PNG Haus Bung

The recently signed Papua LNG (PLNG) benefit sharing agreement has been applauded by the prime minister as it now paves the way for the Final Investment Decision (FID) to take place next month.Prime Minister James Marape commended the political leadership, landowners and communities of Gulf and Central provinces for reaching a landmark agreement on the sharing of benefits from the Papua LNG Project, describing it as a major milestone towards the project’s targeted FID on 15 December 2026. The Prime Minister welcomed the agreement reached on Wednesday, 7 October, establishing an 80:20 headline benefit-sharing arrangement between Gulf and Central provinces, saying it demonstrated maturity, cooperation and a shared commitment to national development.“This is a very important milestone in our march towards Final Investment Decision for Papua LNG. I commend the leaders of Gulf and Central provinces, the landowners, the facilitators and everyone involved for putting aside differences and reaching an agreement that is fair and equitable,” Prime Minister Marape said.He particularly acknowledged Petroleum Minister Hon. Jimmy Maladina and the national petroleum authorities for their leadership, coordination and facilitation of the negotiations. The Prime Minister said the agreement reflected the longstanding relationship between the people of Gulf and Central, whose ancestors traded through the traditional Hiri trading system.“Gulf and Central are not strangers to each other. From ancient times, through the Hiri trading system, our people understood trade, cooperation and the principle of equitable benefit-sharing. “That same spirit has prevailed in this important agreement. Gulf Province provides the gas resource and also hosts important pipeline infrastructure, while Central Province hosts the gas processing and export facilities, together with sections of the pipeline infrastructure. Both provinces have a legitimate stake in this development,” he said.Prime Minister Marape said the 80:20 arrangement was consistent with the broad principles established under the existing PNG LNG Project, where benefits were distributed between upstream resource areas, downstream facilities and pipeline corridors.He congratulated Gulf Governor Sir Christopher Haiveta, Acting Gulf Governor Morris Taudevin, Kikori MP and Minister for Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs Hon. Soroi Eoe, Kerema MP and Finance Minister Thomas Opa, Central Governor Rufina Peter, Hiri-Koiari MP Keith Iduhu, Kairuku MP Hon. Peter Isoaimo, and landowner representatives from both provinces for their leadership, cooperation and commitment to reaching the historic agreement."This agreement is a credit to all of you. It demonstrates that when our leaders sit together in good faith, we can reach outcomes that serve our people and strengthen investor confidence,” he said.

The simmering trademark dispute between New Zealand Rugby and Papua New Guinea's incoming NRL franchise has erupted into a legal battle after NZR filed a High Court injunction to stop the new club from using the Chiefs name.In a statement released on Thursday, NZR said it is seeking both an interim and final injunction which stops the use of the names "PNG Chiefs", "Chiefs" or any other similar names in New Zealand.The move represents a major escalation in the dispute and threatens to disrupt the PNG club's plans to formally unveil their inaugural jersey and branding in Port Moresby on October 21 - less than two weeks away.The PNG team, which is set to join the NRL in 2028 as the competition's 19th franchise, is backed by a $600 million Australian government funding package. The Chiefs Super Rugby club have argued that allowing another professional sporting franchise to use the same name in the same trans-Tasman market risks undermining a brand it has spent three decades building.NZR chief executive officer Steve Lancaster said for 30 years the Chiefs and their players have built an "incredibly strong identity that is widely recognised and loved by fans"."We want to be absolutely clear, this is not about rugby league's growth in the Pacific. We welcome the development of the Pacific region through sport and the passion that the people of Papua New Guinea have for both rugby and rugby league."Lancaster added that since October 2025, when the expansion side's name was confirmed, NZR has shared its concerns with the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) and has sought to engage them to agree a positive outcome."For 30 years the Chiefs and their players have built an incredibly strong identity that is widely recognised and loved by fans. We have raised our concerns with the ARLC directly and consistently over the last year in attempting to find a resolution. We now have a responsibility to protect the Chiefs brand," he said.The Waikato side has used the Chiefs name since 1996 and holds registered trademarks covering its logo in New Zealand and internationally, including Australia.The Super Rugby club's position appears to be backed by IP Australia, which has reportedly raised repeated concerns about the PNG's club's attempts to secure trademark protection for its name.The ABC last week reported the NRL has received three adverse reports in response to the PNG club's trademark applications, with IP Australia declaring there is a "real and tangible danger" of brand confusion.An adverse report from IP Australia is a formal notice identifying issues with a trademark application that need addressing before it can be accepted.The choice of the Chiefs name has particular significance in PNG.Prime Minister James Marape announced the name last year after a public process, saying the word reflected the country's history, with chiefs - both men and women - having played an important role in communities across the nation's many tribes.Chiefs CEO Simon Graafhuis said the 'Chiefs' identity also carries significant cultural meaning and connection the Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions."We know it means a great deal to our players and coaches past and present, fans and supporters here and around the world," he said."Teams in different sports and markets can exist alongside one another with the same name, but the issue here is the similarity of our sports competing in the same market, for the same fans, in overlapping windows."Source: https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/sport/1792677/nz-rugby-seeks-high-court-injunction-to-block-png-chiefs-name

Communities in the Hides area of Hela Province are benefiting from a number of social development projects in education, health and infrastructure.Gas Resources Hides 4 Limited, a subsidiary of the Mineral Resources Development Company, has commissioned new science and computer laboratory facilities at Malanda Junior High School in the Komo-Hulia District.Funded through the company’s Community Investment Trust Fund, the project includes a modern four-in-one classroom facility with purpose-built science and computer laboratories.MRDC External Affairs Officer James Debela said the facilities would provide students with better environments for science, technology and digital learning."Modern science and computer laboratories, reliable electricity and internet connectivity are no longer optional features of education.”“They are essential components of quality learning.”Other education projects underway include new classrooms and staff housing at Beneria Primary School, Juni Jnr High School, Hiwanda Primary School, Habona Primary School, Para Primary School, Belopa Primary and Paduba-Likame Elementary schools.In health, GRH4 has begun procuring materials for the Para Community Health Post, a Level 2 health facility, while the Hides Water Supply Project, valued at about K9.8 million, is also progressing.GRH4 has more than K59 million committed to education, health, utilities and community development projects across the Hides area.

As of today, fuel customers will see the domestic retail pump increase above September levels; however, the consumer watchdog assures the public that it is below the actual fuel prices.According to the Independent Consumer and Competitions Commission (ICCC), these fuel price increases on petrol, diesel and kerosene, are well below the actual prices, if there was no fuel subsidy.The Commission says under the recently passed Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Act 2026 and the NEC Decision No. 225/2026, the government has exempted Goods and Services Tax (GST) on fuel prices until 31st December 2026, while phasing out the direct subsidy over the next two months.This change is now reflected in the Indicative Retail Fuel Prices (IRP) today, Thursday 8th October as of 12:00AM. At the pumps, fuel consumers will see increases of K1.00 per liter from last month’s fuel prices; however, if it was not for the government fuel subsidy, it would be a K2.00 per liter increase.Below are tables illustrating this. Under the revised arrangement, the subsidized pump prices for Port Moresby in October is broken down as follows:Nevertheless, this month’s fuel price increase has seen some public transport providers going on strike. In Port Moresby city today, Public Motor Vehicle (PMV) buses were observed protesting by discontinuing their services.However, the ICCC says despite the increase in the approved subsidized IRP for October as compared to the previous subsidized prices, the size of these increases is much lower than the size of the government’s ongoing GST exemption and subsidy support if the full unsubsidized prices for October were to be applied.Customers in the other centers will see similar increases observed for Port Moresby city.

Students in Huon Gulf District in Morobe Province, will now have better access to secondary education following the recent establishment of Wampar Secondary School.The new school provides a much-needed pathway for students and families who have previously faced challenges accessing secondary education outside the district.Education Minister Francis Kikin Siune and Education Secretary Dr Uke Kombra visited the newly established school to inspect its development and discuss its progress and future needs with local stakeholders.The school is being funded through the Huon Gulf District Development Authority under the leadership of Huon Gulf MP and Minister for Community Development, Youths and Religion, Jason Peter.Since Papua New Guinea gained Independence in 1975, Huon Gulf District has not had a secondary school of its own.Therefore, this establishment aims to bring secondary education closer to local communities.This development also demonstrates cooperation between the National Government, Department of Education and Huon Gulf District Development Authority in delivering access to education infrastructure and services.

The Huon Gulf District Development Authority (HGDDA) in Morobe Province has provided a combined K30, 500 in financial and material assistance to churches and community programme organizers across the district.The assistance, delivered under the leadership of Huon Gulf MP and Minister for Community Development, Youths and Religion Jason Peter, was distributed across three requests.K11, 000 worth of musical instruments was provided to Emmanuel Lutheran Church, St Matthew Parish, Ward 14, Yalu, Irom-Omuru congregation.Another K11 ,000 in musical instruments was presented to St Francis Catholic Church in West Taraka, bringing the value of assistance to churches to K22, 000.A further K8, 500 was provided to organizers of a programme at 5 Mile, Wantuat Block 3 Corner. The funding covered musical instrument hire, generator hire, and other associated programme costs.The three allocations bring the total assistance provided through the latest support to K30, 500.Minister Peter said the support was provided in response to requests from the respective churches and programme organizers.“Our churches are important partners in our communities. They support our families, guide our young people and bring people together.”The latest support represents direct financial and material assistance to community organizations involved in church and community activities across Huon Gulf.

The Fiji Trade & Tourism Expo is underway in Port Moresby’s Vision City Shopping Mall, displaying Fijian products, culture and tourism opportunities.Opening the three (3) day event yesterday, Fiji High Commission First Secretary Ms. Ana Maravu, said the Expo is themed “Bring Fiji to PNG” and is also a lead up to Fiji’s 56th Independence Day on 10th October.“Here in Papua New Guinea, we are proud to share that same spirit with our friends through our culture, our business and the connections we hope to grow through this expo,” she said.“Fiji and PNG, we share long standing diplomatic, cultural and people to people tie. It’s these friendships, family connections, business relationships that bring our countries together. So, this expo brings these opportunities directly to you.”She extended the invitation to the public to explore Fijian products, discover Fiji's tourism offerings and also enjoy Fijian cuisine, and cultural performances over the 3- days.“These performances are a wonderful expression of our cultural diplomacy program that celebrates our shared Pacific identity and strengthens the friendship between the two countries.”The Fijian First Secretary also thanked the Fijian partners and PNG for the support given to host this exciting 3- day event.“To our Fijian partners, Investment Fiji, Tourism Fiji, our exhibitors from home, Fiji Airways, and all our exhibitors, we thank you for your ideas, for coming to PNG, and for bringing home to PNG.”“To our host, our Papua New Guinean host, the Investment Promotion Authority, the team at Vision City Mega Mall, thank you for your hospitality and bringing this event to life.”She then urged the public to come and enjoy the food, the music, and performances, and get to know the people behind the products and services."With that, I warmly welcome you all and let us make these three days a celebration of friendship, enterprise, and Pacific culture. Vinaka vakalevu, thank you and enjoy the Expo."

The Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) is proud to name the final squads for the PNG LNG Kumuls and Santos PNG Orchids, who will represent Papua New Guinea at the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.The selections mark another significant moment for Papua New Guinea rugby league, with both national teams preparing to take on the world’s best on the international stage.PNGRFL Chief Executive Officer Stanley Hondina said the naming of the two squads was an important step in the teams’ World Cup preparations and congratulated all players selectedto represent the country.“We are proud to name our PNG LNG Kumuls and Santos PNG Orchids squads for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup. Representing Papua New Guinea at a World Cup is one of thehighest honours a player can achieve, and we congratulate every player selected.“These squads reflect the talent, hard work, and commitment of our players, as well as the work being done across our pathways, clubs and competitions. We look forward to seeingboth teams carry the pride of Papua New Guinea onto the world stage.”PNG LNG KUMULSHead Coach: Jason DemetriouThe PNG LNG Kumuls will be represented by the following 26 players:PNG KUMULS SQUAD1. Bailey Biondi-Odo — New Zealand Warriors2. Jack De Belin — Parramatta Eel3. Robert Derby — North Queensland Cowboys4. Dudley Dotoi — Townsville Blackhawks5. Joshua Feledy — Manly Warringah Sea Eagles6. Finley Glare — London Broncos7. Liam Horne — Leigh Leopards8. Edwin Ipape — Leigh Leopards9. Zev John — Central Queensland Capras10. Epel Kapinias — London Broncos11. Zac Laybutt — North Queensland Cowboys12. Nene Macdonald — St Helens13. Rhyse Martin — Hull Kr14. Robert Mathias — London Broncos15. Morea Morea — London Broncos16. Luca Moretti — Parramatta Eels17. Sylvester Namo — PNG Hunters18. Nixon Putt — Central Queensland Capras19. Rodrick Tai — Central Queensland Capras20. Valentine Richard — Central Queensland Capra21. Gairo Voro — London Broncos22. Sanny Wabo — Png Hunters23. Khaiya Waiembi — Png HuntersSHADOW PLAYERS24. Kyle Laybutt25. Alex Max — London Broncos26. Jacob Taulani — Newcastle KnightsSANTOS PNG ORCHIDSHead Coach: Craig SandercockThe Santos PNG Orchids will be represented by the following 23-player final squad:SANTOS PNG ORCHIDS SQUAD1. Therese Aiton — Ipswich Jets2. Elsie Albert — Parramatta Eels3. Essay Banu — North Queensland Cowboys4. Annika Butler — Maitland Pickers5. Jenny David — Brisbane Tigers6. Fleur Ginn — Parramatta Eels7. Belinda Gwasamun — Mt. Hagen Eagles8. Josephine Howard — Central Dabaris9. Jasmine Joe — Port Moresby Vipers10. Naomi Kelly — Central Dabaris11. Shellie Long — Northern Pride12. Mala Mark — Central Dabaris13. Tia Molo — Brisbane Broncos14. Mya Muller — Penrith Panthers15. Vanessa Nakkas — Central Dabaris16. Cynthia Peters — Rabaul Gurias17. Ua Ravu — South Sydney Rabbitohs18. Jafinda Sap — Central Dabaris19. India Seeto — Brisbane Tigers20. Emily Vievers — North Queensland Cowboys21. Gemma Walker — Western Clydesdales22. Ivania Wong — Act23. Relna Wuruki-Hosea — Canberra RaidersDEVELOPMENT PLAYERS24. Gian Kaupa — Lae Snax Tigers25. Jacinta Garry — Mt. Hagen Eagle26. Joyce Hobert — Port Moresby VipersThe 2026 Rugby League World Cup will provide both teams with the opportunity to showcase Papua New Guinea’s growing strength and depth in rugby league whilerepresenting the nation on one of the sport’s biggest stages.For the players selected, the tournament will be an opportunity to wear the national colours with pride and build on the strong history and legacy of the Kumuls and Orchids.PNGRFL Chairman Sandis Tsaka said the selection of the two squads was a proud moment for the players, their families, clubs, and the wider rugby league community.“To represent Papua New Guinea at a Rugby League World Cup is a tremendous honour, and we are incredibly proud of the players selected to wear the PNG LNG Kumuls andSantos PNG Orchids jerseys."“We know what these teams mean to our people. They carry the hopes and pride of a nation, and we encourage Papua New Guineans at home and abroad to get behind ourplayers as they prepare to take on the world."“On behalf of the PNGRFL Board, we congratulate the players, coaches, support staff, families and everyone who has contributed to their journeys. We wish both teams everysuccess at the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.”

Moresby Arts Theatre will host the Voices Beyond Limits showcase on October 16, celebrating the creativity and talents of people with disabilities in Papua New Guinea’s arts and culture sector.The event is being led by young Papua New Guinean artist and disability advocate Samuel Rei, who also serves as the theatre’s Inclusion Officer.The showcase will bring together artists, disability organizations, youth groups and community members, featuring drama, music and talent performances, alongside information booths from disability organizations, service providers and community groups.Rei said his role is to help marginalized groups, including people with disabilities, youth and women, participate in MAT events and programmes.The event grew from inclusion and safeguarding training Rei received through Australia’s support for the refurbishment of Moresby Arts Theatre, as well as a series of themed craft markets promoting accessibility and cultural diversity.Australia’s support has also helped improve accessibility at the theatre through upgraded wheelchair access, pathways and accessible amenities.“Accessibility is very important because Moresby Arts Theatre is a place where people gather, express themselves and show their talents and abilities.”“It is important to make the facility accessible for everyone, especially persons with disabilities.”Participating organizations include PNG Youths with Disabilities, Cheshire Disability Services, Calan Services and the PNG Paralympic Committee, among others.Moresby Arts Theatre received a PGK11.3 million Incentive Fund grant for major infrastructure upgrades, which were completed in late 2025.The Incentive Fund is a flagship PNG-Australia partnership led by PNG’s Department of National Planning and Monitoring, the Australian Government and an independent Board.It provides competitive grants of PGK3 million to PGK15 million to Papua New Guinean organizations to deliver locally driven infrastructure and capability investments that strengthen services and expand opportunities.

More than 15,000 disengaged young people have registered on the National Youth Development Authority’s online platform, as Western Highlands becomes the 11th province to roll out the National Youth Engagement Strategy.The announcement was made in Mount Hagen on October 5, with Dei District identified as the pilot district for implementing the strategy in the province.NYDA Director General Joe Itaki said Papua New Guinea already has several policies supporting youth development, but the National Youth Engagement Strategy provides a single framework to coordinate these efforts at the local level.The strategy aims to connect disengaged youth with opportunities in agriculture, livestock, fisheries, cocoa, small and medium enterprises, and technical and vocational education and training.Western Highlands Deputy Provincial Administrator Esley Tikil said disengaged youth make up a significant part of the population but have often been left out of development opportunities.Under the strategy, data collected through the online registration platform will be used to identify young people and refer them to suitable sectors, training and employment pathways.The NYDA and Western Highlands Provincial Administration will now work together to mobilise and register disengaged youth through local-level governments in Dei District before processing and referring them to appropriate opportunities.The province has also called for continued political support and counterpart funding, while asking the NYDA to help connect local youth with skills and labour mobility opportunities.

The Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC) has named a five-member contingent for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Senegal, set for October 31 to November 13.Sprinter Kabake Lansana, 17, and swimmer Roxanne Kirarock, 15, will represent PNG, under the leadership of Chef de Mission Dame Iammo Gapi Launa - PNG's first female Olympian.In a statement, Dame Iammo said it was an honour to lead the young team.“It is an honour for me to lead our young athletes at these Games, and to represent Papua New Guinea,” Dame Iammo said."Roxanne and Kabake have earned their place through hard work and commitment, and we are very proud of them," she said.Both athletes have international experience this year, with Kirarock setting personal bests at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games in July and Lansana competing at the World Athletics U20 Championships in Eugene in August.PNG received one quota place each in athletics and swimming, allocated by the International Olympic Committee based on World Aquatics rankings and international federation criteria, and not on open entry.Dame Iammo said expectations for Dakar are clear."Our aim is simple, to perform at our very best. We expect our athletes to set new personal bests, and if that takes them onto a podium, we’ll be thrilled,” Dame Iammo said.The two-time Olympian, who carried PNG's flag at Los Angeles 1984, said Dakar is a key step toward Brisbane 2032.“Dakar is also one step on a longer road. Next year we have the Pacific Games in Tahiti and the Commonwealth Youth Games in Malta. And our goal for these athletes is to keep building towards the Olympic Games in 2032 Brisbane as their target.” She said the experience would be valuable for the young athletes."For a young athlete, this kind of international experience is priceless. They will learn how to handle pressure, how to prepare in a world-class environment, and where they stand against peers," she said.She had a final message for the two athletes, “To Roxanne and Kabake, you have already made your families, your communities and your country proud. Go to Dakar with confidence, enjoy every moment, and give it your very best. All Papua New Guinea is behind you.”Meanwhile, Lansana will be coached by Rellie Kaputin, while Kirarock will be coached by Reed Douyere.Representing PNG at Dakar will be the Youth Olympic debut for both athletes.

The efforts by the National Government to assist communities impacted by the El Nino in the country has been further boosted with additional funding support from Ok Tedi Mining Limited (Ok Tedi).Ok Tedi has committed K50 million to support drought relief and recovery efforts across Papua New Guinea (PNG), reinforcing the National Government's response to the current El Niño-induced drought crisis.The commitment comes amid growing concerns over worsening drought conditions, water shortages, food insecurity and the impact on livelihoods across many parts of the country.The National Weather Service has identified a number of provinces as experiencing critical, severe, or moderate drought conditions. Government estimates and assessments by development partners indicate that millions of Papua New Guineans could be affected if conditions persist or worsen.Ok Tedi Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Kedi Ilimbit, said the company is committed to supporting the national response efforts while recognising that the Government remains responsible for leading the country's drought response."Ok Tedi stands with the people of Papua New Guinea during this difficult period. Our contribution is intended to strengthen existing Government and humanitarian initiatives and ensure assistance reaches communities most affected by the drought," Mr. Ilimbit said.Ok Tedi will work closely with the National Disaster Centre, Provincial Disaster Offices and other response partners to identify areas where support can deliver the greatest impact.Rather than providing direct cash assistance, the programme will focus on practical and sustainable interventions, including logistics support, water security projects, agricultural recoveryinitiatives and community resilience activities."We are committed to ensuring that all assistance is delivered transparently, responsibly and in a manner that complements ongoing national efforts," Mr. Ilimbit said.Further details on programme implementation will be announced following consultations with Government agencies, humanitarian organisations and other stakeholders.Ok Tedi Mining Limited is a majority state-owned entity that operates an open pit copper, gold and silver mine located in the Star Mountains of the Western Province.