William Reappointed NFA Board Chairman

Post-Courier is proud to report on the reappointment of Laurie William as Chairman of the National Fisheries Authority (NFA) Board. This reappointment, for a three-year term from 2026 to 2029, signifies a strong endorsement of his leadership and the significant progress made under his guidance.

When Mr. William first joined the NFA Board in 2020, the Authority was grappling with severe governance challenges, evidenced by eight consecutive years of audit disclaimers. His subsequent leadership, first as Deputy Chairman and then as Chairman, has been instrumental in restoring financial accountability, culminating in unqualified audits from 2024 onwards. This turnaround is a testament to his commitment and the collaborative efforts of the management, staff, and fellow directors.

The National Fisheries Authority plays a crucial role in managing Papua New Guinea's vast Exclusive Economic Zone and its valuable tuna industry. Mr. William's renewed mandate will focus on building upon the foundation of improved governance. Key priorities include science-based management to protect PNG’s tuna and marine resources, fostering job growth through domestication and onshore processing, maintaining transparent financial systems, and ensuring that coastal provinces and resource owners receive equitable benefits from their fisheries.

Mr. William's commitment to serving with integrity and ensuring the NFA delivers for all Papua New Guineans is commendable. This reappointment is not just a personal achievement but a positive development for the nation's fisheries sector, promising continued stability and growth.

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I am honoured to continue serving as Chairman. When I joined in 2020, NFA faced serious governance challenges. Together with management, staff and fellow directors, we ended eight years of audit disclaimers and returned to clean audits in 2024. This next term will build on that foundation. Our priorities are: protect PNG’s tuna and marine resources through science-based management; grow jobs and investment through domestication and onshore processing; maintain transparent financial systems; and ensure coastal provinces and resource owners benefit fairly from their fisheries. PNG’s fisheries are a national treasure. I recommit to serving with integrity so NFA delivers for all Papua New Guineans.