PNG minister criticises Australian ‘boomerang aid’ as Australia launches new partnership plan
A Papua New Guinean minister has delivered scathing criticism of Australia’s aid programme, warning of funds being “wasted” as the Australian government outlines its plan for development assistance in PNG over
Opinion: Tribute to John Paska: A remarkable trade union leader
I am honoured to write about John Paska’s passing on 9 August 2024 after a short illness. He was 76 years old. Until recently, he was the President of the Papua New Guinea Trade Union Congress (PNGTUC), an elevation
PNG authorises lethal force to quell deadly violence near Porgera mine
Papua New Guinea security personnel have been authorised to use “lethal force” to quell violence between illegal miners and traditional landowners near the economically important Porgera gold mine. Fighting in the
PNG PM Marape survives Vote of No confidence motion
Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape has survived the Vote of No confidence against his leadership 75 to 32. Government numbers supported maintaining PM Marape with the Opposition unable to gain favour to have
Gary Seddon confirmed as CEO of Air Niugini
Air Niugini has announced the appointment of Gary Seddon as Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Seddon has been serving in an acting capacity and has now been confirmed by the National Executive Council
Former NZ Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae appointed moderator for Bougainville Peace talks
Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape and Bougainville President Ishmael Toroama have jointly appointed Sir Jerry Mateparae as the independent moderator to help resolve the ongoing discussions about
Oceania Rugby suspends PNG Rugby
The Oceania Rugby Executive Board has issued a Notice of Determination to PNG Rugby Union after several failings by the governing body to comply with orders imposed by the Regional Association of World Rugby. The
PNG Opposition file motion of no confidence today, Committee unchanged
The Papua New Guinea Opposition has finally submitted the motion of a vote of no confidence against Prime Minister James Marape today. Opposition leader, Douglas Tomuriesa submitted the motion to Speaker Job Pomat at
Tahnee Norris appointed as PNG Orchids head coach
Women’s rugby league in Papua New Guinea has received an enormous boost ahead of the upcoming Pacific Championships with the groundbreaking appointment of Tahnee Norris as Orchids coach. Norris, who last month
Opinion: Travel recovery in the Pacific: worrying signs
As the pandemic recedes and gradually fades from people’s memories, travel in the Pacific is rebounding. However, the Pacific’s travel recovery is highly variable. Comparing visitor arrivals in 2023 with those in
BPNG to continue Kina intervention
The Bank of PNG says to ensure a gradual and stable adjustment of the nominal exchange rate over time, it will continue to intervene to support the crawl-rate and reduce outstanding orders in the foreign exchange
Rural electrification is still a challenge in Papua New Guinea
The establishment of rural electrification around Papua New Guinea is hindered by various challenges, putting a halt in its progress as stated in a research paper in the 2024 PNG Update. The challenges range from
Refugee numbers rising in Papua New Guinea
A silent refugee emergency has been gathering force with every human conflict, every natural disaster and even major project developments in the country. So much so that over the last four years 1,600,000 have been
Ban on journalist during PNG visit by Indonesia’s Prabowo condemned
Papua New Guinea’s media council has condemned as “concerning” and “shameful” the exclusion of a BenarNews journalist from media events during a visit by Indonesia’s President-elect to the capital Port
Papua independence protestors seek papal intervention after clashes with Indonesian forces
Indonesian security forces fired tear gas and rubber bullets in clashes with protestors marking the 62nd anniversary of a UN agreement that paved the way for Jakarta’s annexation of the Papua region. At least one
Starlink rollout slowly gains momentum
Starlink’s rollout in the region continues in fits and starts. The satellite technology company last month announced two authorised resellers in Fiji - Lightspeed Pacific and Telecom Fiji. Telecom Fiji CEO, Charles
Chair of PNG NRL bid hoping for announcement by end of 2024
Papua New Guinea’s bid to have a team in Australia’s National Rugby League will “hopefully” be confirmed by the end of this year, bid chairman Wapu Sonk has told the 2024 Business Advantage PNG Investment
Vanimo prepares for Pope’s Visit, Panning gold to assist with preparations
Faithful Catholics and citizens in Vanimo, Sandaun Province are transforming the town in preparation for the Pope’s visit to the Papua New Guinea province next month. The preparations in the province is being led by
PNG jolts donors over power grid roll-out as China sale dismissed
The chairman of Papua New Guinea’s national power provider has called for a faster U.S. and foreign donor roll-out of promised electricity infrastructure while saying there is absolutely no plan to sell critical grid
More gold to be mined, says PM Marape
Papua New Guinea has an estimated 100 million ounces of gold that is yet to be mined, says Prime Minister James Marape. Marape said this when closing the three-day Geoscience, Exploration and Extraction Conference 2024
Mercury spill on Air Niugini aircraft investigated
The PNG Accident Investigation Commission (AIC) is probing a mercury spill from a package aboard an Air Niugini aircraft at the Jackson International Airport in Port Moresby last month. AIC Chief Commissioner Maryanne
Maprik town burns
Maprik town in East Sepik was set ablaze over two days, beginning Monday between 3pm and 4pm and spilling into early Tuesday morning. Police have confirmed the arrest of at least 189 suspects. A special court hearing
U.S Military eyes Australian Island for Pacific Deterrence Initiative
The Cocos Islands, Papua New Guinea, and Timor-Leste are among a handful of locations outlined in a new Pacific Deterrence Initiative multiple award construction contract published by the U.S Navy. The contract,
