary precautions are important and must be taken at this time, thus, warnings for flood and landslides too must be adhered to at all times.

Inland Freshwater fish farming is now booming in the Highlands region with more farmers switching from piggery and poultry to freshwater fish farming.Fish farmer and Owner of Tower Fish Hatchery, Mr. Jacob Towa talked about it in an interview with PNG HAUSBUNG, where he said the number of Fresh water fish farms have grown over the years. Mr. Towa said there are about 600 freshwater fish farms all across the Highlands Region, with seven hatcheries currently operating and supplying fingerlings to these farms.  “I started fish farming in 2019 and over the years I have grown, and with my hatchery business now, I am supplying fingerlings as well as providing technical support and fish farming training to individuals across Highlands Region, West Sepik and even in Wewak.” “People in the highlands have come to realize that fish is 81% good protein, a healthier choice of protein than pig or chicken, thus, demand for fish is high with one in every 5 households consuming freshwater fish for dinner.” This boom in fish farming should be an opportunity now for the young people as well to get into the business, a worthwhile investment. Mr. Towa highlighted that many youths have land back at their villages but are wasting away their prime time by becoming vagrants and opportunists in towns and cities, stating that these youths need to do critical assessment of their lives and decide what is the right thing to do. “Money is in the soils of this earth, if you sweat, if you go back to agriculture and turn your land into money making place then you put value to your life”, said Towa. “I want to encourage all youths who have land and do not know what to do on it, as well as those youths who are interested to fish farming to reach out to me, message me on Facebook. Towa Fish Breeding is my profile; I am willing to assist in the technical side of freshwater fish farming.” Mr. Towa further stated that he can provide technical support and training on how to make fishponds, inlet, outlet, how to feed and grow the fish. “After I help you set up your fishpond, then you can purchase fingerlings from my hatchery, I can offer you discount from 50t to 30t each fingerling so you can go and start your own inland freshwater fish farming business.” Mr. Towa assured youths and interested individuals that in one year of fish farming, one farmer can make over K10,000. “Let’s take back our land, let the land give us money and food. Getting back to agriculture is the basis of food security as well as economic freedom,” he said.

The Laloki Secondary School located in the Central province and just over 20 minutes’ drive outside of Port Moresby city, is losing it infrastructures to deterioration due to years of neglect, but the school is now seeking help as the school year is about to start.The secondary school was once a Corporative College in the 1970s to the early 1980s. It was converted into a high school in 1982 and most of the infrastructures being used today is from that period, they are old and with no regular maintenance the facilities tend to deteriorate over time. The lady in charge of the school Principal Carol Tsinabi said the administration building, the school library and teachers’ houses are some of the infrastructures that need urgent attention. She added that the school also needs twelve (12) more houses for the teachers and an additional five (5) or so houses for their ancillary staff. But perhaps what’s sad is that the principal revealed that help doesn’t come often. “The last time we ever got any support from the Central Provincial government was around 2016, a double classroom from Hiri Member then, Peter Isoaimo. But, up until today we are still hoping for some blessing to come our way.” With the start of the 2026 academic year, Mrs. Tsinabi, who will be leading the school in her second term as principal, said she has big dreams for the school and is hoping for some improvements and changes to happen to their school. “I am calling on the provincial government, our local member as well as our Education Department in the district including partners and stakeholders to reach out to the school, any amount of help would be greatly appreciated.”

The Pacific Regional Framework on Climate Mobility is the focus of a three-day workshop currently underway in Nadi, Fiji.Running from January 7 to January 9, 2026, this gathering is a core component of the Pacific Climate Change Migration and Human Security (PCCMHS) Phase II program. This initiative is designed to strengthen the resilience and adaptive capacity of Pacific Islanders facing the realities of climate change and natural disasters that migration and relocation remain a choice and displacement is averted, minimized and addressed. The training has brought in a total of 15 participants from across the Pacific region who work in the media and communications space and are passionate about climate change and resilience in the pacific. The PCCMHS program will support three outcomes including: 1. Governments cooperate at the Pacific regional and sub-regional level to manage climate mobility,2. Pacific Governments develop and implement national policies to address climate mobility, and3. Pacific Civil society actors, workers and employer organizations, and communities actively engage in the national, regional and global processes to manage climate mobility. The PCCMHS program is delivered through a partnership with the International organization of Migration (IOM), United Nation (UN) Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), International Labour Organization (ILO) and the office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) and the Disaster Displacement (PDD). Under the PCCMHS program, the IOM has supported the development of a Pacific Climate Mobility Training Package which is being rolled out at a regional and national level across the Pacific and this 3-days training will serve as a key to enhancing understanding and management of climate mobility in the Pacific drawing on and amplifying the “Pacific Regional Framework on Climate Mobility”.

Overloading on small crafts or outboard motors is found to be the leading cause for accidents at sea.The West New Britain (WNB) Provincial Disaster Office has received many reports of accidents at sea during the recent festive period with the latest incident that occurred on Christmas Day. Disaster Officer Mr. Herman Volele, said the accident happened between Sakes and Open Bay, when traveling back from Rabaul, Tokuna transit to Ulamona. The boat was overloaded with bags of bettle-nut and was carry around 8 passengers as well. “When the boat capsized, most passengers had their skin burnt from the fuel that was also on the boat.” “No deaths were reported; however, it has been known that the boat was overload and decided to use two 40 horse motor engines to power the dinghy which also is the cause of the accident, and that is a direct breach of the small craft act; therefore, this is currently under investigation.” All small crafts travelling in and out of Kimbe, Bialla, Ulamona in West New Britain (WNB), from Kolowin to East New Britain Province (ENB) and through to Tokuna Transit are all urged to stop overloading their dinghies. “Overloading is a crime under the small craft act, anyone found breaching this law will face imprisonment or pay a fine of K3, 000.” “All boats are to carry no more than 15 passengers; 10 passengers are the acceptable limit when travelling out on the sea”. In addition, skippers and crews are remaindered also to carry no more than 25 bags of betelnut. Meanwhile, the National Maritime Safety Authority (NMSA) and the West New Britain Disaster Office is urging all to be safe this wet season when travelling out in the open sea.

Autonomous Region of Bougainville President Ishmael Toroama, in his New Year speech to the people of Bougainville, highlighted that 2026 marks another important step in Bougainville’s journey towards political independence. He expressed deep gratitude to the citizens for their continued confidence in his leadership and the government’s shared vision of a sovereign, prosperous, and well-governed Bougainville. “Our people have already declared their choice for an independent Bougainville, through the Melanesian Agreement, we continue to work with the National Government to ensure the will of our people is properly recognized and endorsed.” “Your government remains firm and consistent in pursuing this political agenda.” President Toroama said that all must continue to build the economic foundation of their future nation, the reopening of Panguna, the establishment of the Bougainville Gold Refinery, and the development of agriculture, fisheries and other productive sectors will strengthen our domestic revenue and create opportunities for our people. “Economic independence begins at the family, community and government levels, and I encourage all Bougainvilleans to work hard and participate meaningfully in our economy.” "Good governance remains central to our nation-building efforts, strong leadership, ethical behaviour, discipline, transparency and accountability must guide both government and the public service." He also mentioned in his inaugural statement, that there will be reforms introduced in performance management for all senior leadership, and there will be no room for complacency both at the political and administrative level. The measure of Bougainville’s success must always be seen in the improvement of its people’s lives - there will be no other way around this. Bougainville has set a long-term vision to become a high-income, educated, healthy, peaceful and Christian sovereign nation by 2052. “Through the Bougainville Nation Building Strategy, my government will continue to align all sectors to this shared vision, ensuring that no part of Bougainville is left behind in our political and development journey.” “As we enter this New Year, I call upon all leaders, Constituency and Regional Members and their respective community governments, public servants, churches, civil society, business houses, landowners, communities and families to work together in unity and goodwill,” he added. Furthermore, President Toroama reminds all to uphold peace, respect laws, strengthen the governance systems and prepare to take their rightful place as a sovereign nation. “May this New Year bring renewed hope, stability and progress for our people and may God bless Bougainville.”

All small crafts travelling into and out of Kimbe, Bialla, Ulamona in West New Britain (WNB), Kolowin to East New Britain Province (ENB) and through to Tokuna Transit are all urged to register before going out to sea.With high number of people travelling between East and West New Britain during this period, safety is paramount; therefore, registration for all outboard motors is a must. Mr. Herman Volele from the WNB Disaster Officer said all boats must be registered and tagged on the side. “Registration of outboards motors is important under the small crafts act, thus, National Marine Time Safety has emphasized more on this because when accidents happen at sea, it is easier to identify which boat and its crew.”All skippers and their assistance must all have licenses as well as their permits to operate sea transportation. Mr. Volele further urged all traveling to the islands and between East and West New Britain to take necessary precautions when out at sea and avoid the sea during wet weather periods. “All boats are to have life jackets on board for all passengers to wear. All boats are not to overload, remember to carry extra zoom and to make sure the motor engine is 100% working before the start of any trip.”Volele reiterates that safety out at sea is paramount, and he urged all to also avoid consuming alcohol whiles travelling to and from or pay a hefty penalty of about K2,000 or face imprisonment.  

Papua New Guinea (PNG) being a tropical country experiences both the dry and wet seasons, but in recent times the nation has experienced an increase in natural disasters that occur usually during the wetter months of the year, which is generating some significant concerns for authorities.From the month of May to November is the dry season while the wet season is from December to the month of April and because of the intensity of the wet season experienced lately, the chances of natural disasters like flesh flooding and landslides occurring in various parts of the country is highly likely, and it is for the reason that the National Disaster Centre has issued strong precautionary messages and awareness to keep people safe during this wet season. Mr. Andrew Oaego, the Caretaker and Assistant Director for Risk Management, stated that in places that are prone to flooding such as riverine areas, the communities need to be always prepared during this wet season. “Communities or families must develop floodplain zoning regulations, build levees, floodwalls, embankments, make sure there is regular cleaning and maintaining of the drainage systems.” “All communities must install or develop early warning systems, create emergency plan and must also keep emergency kit to use during disaster.” He stressed that every individual must always take necessary precaution during heavy rain, avoid crossing fast flowing rivers, always stay indoors during heavy down pours and always take precautions when moving around during heavy rains. “All adults are to monitor small children during heavy rain.” “People are urge to stay clear from low lying areas, move away from stream and riverbanks, as well as move inland if closer to shore to avoid flooding.” The National Disaster Centre has also issued a stern warning and awareness on landslide disasters. Mr. Oaego explained that landslide is a movement of rocks and soil down a slope often triggered by heavy rainfall, earthquakes or even human activities. Sadly, as experienced in PNG, lives are lost and properties are usually destroyed during this type of natural disaster. Other times landslide often cause blockage to rivers causing flooding upstream; thus, resulting in more danger for down stream people. To prevent such disasters, the office recommends planting vegetation to stabilize slopes and avoiding construction on steep or unstable terrain. He further stated that drivers during the wet season must drive with precaution along slope areas on the roads and highways. “It is important for all communities to monitor at risk areas and install warning systems, identify safe zones and routes for escape, know areas that are prone to landslide and always have an evacuation plan.” People in areas that are most likely at risk for land slide are to relocate temporarily if heavy rain persists as it is better to be safe than sorry. “The National Disaster Centre sends this precautionary message for all people, communities to follow, thus this message is to reduce casualties, save lives and property. Therefore, taking heed to this save's lives.”

Settlers of the Saivara Estate at Nine Mile in the Moresby Northeast Electorate were presented land tittles by their local Member of Parliament John Kaupa, who has once again demonstrated strong leadership in urban development especially under the Settlement to Suburb program.Mr. Kaupa when presenting the titles to the settlers told them that this is a special Christmas gift to them. The land title for Portion 2708 was formally presented to Saivara Association Chairman Mr. Daniel Palangu and the title for Portion 2711 was presented to its representative, Mr. Willie Lenep. The land title presentation to Saivara Nine Mile (Portion 2708) marks a major milestone under the North East Settlement-to-Suburbs Program, reinforcing the Government’s commitment to proper urban development, security of tenure, and improved living standards for settlers. The people of Saivara thanked MP Kaupa, his officers, and NCD Governor Powes Parkop for their continued support in advancing land ownership for settlers in the nation’s capital under the Settlement to suburb program. The Northeast Settlement-to-Suburbs Program Coordinator Mr. Jack Ninkama praised the initiative, saying land ownership is the foundation for transforming settlements into organised and lawful suburban communities. “Land titles give settlers security, dignity, and the confidence to develop their communities,” Mr. Ninkama said. “Other areas including Eight Mile, Peter Kama, Makana, Morobe, Vitis, and Turn-Off portions, will be subdivided and issued titles to genuine settlers under the ongoing program.” Mr. Ninkama also highlighted that not all settlements are crime-infested, noting that many are home to low-income earners and public servants; thus, with proper planning and legal ownership, these areas can be developed into suburbs with real market value for block holders. The MP also attributed this successful progress to the consistent leadership by the NCD Governor and the North East leadership, which has resulted in major urban developments across the city. He announced plans for new state-of-the-art facilities at Nine Mile, including a hospital, supermarket complex with banks and shopping malls, and the construction of a North East Electorate Office. Kaupa then urged residents to cooperate with their associations, surveyors, and NCDC management to ensure the success of the program. “This is a costly exercise, but with the support of the NCD Governor, the Prime Minister, the Lands Minister, and other line ministries, especially the Education Ministry, we are making it possible,” Hon. Kaupa said. He also added that distributing land titles reflects his commitment to inclusive urban development and empowering settlers through legal land ownership. “This Christmas, I am proud to give the people of Saivara peace of mind and a foundation for a better future.” In appreciation of the land titles, the Nine Mile community presented live pigs, cooked food, including garden produce to Mr. Kaupa as a sign of respect and gratitude and heartfelt thank you. The people also pledged their continued support to his leadership and commitment to settlement development.

Laloki Secodary School (LASEC), at 15 miles, in the Central Province is pleased to see the opening of a Brand-New Double Duplex teachers houses yesterday, Monday 01st December, ,2025 at the school vicinity. The double duplex was built from a donation funding of K200,000, which was donated to the school by the Department of National Planning during the 2024 graduation ceremony. LASEC Principal Mrs. Carol Tsinabi stated that when the funds were donated to the school, the school administration decided that it will be best if the money was given back to the teachers by building teachers houses. “Laloki Secondary is grateful for the funding given by the Department of National Planning. Because of your funding we will now have two brand new houses for our teachers”, said Mrs. Tsinabi. Speaking also at the opening of the duplex was Deputy Principle -Administration Peter Elesave, who highlighted also that the two other units will be built right underneath the duplex soon, so there will be four units. “Hopefully we start building the units underneath by next year”. He also stated that the two new houses were built by the school carpenter with the help of students and teachers’ families to minimize cost. The principal further added that this is such a relief, out of the 30-teaching staff, 16 live on the campus and now with these two new additions, it brings the total number of staff with housing to 18 living on campus, with 12 still with no proper houses. “Most of the houses on the campus are from the 1980s when the school was formally a Corporative College; however, when the Corporative College changed to Laloki High School in 1983, the staff houses where part of the buildings handed over to the school.” Mrs. Tsinabi further added that recently the school itself built 3 additional houses from the TFF funds and from school fundraisings. However, this is the first ever donation given to the school to date and that is why it is put towards building two new houses for the teachers. “This is my 25 years teaching here in Laloki Secondary and my first year being the Principle for LASEC, and on the top of my 3 main agender to achieve is to build more houses for the teachers, as well as renovate all the old houses on campus.” “Funding has always been the issue, we have written letters seeking assistance but never received any, even our local member since the 1980s until today has not even given any support nor show face in our school.” “Schools like Yarowari is receiving so much funding, so much has been done for that school and others whilst we have been looked past every year, we are in need of housing for our teachers as well as our auxiliary staff.” Mrs. Tsinabi is hopeful that the Central Education Department, the Central Provincial Government, Office of the Central Governor and the Hiri Koiari Office as well as other donor agencies or business houses can come on board and offer help to Laloki Secondary school.

The JK Rugby 9s Tournament which commences today in Port Moresby city and running to the 4th of December, is set to be fun filled and exciting especially with a total of K60, 000 prize money up for grabs.Speaking at the launching of the tournament on Friday at the office of Moresby Northeast District, Mr. Mathias Max the JK 9’s Coordinator stated that the initial plan was to have 64, 32, or 16 teams and slot them into pools; however, at the moment they only have 20 teams registered with other teams yet to register. “Since we have 20 teams already, we will be looking at getting 12 more teams to make 32 teams, but if we cannot get this number of teams from within the district then we are open to teams for the two other districts, Moresby Northwest and South to bring in their teams.” “For the interested cubs who wants to join, registration is still open until Sunday, you can come to the Moresby Northeast Office, Annex Building NCDC, for registration and registration is K500.” Mr. Jack Ninkama, the Events Coordinator spoke on behalf of the local Member of Parliament John Kaupa who was attending a parliament session, stated the competition is aimed at improving youth’s lifestyle and mindset. He encouraged all to deliver the best of their skills and style out on the field as there will be scouts out there putting an eye out for new talents. “Play because you want to have a career in rugby, play with PNG NRL dream, you play your heart, make friends and grow your brotherhood circle.” “This is about positive change; this tournament is the first of its kind but will not be the last.” All the players are urged to be at their best behaviour both on and off the field and respect match officials as the competition is a sanctioned PNGRFL competition with rules and regulations in place.

Bougainville President Ishmael Toroama has officially announced the appointment of a new 14-member Bougainville Executive Council recently, the announcement of the cabinet marked what he described as the beginning of a new chapter in Bougainville’s leadership and governance.The new Cabinet is as follows: • President Ishmael Toroama – Minister responsible for Intergovernmental Affairs, Mining, Communications and State-Owned Enterprises • Hon. Ezekiel Masatt – Vice President; Minister responsible for Justice and Independence Mission Implementation (Member for Tonsu Constituency) • Hon. Patrick Nisira – Minister responsible for Infrastructure & Utilities (Member for Halia Constituency) • Hon. Albert Punghau – Minister responsible for Treasury & Finance (Member for Motuna Huyono Tokunutui Constituency) • Hon. Amanda Masono – Minister responsible for Fisheries, Marine Resources and Climate Change (Minister for Atolls Constituency) • Hon. Paul Cheung – Minister responsible for Community Government (Member for Selau Constituency) • Hon. Thomas Pataaku – Minister responsible for Public Service (Member for Ramu Constituency) • Hon. Melvin Wilolopa – Minister responsible for Community Development, Youth, Churches and Sports (Member for Lato Constituency) • Hon. Willie Masiu – Minister responsible for Police and Correctional Services (Member for Wisai Constituency) • Hon. Delourdes Semoso – Minister responsible for Health (Member for North Bougainville Womens) • Hon. Robin Wilson – Minister responsible for Commerce, Trade, Industry and Education (Member for Barawa Constituency) • Hon. Linus Dake Jnr – Minister responsible for Veteran Affairs (Member for South Bougainville Veterans) • Hon. Clarence Dency – Minister responsible for Primary Industries (Member for Eivo Torau Constituency) • Hon. Henry Potabu – Minister responsible for Lands, Physical Planning, Environment & Conservation (Member for North Nasioi Constituency) The swearing-in ceremony of the cabinet was held recently before the presence of Magistrate Bruce Tasikul, Members of the Bougainville House of Representatives, ABG Chief Secretary, departmental heads, and senior officials including development partners. In his official address to the new cabinet, President Toroama congratulated the newly appointed ministers but also reminding them that their call to serve was not merely to govern, but to lead with integrity and discipline. “The people of Bougainville have entrusted you with a sacred duty. You are being called not simply to govern, but to lead.” “And in leadership, there is no room for complacency, self-interest, or division,” President Toroama said. He emphasized that the new Executive Council must demonstrate loyalty—first to the Constitution of Bougainville, and ultimately to the people of Bougainville. “Loyalty must mean fidelity to the Constitution of Bougainville, to the guiding principles of good governance, and to the dreams of every Bougainvillean in every corner of our land,” the President said. “Listen to the people’s voices, respect their customs and serve their interests. Let your words and actions reflect the mandate they have given us to lead Bougainville to a better future.” President Toroama also reminded the ministers of the government’s central goal of achieving Independence Readiness by 2027, urging them to work with urgency and purpose. “Our vision is bold and non-negotiable—Bougainville will be Independence-Ready by 2027,” he stated. “We have just under two years to build the systems, pass the laws, train the people, and prove to the world—and to ourselves—that we are ready to govern a free and independent Bougainville.” He further challenged all ministers to take ownership of their portfolios and deliver measurable outcomes, announcing a six-month performance review period for all cabinet members starting on the day of official appointments. Toroama further added that the performance of each minister will be assessed based on their ability to deliver outcomes, improve departmental functions, and contribute meaningfully to the Independence Readiness Agenda,” he said. “This is not symbolic; this is a serious warning. Should you fail to perform your duties to the standard expected, you will be removed from office.” “The people of Bougainville deserve nothing less than our best efforts.”