This week in Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea is actively engaged in disaster recovery following Cyclone Maila, which left a trail of death and destruction, with relief efforts scaling up in affected areas like Bougainville. Concurrently, Prime Minister James Marape launched a K14.6 million infrastructure project in Nakanai District, while a parliamentary inquiry is advocating for urgent media reforms, including the potential replacement of colonial-era press laws. Positive developments include a reconciliation among Bougainville resource owners after a nine-year dispute, clearing the path for exploration.
About Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea, a nation of extraordinary linguistic and cultural diversity, boasts a rich tapestry of indigenous traditions and abundant natural resources, from dense rainforests to active volcanoes. Its challenging mountainous geography and dispersed population significantly shape daily life and news dissemination. The country maintains a small but independent media market, where journalists often face logistical hurdles in covering this geographically fragmented nation.
Visiting Papua New Guinea
Media landscape
Papua New Guinea has a partly-free press environment, characterized by a small but independent media market. Journalists navigate significant logistical challenges due to the country's dispersed geography.
Be aware that news coverage can be impacted by the country's diverse languages and challenging terrain, which may limit the reach of some outlets.
ICAC Arrests Five Officials and Principal’s Wife over Alleged K900,000 School Fund Misuse
Papua New Guinea's Independent Commission Against Corruption has arrested five senior provincial education officials and the wife of a school principal over the alleged misuse of K908,839.50 in govern…
Police Chief Makes Swift Arrests in Enga Province
Five suspects have been arrested in Enga Province and locked up at Wabag Police Station, according to Chief Inspector Daniel Yangen. Yangen, who commands Wabag Police Station and is serving as acting …
Arawa Accommodation Crisis Fuels Lucrative Property Boom for Investors
Arawa is running short of accommodation as job seekers, civil servants, contractors and international investors continue to arrive in the town. The shortage has created a property boom, offering lucra…
Papua New Guinea prepares tough new law to curb public weapons and rising violence
Papua New Guinea is finalizing a new Offensive Weapons Act aimed at imposing severe penalties on people who carry lethal weapons in public. Police Minister Sir John Pundari announced the legislative m…
Fourteen Bekut sub-clans reconcile to support correctional facility
Fourteen sub-clans in Bekut, North Bougainville, have set aside longstanding differences to support the development of a correctional facility on their customary land. The reconciliation and reintegra…
Treasurer presents supplementary budget to Parliament
Papua New Guinea Treasurer Ian Ling-Stuckey presented the 2026 Supplementary Budget to Parliament. The treasurer described the package as a set of major investments designed to support families facing…
Morobe governor challenges police minister over rising gang violence
Morobe Governor Rainbo Paita has challenged Papua New Guinea’s police minister to explain what immediate measures the government will take against a surge in organized gang violence. Paita said the vi…
22 Bougainville youths earn certificates in high-risk dogging training
Twenty-two youths from Bougainville have graduated with nationally recognised certificates in high-risk dogging after completing an intensive two-week training programme. The programme delivered speci…
Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Bills Presented to Parliament
Papua New Guinea has taken a proposed legislative step to strengthen its efforts against money laundering and terrorist financing, with Justice Minister and Attorney General Pila Niningi presenting am…
Think before you post: Bougainville youths warn peers about cybercrime laws
Young people in Bougainville are telling their peers to think before posting on social media, warning that online abuse, harassment and defamation can carry serious legal consequences. Facebook, TikTo…
Quit by October 29 or face discipline, PNG prime minister warns political civil servants
Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape has warned public servants involved in political activity to resign from their positions and contest the election. Marape said politicking violated the oat…
PNG women researchers return from RMIT training to strengthen local capacity
Twelve women researchers from Lae have returned to Papua New Guinea after completing advanced research training and mentorship at RMIT University. The training received support from the Australian Gov…
Kipa Questions PM Marape over suspension of 70 Public Servants
Dei Open lawmaker Desmond Kipa questioned Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape in Parliament about the government’s decision to suspend more than 70 public servants.
Island Communities Face Fresh Threats as El Niño Dry Spell Intensifies
Communities across Buka Island and the outer island constituencies are facing mounting hardship as an extended El Niño dry spell strains local water supplies. The worsening conditions also threaten fo…
Boroko Police Arrest Key Suspect as CCTV Investigation Continues After Finals Disturbance
Police arrested a key suspect at the scene of a disturbance during the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup Finals, then charged the person and denied bail. Boroko Police and specialist units responded during the m…
Maru Confirms PNG Power Has K1.2 Billion Debt and Seeks K100 Million Supplementary Budget
PNG Power Limited has K1.2 billion in debt and is seeking K100 million in supplementary government funding, according to Minister responsible for PNG Power Richard Maru. Maru confirmed the figures in …
Second Day of Election Integrity Workshop Focuses on Financial Transparency
The second day of an election integrity workshop in Papua New Guinea is focusing on financial transparency as media representatives work on their election reporting skills. The training is taking plac…
Opposition grills government over PNG Power’s future
PNG Power faced questioning in Papua New Guinea’s Parliament as opposition lawmakers pressed the government over how it plans to revive the state-owned utility. The debate followed Prime Minister Jame…
20 Baptized After Revival at Ramaga Adventist Primary School
Twenty people were baptized after a one-week revival meeting at Ramaga Adventist Primary School in Papua New Guinea. The program involved the school campus and the surrounding community in the Alotau …
Exercise Pukpuk Refurbishment Projects Cost Almost K15 Million
Infrastructure refurbishment at Lae Igam Barracks for the 2026 Exercise Pukpuk has cost almost K15 million. The exercise involves the Papua New Guinea and Australian defence forces. The available deta…
Chimbu joins K230 million Green Climate Fund pilot program
Chimbu Province has been selected as one of six provinces nationwide to take part in a K230 million Green Climate Fund pilot program. The initiative aims to pay communities for protecting forests, lin…
Opposition arrives early at Papua New Guinea Parliament as government MPs remain absent
Papua New Guinea's opposition was in the chamber ahead of the scheduled opening of Parliament's second sitting week, but government lawmakers were absent. The sitting was due to begin at 10 a.m. Deput…
KSL posts 4% year-on-year profit growth despite headwinds
Kina Bank increased net profit after tax by 4% year on year in the first half of 2026, according to the information available from Post-Courier. The bank also strengthened its balance sheet by issuing…
Mi-Do Mining gives K210,000 to remote communities
Mi-Do Mining Limited has provided K210,000 in assistance to remote communities in Milne Bay Province. The support is intended to help maintain basic services, including schools and health centres. The…
Kandep clans make peace after tribal fighting leaves 16 dead
After 18 months of tribal fighting that killed 16 people, the Takalain and Alopa clans of the Kamain Tribe gathered together for the first time to make peace. The clans are from the Lai Constituency i…
Community Organisations in Enga Province Exchange Knowledge and Skills
Fifteen members of the Lyumbain Foundation travelled from Lagaip District to Paikel Integrated Farming on the outskirts of Wabag Town for a community-based exchange of knowledge and skills. The visit …
Two Warring Tribes Attend Evangelical Crusade Together in Wapenamanda District
The Palinau and Yopo tribes in Papua New Guinea’s Wapenamanda District came together for a week-long evangelical crusade centered on repentance, reconciliation and peace. The gathering took place in t…
New Wabag police chief urges tribe to reject compensation payments
Chief Inspector Daniel Yangen, the Wabag police station commander and acting Enga provincial police commander, urged the Porealin tribe to abandon compensation payments as a response to crime. Speakin…
Voices of the next generation: Bougainville youths stand firm on independence pathway
As political negotiations and constitutional debates continue over the future of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, the region’s young people are described as standing firmly behind the independen…
Australia strengthens support for high-quality cocoa in East Sepik Province
Smallholder cocoa farmers in Papua New Guinea’s East Sepik Province are gaining expanded access to solar drying technology through support from the Australian Government and Outspan PNG Ltd. The initi…
Front and Back Page
The Post-Courier page titled “Front and Back Page” requires readers to purchase a subscription. It offers web access and web-and-eBook packages, with prices starting at K3.00 per day. Existing subscri…
Wabag Open MP invited as keynote speaker at the University of Technology student seminar
Wabag Open MP has been invited to deliver the keynote address at a student seminar hosted by the University of Technology in Lae, Papua New Guinea. The University of Technology Student Representative …
Unity and Resilience: Bougainville Prepares for Independence Patriotism Day 2026
Bougainville communities are preparing for Independence Patriotism Day, an annual public holiday scheduled for September 1, 2026. The observance honors the Autonomous Region of Bougainville’s politica…
PPC warns small-time gang in Madang: “Your days are numbered”
Madang police have issued a direct warning to a small gang operating in the province, telling its members that their days are numbered. Madang Provincial Police Commander Superintendent Robert Baim sa…
Lae International School Students Receive Hands-On STEM Lessons
Students at Lae International School gained hands-on experience with coding, programming, mini computers and digital systems during a two-week STEM programme in Papua New Guinea. The programme was del…
US highlights biotech and harmonised food-safety rules to boost PNG agricultural exports at APEC
The United States is pointing to biotechnology, common food-safety rules and wider agricultural-market access as ways to help Papua New Guinea’s farmers reach export markets. The proposals were presen…
Government Fuel Relief Assistance Program to Continue
Papua New Guinea’s National Government will continue its Fuel Relief Assistance program through December 31, 2026. The extension means domestic retail pump prices will remain capped at the levels set …
Madang police chief warns small-time gang: “Your days are numbered”
Madang Provincial Police Commander Superintendent Robert Baim has warned a small gang operating in Madang that police will continue their crackdown on criminal activity in the province. The warning wa…
Governor Pariwa gives K10,000 to save drought-hit Rai Coast church conference
The Evangelical Lutheran Church of PNG’s Ranara Circuit in the Rai Coast district has received K10,000 from the Madang provincial government to help hold its upcoming church conference. The contributi…
PNGAAP holds 25th National Conference in Madang, Promoting Digital Administrative Excellence
The Papua New Guinea Association of Administrative Professionals held its 25th National Conference in Madang, bringing together more than 300 administrative professionals and members from across Papua…
Madang Cleanathon draws strong community support for eighth program
The Madang Community Service Cleanathon Program has completed its eighth Cleanathon of 2026, drawing participation and support from across the community. Government agencies, businesses, community gro…
U.S. Embassy and Papua New Guinea police launch first joint digital forensics training
The U.S. Embassy in Port Moresby and Papua New Guinea’s police force have launched the country’s first joint digital forensics training course. The embassy partnered with the Bureau of International N…
PNG lawyers warned over illegal consultancy practices
The Papua New Guinea Law Society has warned lawyers holding Restricted Practising Certificates against operating legal consultancy firms or providing legal services independently. The warning concerns…
Jarome Luai Drops PNG Chiefs Bombshell: “Hopefully Cleary Joins Me”
Production at Pacific Industries Limited briefly stopped when Jarome Luai visited the facility in Papua New Guinea. The Wests Tigers co-captain, identified as the PNG Chiefs’ “Player 001,” attended as…
PNG Chief 001 and Jarome Luai Visit Pepsi Pacific Factory
Operations at Pepsi Pacific Industry Limited came to a halt when PNG Chief 001 and Wests Tigers co-captain Jarome Luai made a special visit to the factory. The brief account identifies the visit as th…
UNDP and EU launch election integrity workshop in Port Moresby
The United Nations Development Programme and the European Union have launched a week-long workshop on election integrity in Port Moresby. The programme is intended for media organisations and civil so…
K200,000 in aid delivered to disaster-hit Kwalakesi community
A total of K200,000 in assistance has been committed to support 42 blocks affected by a recent disaster in Kwalakesi community. Kwalakesi is in Nakanai District, West New Britain, Papua New Guinea.
Roosters Address Potential Manu Return Amid PNG Move
Trent Robinson has not ruled out Joey Manu lining up for the Sydney Roosters before the New Zealand Test star moves to the PNG Chiefs. The report does not provide further details without a subscriptio…
Miracle Shot Gives Josh Armstrong His Breakthrough PNG Open Victory
Josh Armstrong turned years of near misses into a breakthrough victory at the 2026 PNG Open, claiming his first title on the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia. The win was decided by a memorable shot…
Kumuls vow to give captain Rhyse Martin a memorable World Cup farewell
Papua New Guinea coach Jason Demetriou has promised to give Kumuls captain Rhyse Martin a fitting final chapter to his playing career. Demetriou wants Martin to leave the international stage with a me…
Demetriou tracks Papua New Guinea prospects in 1895 Cup final
Jason Demetriou is watching closely as a talented group of Papua New Guinea prospects prepares to contest the 1895 Cup final at Halliwell Jones Stadium. The Kumuls head coach is balancing two prioriti…
60th annual medical symposium underway in Lae
The 60th annual medical symposium has begun at the Papua New Guinea University of Technology campus in Lae.
Rain brings hope as Fly River water level rises
Rainfall in the upper reaches of Papua New Guinea’s Fly and Ok Tedi rivers has raised hopes that cargo vessels stranded along the Fly River may soon reach Kiunga Wharf.
NAC signs MOU with Milne Bay Provincial Government
The National Airports Corporation Limited and the Milne Bay Provincial Government signed a memorandum of agreement at Gurney Airport in Alotau. The agreement commits both institutions to support one a…
Strong Wind Warning Issued for Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea’s National Weather Service issued a final gale wind warning effective from 5 a.m. on Monday, August 31, 2026.
Revised Gas Agreement Gives Papua New Guinea Chance to Buy More Equity
Papua New Guinea will have the chance to increase its ownership of the Papua LNG project under a revised gas agreement signed yesterday. Exxon Mobil will sell the state an additional 2.5% equity stake…
No Room for Violence as PNG Football Supporters Face Criticism
Violence by a handful of supporters during the DE Cup final at Port Moresby’s National Football Stadium has prompted a blunt warning: passion cannot excuse disorder. The column criticizes fans who all…
Papua New Guinea awards recognize Post-Courier as founding media partner
Sir Mahesh Patel, founder and chairman emeritus of the CPL Group, has formally acknowledged the Post-Courier newspaper as a foundational media partner for the prestigious Pride of PNG Women Awards. Th…
Papua New Guinea prepares for 14th Pride of Women Awards celebrating female achievement
Papua New Guinea is gearing up for the 14th Pride of PNG Women Awards, a flagship event organized by the CPL Foundation Inc. Since its inception in 2007, the awards have become a significant platform …
Kiunga Town Faces Shortages as Low Water Levels Disrupt Cargo Shipments
Kiunga town is facing a critical shortage of basic food supplies as low water levels are severely hampering the movement of cargo shipments. Shops are reporting dwindling stocks of essential items suc…
El Niño-linked fire leaves family of seven homeless in Chimbu
A family of seven in Oroma Village, Chimbu, has been left devastated after a fire completely destroyed their home on Thursday, August 27, 2026. The blaze, which occurred between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM, …
US pledges over K15 million for Papua New Guinea child nutrition amid El Niño threat
The United States government is set to significantly boost child nutrition programs in Papua New Guinea with a commitment of over K15 million, equivalent to USD $4 million. This substantial funding is…
Nasfund signs PNG Empower Finance Code to combat financial abuse
The National Superannuation Fund (Nasfund) has joined 14 other financial institutions in co-signing the PNG Empower Finance Code, a landmark initiative spearheaded by the Bank of Papua New Guinea (BPN…
Pacific Break 2026: Papua New Guinea's Next Music Star Sought
Papua New Guinea's music scene is buzzing as ABC's Pacific Break 2026 competition officially launches its search for the nation's next original music star. This premier regional competition offers a s…
Wabag bypass construction to connect rural villages to Highlands Highway nears completion
A significant infrastructure project in Papua New Guinea's Wabag District is progressing, aiming to enhance connectivity for rural communities. The Sopas-Yokonda pilot tract road project is undergoing…
Kimbe community rallies for blood donation drive
The community of Kimbe demonstrated its commitment to public health with a highly successful blood donation drive. Organized by The Bucket of Love Foundation, the event took place on Saturday, August …
Enga Provincial Administration inducts 215 new public servants
The Enga Provincial Administration has successfully concluded its Public Service Induction Training for 215 newly recruited probationary public servants. The comprehensive training program began on Mo…
Papua New Guinea Launches El Niño 2026 Assessment Tool for Disaster Preparedness
Papua New Guinea is enhancing its disaster preparedness with the launch of a new assessment tool focused on the El Niño phenomenon. Dr. Billy Joseph, the Minister for Health and Emergency Services, of…
PNG-Australia partnership delivers building materials for Daru school
Students at Karakara Junior High School in Daru, Papua New Guinea, are set to benefit from improved learning facilities with the recent arrival of building materials for a new six-in-one classroom. Th…
East New Britain community in Arawa remembers 27 lives lost in sea tragedy
The East New Britain (ENB) community residing in Arawa, central Bougainville, gathered for a solemn hour of remembrance to honor the 27 individuals who perished in the tragic Pang Pang Paradise sea in…
Private sector investment crucial for strengthening Papua New Guinea's electricity sector
The Papua New Guinea National Research Institute (PNGNRI) has released a report emphasizing the critical importance of private sector investment in bolstering the nation's electricity sector. The find…
Papua New Guinea's police minister: Security forces must not wage war on citizens
Papua New Guinea's Police Minister, Sir John Pundari, has issued a strong directive, asserting that the country's security forces must never again be employed to wage war against its own citizens. Thi…
Minister Pundari urges reflection on Bougainville crisis
In a poignant address to parliament, Kompiam-Ambum MP and Minister for Police Sir John Pundari urged a deep reflection on the historical significance of the Bougainville crisis. He emphasized the prof…
Bougainville Crisis Had No Heroes, Says Police Minister Pundari
Papua New Guinea's Police Minister, Sir John Pundari, delivered a stark assessment of the Bougainville crisis, asserting that the conflict yielded no heroes. He made this pronouncement during a parlia…
Rugby Star Cooper Bai Named Trukai Brand Ambassador
Trukai Industries has announced a significant partnership, naming rising rugby league star Cooper Bai as its official Brand Ambassador for the next two years. This appointment marks a new phase in the…
Papua New Guinea to Host 60th Medical Symposium
Papua New Guinea is set to host its 60th medical symposium, a significant event for the country's health sector. The Morobe Provincial Health Authority (MPHA) and the PNG University of Technology (PNG…
Papua New Guinea to establish national combat sports authority
Papua New Guinea is set to establish a unified national Combat Sports Authority, a move championed by legendary kickboxing pioneer Stanley "The Headhunter" Nandex. The initiative aims to bring profess…
Papua New Guinea kickboxing semifinals set for August 30 in Port Moresby
The Taurama Aquatic and Indoor Centre in Port Moresby is set to host the high-stakes semifinals of Papua New Guinea's national "Last Man Standing" kickboxing tournament on August 30. This event marks …
Bougainville Leader Questions German Colonial Claims on Sovereignty
Dr. Allan Marat, the Chairman of the Bougainville Committee and Member for Rabaul, raised a significant question in Parliament regarding Germany's historical claim of sovereignty over Bougainville. He…
Nasfund Launches Major Goroka Rollout to Boost Highlands Engagement
The National Superannuation Fund Limited (Nasfund) has launched a comprehensive regional engagement drive across Papua New Guinea's Highlands, with a key focus on Goroka in the Eastern Highlands Provi…
Catholic fury erupts in Rabaul as evangelist calls Pope the 'Beast'
Tensions flared in Rabaul, Papua New Guinea, when Roman Catholics took to the streets to demand an apology from visiting evangelist Stephen Jakovac. The protest was sparked by Jakovac's sermon, during…
Kompiam District Hospital applies artificial intelligence (AI) to administer chemotherapy
The Kompiam District Hospital, located in Enga Province, has reported a medical case involving a patient who presented with a significant neck mass. The mass, situated on the left side of the patient'…
French minister to lead delegation at 55th Pacific Islands Forum
Minister Delegate for International Partnerships, Francophonie and French Nationals Abroad, Éléonore Caroit, will represent France at the 55th Pacific Islands Forum. Her participation underscores Fran…
USP opens landmark sustainable energy training centre for the Pacific
The University of the South Pacific (USP) has inaugurated a new Sustainable Energy Training Centre, marking a significant step in advancing renewable energy education and workforce development for the…
Road Access Restored to Lake Murray and Fly River Communities
Communities in the vicinity of Lake Murray and along the Fly River are experiencing a crucial restoration of connectivity with the reopening of a vital road. For many years, residents have contended w…
Papua New Guinea Village Launches First Taekwondo Program for Youth
A significant community sporting initiative has been launched in Apanaipi Village, located in the Kairuku District of Papua New Guinea, marking the introduction of Taekwondo to the North Mekeo region …
Ancient sovereignty: Dr. Allan Marat traces Bougainville's deep historical roots in Parliament
Dr. Allan Marat presented a compelling historical narrative to Parliament, tracing Bougainville's origins back to pre-ice age times to underscore the island's deep-seated and ancient sovereignty. Draw…
Papua LNG Deal Achieves Balanced Arrangement, Says PM Marape
Prime Minister James Marape declared that the government has finalized a balanced agreement for the Papua LNG project. He emphasized that the arrangement secures Papua New Guinea's long-term advantage…
Bougainville Decision Tests Papua New Guinea's National Unity
The future political status of Bougainville presents a profound challenge to the national unity of Papua New Guinea, according to Bougainville Affairs Minister Manasseh Makiba. Speaking in Parliament,…
Papua LNG project agreement revised, government secures balanced path to final investment decision
Papua New Guinea's Minister for Petroleum, Jimmy Maladina, has hailed the signing of the Revised Papua LNG Project Agreement as a significant achievement. He described the agreement as a critical step…
Bougainville's future submitted to Parliament
The future of Bougainville is now before Parliament following a significant submission by the Bougainville Affairs Minister, Manasseh Makiba. He formally tabled three crucial documents that shape the …
Papua LNG Agreement Amendments Mark Major Step Towards Final Investment Decision
Papua New Guinea's government has hailed a significant achievement in the development of its second liquefied natural gas (LNG) project. Amendments to the Papua LNG Agreement represent a major step fo…
Papua New Guinea Parliament Delayed as Crowds Gather, Lacking Quorum
The start of the second day of Papua New Guinea's fourth parliamentary sitting of 2026 was significantly delayed, with proceedings at the National Parliament House in Waigani promptly adjourned due to…
Local Pharmaceutical Firm Supports Medical Symposium
NectaroPharma Ltd, a medical and pharmaceutical company operating out of Lae, has provided financial support for an upcoming Medical Symposium. The company presented a cheque for K50,000 to the Morobe…
Australia Continues Support for Papua New Guinea's National Medical Symposium
The Australian Consulate-General, through the PNG-Australian partnership, has provided K50,000 to the Morobe Provincial Health Authority (MoPHA) to support the hosting of the National Medical Symposiu…
Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister Calls for Moral Reset Ahead of 51st Independence Year
Prime Minister James Marape has urged the people of Papua New Guinea to embark on a profound internal transformation, calling for a reset of their hearts, character, and conduct. This appeal comes at …
Rabaul to host boxing promotion event
Rabaul is set to host a significant boxing promotion event tomorrow night, featuring a lineup of five boxers traveling from Lae to face competitors from the East New Britain Boxing Association. The ma…
Papua New Guinea PM Marape urges prayer ahead of Bougainville vote decision
Prime Minister James Marape has urged churches and citizens throughout Papua New Guinea to engage in prayer for healing, reconciliation, and peace. This appeal comes as the nation's National Parliamen…
Evangelism outreach reaches the Enga–East Sepik border
The Seventh-Day Adventist Church is actively engaged in spreading the message of Jesus Christ along the provincial border separating Enga Province and East Sepik Province in Papua New Guinea. The outr…
Papua New Guinea Minister to Meet Provincial Disaster Officials for El Niño Assessment
Minister for Health and National Disaster Services, Dr. Billy M. Joseph, MP, is set to convene a crucial meeting with provincial disaster management officials. The gathering, scheduled for Friday, Aug…
