Air Niugini has been running town hall meetings in the country in preparation for the arrival of the country’s first Airbus A220 aircraft in about 60 days' time to mark significant change and success in the aviation industry, coinciding with Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Anniversary. Air Niugini Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Gary Seddon, continues to host staff town hall meetings, reinforcing the airline's commitment to transformation and readiness ahead of the arrival of its first Airbus A220 aircraft in September. The fourth session, held last week in Port Moresby city and streamed online, enabled participation from staff across domestic and international ports. These town halls are integral to Air Niugini's internal engagement strategy, focusing on preparing staff for the operational, technological, and cultural shifts accompanying the re-fleet program. "With just over 60 days until the first A220 lands at Jackson’s, significant efforts are underway to ensure both the airline, and our staff are prepared for the aircraft's Entry into Service (EIS)," said Mr. Seddon. "We are demonstrating collective collaboration, showcasing what Air Niugini can achieve through teamwork.” “It is not the first time Air Niugini has brought a new aircraft type into the fleet, so we have the capacity and experience to be successful,” Seddon added. Mr. Seddon acknowledged the dedication of employees across departments, highlighting the extensive behind-the-scenes work ensuring the airline is equipped to embrace a new era of aviation in Papua New Guinea. Staff were briefed on the airline’s progress in meeting key milestones for the A220’s EIS, with several deliverables already ahead of schedule. Training programs for pilots, engineers, cabin crew, and ground staff are underway, ensuring all operational teams are certified and prepared for the new aircraft. "Our first two pilots, Captain Beverly Pakii and Captain Timothy Narara, have attained command on the A220.” “Currently, four pilots are undergoing training in Mirabel, Canada, with another six to follow.” Mr. Seddon also highlighted that twelve engineers have been engaged in extensive training with Lufthansa Technik in Port Moresby, and Singapore, and are now gaining on-the-job experience with QantasLink in Canberra. Airbus is also sending engineering capacity to Port Moresby as part of the program. He further stated that the cabin crew managers have completed the 'train-the-trainers' program in Zurich, Switzerland, with a second group about to undergo training in Melbourne. “Ground staff are also participating in intensive training in their respective areas, as I have always emphasized, it's no longer business as usual," Mr. Seddon stated. "We have a significant opportunity to enhance air travel for our country, we must proactively examine all aspects of our business to increase aircraft utilization, improve services, and deliver affordable, reliable travel. “There are many that will try to hold us back or talk us down, but change is inevitable. PNG deserves a modern, reliable, efficient air transport service, and Air Niugini will lead that charge, with the support of our shareholder, KCH, our Minister, and this Government.” “The A220 will replace the Fokker and Boeing narrowbody fleet and will operate across the country and the region." The town hall also provided an open forum for staff to raise questions directly with the CEO and management. Apart from the A220, questions were also raised on the possibility of introducing a dedicated domestic freighter to support cargo operations and addressing the ongoing challenges of consistent regional fuel availability. Mr. Seddon addressed each query, emphasizing the importance of transparent communication during this period of change. The CEO took time to explain the steps Air Niugini is taking to attract and retain employees. “Training is expensive, but there is a shortage of experienced, qualified engineers, pilots, and cabin crew across the industry, and our Air Niugini employees are highly sought after.” As Air Niugini prepares to welcome the first of its Airbus A220 aircraft in September, the airline reaffirms its commitment to operational excellence, enhanced passenger experience, and regional connectivity. The A220 is globally recognized for its fuel efficiency, quieter performance, and superior comfort, marking a new era for air travel in Papua New Guinea and the Pacific region.

A total of 266 Grade 10 students from De La Salle Catholic Secondary School in Port Moresby city participated in the Senisim PNG Program on Monday 14th July 2025, under a partnership between the Education Department and the PNG Tribal Foundation. These 266 students are the first batch of students out of more than 1,000 students in Grades 9 to 12 who will take part in the Senisim PNG program. The Senisim program for students is a transformation roundtable focused on good values and servant leadership which is initiated by the Maxwell Leadership Foundation. The program will guide students through values-based training via group sessions over the next 11 weeks, with the main sessions to kick start next week at the school. Senisim Pasin National Coordinator for Education, Mr. Manasseh Davey, said the school’s administration is excited to be part of the program. “We’ve started with the Grade 10 students, and the Grade 12s will join tomorrow Wednesday 16th July 2025, and we look forward to engaging the entire school in the coming weeks.” Allan Jim, First Secretary of the Education Department’s Guidance and Counselling Division for the Highlands and New Guinea Islands, highlighted the importance of such initiatives. “There is an absence of good morals and practiced values in schools, at home, and in society,” he said. “I am seeing students chewing betelnut and smoking in their uniforms at many schools, and as a parent, it worries me, therefore we need to improve the attitudes and behaviors of our children, our future generation.” Mr. Jim added, “I’ve gone through the training with staff from the Education Department, and we want every school to be part of this program.” Mr. Davey confirmed that De La Salle Catholic Secondary School is the fourth school to partner with the PNG Tribal Foundation and expressed optimism that more schools will join the program in the near future.

Air Niugini continues to be the angel in the skies flying sick children to and from heart operations in the country. This time around, Air Niugini helped flew nine children and their guardians home, after successfully undergoing life-saving heart surgery in Port Moresby city. The most recent group included three children from Tari in Hela Province, siblings Undialu  (8) and Rickson Philip (10), and their cousin Nathan Handape (10). On Friday, 11th July,2025, Air Niugini’s CEO Gary Seddon, along with senior executives, David Glover and Judy Kuk visited the children at Port Moresby General Hospital before they flew back to Tari on Sunday. All the children were born with heart conditions that needed urgent surgery. Mr. Seddon said, “We’re proud to play a small part in giving these children a second chance at life.” “The real heroes are the doctors, nurses, guardians, and the Operation Open Heart Foundation.” Mr. Seddon further acknowledged the other supporters of this tremendous program. Families and doctors thanked Air Niugini for their support, and speaking on behalf of them was Dr. Kone Sobi, Director of Medical Services. He praised the teamwork between local and overseas doctors, Air Niugini, and other sponsors. Dr. Noah Tapaua also thanked the airline for years of support, including helping to transport medical equipment. Last year, Air Niugini helped doctors travel around the country to screen over 700 children for heart problems and from that 700, 58 children were identified for surgery—33 for open heart and 25 for closed heart operations. Air Niugini has been supporting Operation Open Heart since 1993, from flying in medical teams and equipment, to raising funds and helping children in need.

A 63-year-old man, who now has permanent scars on his body including a disabled arm, is now seeking assistance from police to assist him with his Sorcery Accusation Related Violence (SARV) case. 63-year-old survivor of SARV who was accused of sorcery and attacked on February this year in Kaivukavu village in the Kikori district of the Gulf province, visited the PNG Tribal Foundation in Port Moresby city where he gave his testament of what had happened to him back in February. The SARV survivor (name withheld) stated that following the death of a young woman on February 1st, in Kaivukavu village after a short illness, the relatives of the deceased then pinpointed the 63-year-old man as the sorcerer responsible for the young woman’s death. He said about 12 suspects, mostly youths, attacked him with knives. A medical report obtained from Port Moresby General Hospital showed injuries to his right neck, paraparesis, sensation loss to his right arm, and major injuries to his nose and his biceps. “My wife was assaulted too, even my house was destroyed including our 200 liters water containers for fresh water was also destroyed, my family was traumatized, and we still are living in fear,” he said. “These youths who attempted to kill me are still roaming the village freely, no police intervention, and as long as these youths walk freely my families' lives and mine are all at risk." He further added that all he needs now is for the law to take its course and perpetrators must be brought to justice. “We don’t want these perpetrators to stay in the village and cause any trouble again to the innocent villagers whenever there is an incident.” “We want police to go into the village and arrest these suspects, we have Glassman Bill 2022 passed in Parliament and let the justice system to take its course, telling others that there is law for sorcery,” he said. PNG Tribal Foundation has advised the SARV Survivor that every process taken of such incidents are to be reported to police with a formal complaint laid, then Tribal Foundation can assist and support victims in prosecution processes through helping police in getting paperwork done and other necessities to get the case investigated. Tribal Foundation will be working closely with the victim and his families on the case.

For decades the people of Porebada village, just about 30minutes drive away from the nation’s capital Port Moresby city, have been without proper water supply and sanitation. The village in the Hiri West of the Central Province is home to about 10,000 plus people and it's one of the four PNG LNG impacted villages. Boera, Papa, and Lealea being the others. Without any flowing streams, rivers or water supplies, these four villages in the PNG LNG project area have been struggling with water for decades. A long-time resident Mr. Paul Maima, who is from Simbu Province and is married to a Porebada woman and has been residing there for over two decades, describes the situation as a daily struggle. “The country is heading into the 50 years of Independence but sadly development aspiration is still lacking in some areas, and Porebada, which is just few minutes from the city is desperate for water supply and so are the other 3 villages here in the LNG vicinity.” “This village has a clinic, a primary school and a high school but day to day operation is a struggle when it comes to access to clean water and sanitation.” Maima added that back in the 80’s there was water supply into the village by Eda Ranu; however, with much development, town expansion, settlements, illegal connection and other factors, water supply was cut off totally. Mr. Maima is appealing to the relevant authorities and the government of the day to put water solution has the top agender when it comes to Landowner benefits for these impacted villages. Also speaking in regard to the water problem was the Porebada Besena Women’s group rep Mrs. Taboro Morea who highlighted the struggles women and girls face each day to get water. “We as the care giver and manageress of our homes spend most our times daily to look for water.” “Sometimes we make trips to town to fetch water from relatives, other times we are lucky when the water truck comes by the village but then we have to pay for every refill.” Mrs. Morea further added that there is bow water or well water; however, due to land dispute and the population, not everyone has access to the bow water. Bow water was only used for washing and laundry. “Couple of years ago, a K1billion funding was made by AUSAID for water pipes and water connection into the village, however to this date we do not know where this money has gone to and we have not seen pipes nor water supply,” Mrs. Morea further elaborated. “Papa, Borea, Lealea and Porebada, we are desperate for fresh clean water supply and proper sanitation and this LLG President elections, we are hopeful that whoever wins, they must all collaborate and put water and sanitation as the number one agender.”

A pilot program in the Northern Territory, Australia, has provided 14 childhood educators from Papua New Guinea opportunities to acquire new skills and enhance their existing qualifications. The educators have been working at early childhood centers in the regional centers of Alice Springs and Katherine through the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme’s early childhood education and care (ECEC) pilot. The ECEC pilot is part of the Australian Government’s commitment to tackling Australia’s workforce shortages in rural and regional areas, thus it also ensures workers develop long term skills and expertise that will strengthen their own domestic labor markets back home. The Papua New Guinean educators graduated this month from a preparation program, which build on their existing qualifications in early education to support their transition into an Australian workplace. PALM scheme worker and educator Ms. Shirley Mogi says the pilot provided the opportunity to build on existing experience in and knowledge of the sector. “Here in Australia, you have something already set for the early childhood level, whereas for Papua New Guinea we have a lot of private schools, so everyone comes with their own philosophy, their own approach to early childhood.” “We need human resources to go back and educate the young people of PNG”. “For Australia to be very welcoming to open their doors to accommodate, it’s a really big honor for us,” she said. The educators will work in childcare centers for up to four years under the long-term stream of the PALM scheme. There currently are over 2,000 PALM workers from PNG in Australia working in sectors including meat processing, agriculture, and aged care. Australia is committed to supporting PNG’s economic development objectives by increasing opportunities for PNG through the PALM scheme. The pilot program was supported by PNG Labour Mobility Unit.

Progress on a vital cocoa infrastructure project in North Bougainville under the Papua New Guinea Agriculture Commercialization and Diversification (PACD) Project has been welcomed by Prime Minister James Marape, reaffirming his government’s commitment to empowering rural farmers and rebuilding essential market links. The 5.8-kilometre Teobuin–Sipotavai feeder road in Tinputz, North Bougainville originally built in the 1950s by local cocoa cooperatives—is now undergoing full rehabilitation through a K6.9 million contract awarded to Raibro Construction Ltd. The project, which commenced in November 2024, is expected to be fully completed by September 2025. Funded by the Government of Papua New Guinea with support from the World Bank and delivered through the Cocoa Board of PNG under the PACD Program, the road serves one of the highest cocoa-producing areas in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, directly benefiting over 2,000 farmers. “This is more than a road project—it’s a bridge to prosperity for our rural cocoa farmers,” Prime Minister Marape said. “Through PACD, we are connecting remote communities to the economy, reviving agriculture, and restoring dignity to hardworking families.” The Prime Minister emphasized that the road will dramatically reduce transport barriers, improve access to markets, and enable farmers to increase income through higher cocoa sales. He acknowledged the legacy of the original road, built by local initiative nearly 70 years ago, and said the Government now has a duty to honor that legacy by ensuring modern, all-weather access. “We are rebuilding what our people built before independence—this is the meaning of PNG at 50: restoring what matters most,” Prime Minister Marape said. “Feeder roads like this are national assets that unlock rural potential.” Prime Minister Marape also commended the Cocoa Board, the Department of Agriculture, Bougainville administration, and local farmers for working together to revive not only infrastructure but also cocoa production across the region. “The Teobuin–Sipotavai road is a lifeline for Bougainville’s future. It is our duty to extend this lifeline across all rural districts, ensuring our farmers are connected, productive, and proud contributors to PNG’s development.” The PACD Project supports a wide range of initiatives in Bougainville, including nursery support, cocoa budwood gardens, extension services, and training for farmers across the region.

Prime Minister James Marape has travelled to Fiji on Saturday 21st June,2025, to attend the annual Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Leaders’ Summit. His attendance is to reaffirm Papua New Guinea’s continued leadership and commitment to Melanesian solidarity, diplomacy, and cooperation. This year’s summit, chaired by Fiji, brings together leaders from the MSG member countries— Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and the FLNKS (Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front of New Caledonia) — to discuss a range of shared priorities including climate action, trade, regional security, and decolonization efforts. “Papua New Guinea is a founding and senior member of the Melanesian Spearhead Group and remains steadfast in advancing Melanesian cooperation,” Prime Minister Marape said ahead of his departure. “This summit allows us to unite around our common challenges and aspirations and speak with a stronger collective voice as a region.” The Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) was established in 1986 to strengthen political, economic, and cultural ties among Melanesian nations. It has since become a key platform for collaboration on trade, sustainable development, regional diplomacy, and cultural identity. Prime Minister Marape is scheduled to return to Port Moresby on Monday evening, 23rd June 2025, following the conclusion of the meeting. During his absence, Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso will assume responsibilities as Acting Prime Minister, and Prime Minister Marape expressed his full confidence in the Deputy Prime Minister to lead government business during this short period. “I have every confidence in Deputy Prime Minister Rosso to maintain stability and continuity while I attend this important regional meeting,” Prime Minister Marape said.

The Investment Promotion Authority (IPA) through the Office of the Registrar of Companies is going nationwide to create awareness on the proposed changes to the Companies Act to cater for Beneficial Ownership (BO). The team was in Lae, Morobe Province and then travelled to Goroka and Mt. Hagen in the Highlands Region, whilst the awareness focus was on BO, the team also conducted awareness on its online registry system (ORS). “This program was specifically initiated to provide in-depth information and training on the ORS and awareness on the Proposed Amendments to the Companies Act 1997 on Beneficial Ownership.” This is according to Mr. David Kil, Registrar of Companies, who is leading the initiative. "The evolving international standards necessitate a robust understanding of Beneficial Ownership (BO) and stringent Anti-Money Laundering /Counter Terrorism Funding (AML/CTF) compliance, and this program aims to bridge those knowledge gaps for our business community." The awareness sessions are targeting a broad spectrum of ORS users, including government agencies, provincial and district officials, chambers of commerce, financial institutions, law and accounting firms, SMEs, ORS agents, and business consultants. The program commenced in Lae with attendees, mostly ORS users who appreciated the direct engagement with the Registrar and his Deputy. Participants stressed their roles as the face of IPA on the ground in educating the wider Morobe business community in collaboration with the IPA Lae Regional Officer. Participation in Goroka was good despite people travelling from remote villages. A key challenge identified was that 80-90% of participants lacked a registered IPA online user account, making them vulnerable to "ghost agents." The Registrar strongly urged the use of the local EHP Commerce Office's IPA Help Desk and emphasized ethical practices for agents. Two SME mothers even received their long-awaited business name certificates on-site after years of waiting, directly assisted by the IPA team. The Mt Hagen session included a set up where participants were further assisted with specific queries. Registrar Mr. Kil used the opportunity to encourage the public to stay alert for scheduled awareness programs in other provinces as the initiative continues nationwide.

President of the Porebada Besena, Mr. Judah Matt Baru has stated that the land Portion 578 at the Porebada Junction, in the Hiri West of Central Province, including the surrounding environment and sea, belongs to the people of Porebada. Before the acquisition of the Konebada Park Zone Area, (PKZA) it was formerly portion 578, however, the legal description of the entire PKZA has now changed to various portion numbers after the Konedobu Petroleum Park Authority (KPPA) was granted an Urban Development Lease in March of 2009. Sadly, the KPPA subdivided that land and new portions were created each having new legal descriptions such as Portion 2669 up to Portion 26923 as registered and approved by the Department of Lands and Physical Planning. Mr. Baru said that these portions were granted lease, sale or illegal occupation and Portion 2693 was granted for Business purpose in May 2017 under the KPPS to develop the land. However, the KPPA Board and its Management failed miserably in administrating KPPA in compliance with the Government policies resulting in decisions to amalgamate and transfer KPPA Functions to another agency from unscrupulous dealings of land sales in parcels and abuse of large amount of public funds. “Nevertheless, our initiative to undertake a project to build a Commercial Plaza or multi-purpose Resource Centre at the described land is materializing, despite preparations since year 2020, securing the land by way of applying and obtaining a Lease Title is the common obstacle despite our indigenous rights.” “Whilst our project submission is in its initial stage, the land ownership transition process needs serious attention and immediate acquisition in alignment with the National Government core vision and drive to Take Back PNG”. Mr. Baru further stated that it is the indigenous rights of the people of Porebada over the land, especially the desired Portion 2693 to be leased back to them so they can fulfil their development aspirations. In addition, the people of Porebada want to establish a “Mini Township”, thus it is a preferred area where they can also use for relocation and resettlement due to the rising sea level that is causing king tides and slowly sinking Porebada Village. “The proper physical planning to build basic infrastructure will enable our people to access clean water supply, electricity, proper sewerage and sanitation s systems.” He added that they are deeply disappointed over the way unplanned and unregulated developments have progressed on the land with complete disregard for the interest of the indigenous people of Porebada. Meanwhile, the people of Porebada have now come up with a petition, making a sound call to the Minister for Lands, John Rosso and Minister for International Trade and Investment, Richard Maru, to give positive feedback as to how this land formerly Portion 578, a state leased land by the Colonial Administration through a Deed of Attestation (DA)242, Volume 1 in 1898, is now being squandered upon, and why the appeal of the people of Porebada has not been heard yet. Today, Thursday 19th June, is the beginning of the 14 days period expected by the people of Porebada to get a respond from the Government. Mr. Baru highlighted that the petition will be given to their local Member of Parliament, Keith Iduhu as well as Central Governor, Rufina Peter and a round table dialogue is expected to be the outcome of this 14- days period. “We expect answers within these 14 days period in regard to our petition, however if no satisfactory responds are given by the government of the day, the people of Porebada will hold a sit in protest to put to hold every development activity happening on our land.”

The Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC) is issuing a critical reminder to all National Federations sending athletes and teams to the Pacific Mini Games this year that all levy fees for athletes and officials must be settled by 18 June 2025. Until now, government funding remains unconfirmed and has not materialized, despite a budget being submitted in June last year and a revised budget resubmitted in February 2025. As a result of this, the PNGOC has resolved to drop sports who have made partial payments or no payments to date to ensure it operates within its limited budget to prepare and send Team PNG to participate in the Games. The original due date for levy payments was 16 May 2025, and teams are now required to complete their outstanding balances by the new deadline of 18 June to participate in the Team PNG contingent to the Mini Games. The PNGOC Board resolved during its executive meeting on 5 June that any sports team failing to pay the full levy of K2,000 per athlete and official by this new deadline will not be eligible to travel and participate in the 2025 Pacific Mini Games in Palau. This decision follows multiple extensions and ample notice provided to National Federations. The total budget required for participation at this years 2025 Palau Pacific Mini Games is K4,104,844.00. It costs K10,554.27 to take one athlete to the Mini Pacific Games, this cost covers, Airfares, accommodation, meals and transport on ground, medical and medical insurance and an allowance. However, this does not factor into place the additional costs taken on by the PNGOC to prepare each games sports with funding to ensure the athletes and teams are competitive at the games. The levies were invoiced one year prior to the Games, allowing National Federations sufficient time to raise the necessary funding. However, the levies received from the sports only cover a fraction of the total costs to send Team PNG to the Games. The PNGOC has taken on the responsibility of raising the remaining funds, covering most expenses associated with both preparing and transporting Team PNG. Emma Waiwai, President of the PNGOC, emphasized the critical nature of these fees for supporting Team PNG’s preparations and managing the teams’ needs during the Games. She urged National Federations to fulfill this responsibility and pay the levies for their athletes and teams. “The PNGOC is currently funding Team PNG’s preparations to Palau by itself in 2025. Without confirmation of government support to date, we are left with no choice but to work within the limitations of our own budget,” said Waiwai. “Unfortunately, this means we may have to drop sports that have not fully paid their levies, made only partial payments, or failed to pay altogether.” Chef de Mission to the Palau Mini Games, Kinivanagi Karo, expressed concern that the current situation jeopardizes Team PNG's chances to defend its title as the reigning Pacific Mini Games Champions. Stating that failure to send a full team, as required by the Pacific Games Council, may also result in penalties for Team PNG. The PNGOC has been diligently working to raise funds through initiatives such as the Trukai Fun Run and the Prime Minister’s Corporate Golf Challenge to support Team PNG. Waiwai also appealed to businesses and stakeholders for additional financial support to help Team PNG achieve its goals. “Be part of Team PNG’s journey and celebrate our country’s 50th anniversary o independence through successful and memorable performances by our elite athletes at the Pacific Mini Games.” Chef de Mission Karo reiterated his hope to see all endorsed athletes and teams board the plane to Palau, encouraging them to remain optimistic and focused on their goals. “We aim to top the medal tally again, and I believe our athletes are capable of achieving this with the right support,” said Karo. Team PNG returns to the Mini Games to defend its first-place finish on the medal tally from the last Mini Games held in Northern Marianas in 2022. This year’s Mini Games will occur in Palau’s capital city, Koror, from 29 June to 9 July. The final Team PNG contingent will depart Port Moresby on 26 June for the Games.

A total of 19 juvenile remandees participated in the second session of the Senisim PNG Transformation Table at Bomana Prison on Monday morning here in Port Moresby. PNG Tribal Foundation’s Senisim PNG National Coordinator, Phillie Marai, led her team of three facilitators and volunteers through the second value with the juvenile prisoners, aged between 14 and 18. Mrs. Marai said there are 10 good values will be discussed over 11 weeks through table sessions. Monday morning, the prisoners learned about Humility. They explored what humility is and how it applies to them reflecting on their lives, shaping their identities as young people, and considering what the future may hold. “Humility is not about boasting., it’s about accepting your mistakes, listening more, and talking less,” she said. “Humility opens doors to many opportunities when you understand its value.” During the session, one of the prisoners said, “I used to struggle with sharing, but since going through the program last week, I’ve started sharing my clothes and food with my brothers. I will continue to give more.” Another teenager shared, “I never listened and always talked, but since taking part in the program, I’ve started to see the good in myself by listening more.” “I’ve noticed some improvement.” The third prisoner spoke also on how he chose wrong company, stating he followed his friends to commit petty crimes like stealing and has never obeyed anyone, however with the Senisim PNG program, he made up his mind to become a better person. They have been tasked to act this week, including listening, sharing, admitting mistakes, reading a book from their small library, and helping their peers before the next table session next week.