PNG Haus Bung

The Newcastle Knights have produced a remarkable performance to beat Penrith 22-14 and qualify for their first grand final in 25 years.The rise of the Knights from wooden spooners in 2025 to the grand final four has been nothing short of remarkable and they will look to secure the club's third premiership when they meet the Roosters next Sunday.The send-off of hooker Phoenix Crossland for a hip drop tackle on Nathan Cleary just before half-time was not enough to derail the Knights, who showed great courage to score three second-half tries after trailing 14-6 at the break.Cleary suffered a compound fracture of his leg in the Crossland tackle while Blaize Talagi also suffered an Achilles injury on a horror afternoon for the Panthers who have bowed out in a preliminary final for the second straight year."I think Nathan watched the second half of the game in the ambulance which probably made him feel worse," coach Ivan Cleary said post-match.The courageous win in front of a raucous crowd of 57,102 takes the Knights into their first grand final since 2001 and sets up a mouth-watering decider against the Roosters.Source: NRL

Kangaroos halfback Nathan Cleary will miss the World Cup and Panthers team-mates Isaah Yeo and Dylan Edwards are in doubt, while the fate of Kiwis hooker Phoenix Crossland may rest in the hands of the NRL judiciary.Crossland was sent off in Newcastle's 22-14 elimination of Penrith for an ugly hip drop tackle that left Cleary with a compound fracture of his left ankle and has put his grand final dream in severe jeopardy.With father Ivan looking on from the coach’s box and the rest of his family in the stands at Accor Stadium, Cleary was taken from the field on a medicab in extreme pain.He watched the second half in an ambulance, with mother Rebecca riding in the front seat, after being taken to hospital for surgery.The incident occurred just 10 minutes after Cleary had taken the field midway through the first half following the shock move to start him on the interchange due to a foot injury, which Ivan later revealed was broken."I think that's why I was even more emotional on what happened to him, how hard he worked and what he put himself through to get himself to play today," Cleary said. "I didn't know it was a compound fracture."In further news set to have huge ramifications for the opening match of the World Cup between the Kangaroos and Kiwis on October 15 at Allianz Stadium, he also revealed that Edwards had suffered a PCL injury, while Yeo has been playing with a ruptured bicep."We have probably just fallen apart a bit," Cleary told the post-match press conference at Accor Stadium."The guy sitting next to me is also playing with a full ruptured pec, which I don't know if that has been done before, and Dyl Edwards ruptured his PCL in the first half tonight, and he played on."Samoa also suffered a blow in Sunday’s preliminary final after Panthers back Blaize Talagi suffered an Achilles injury in the second half, while Crossland will now faces an anxious wait to learn if his World Cup hopes are also over.Crossland was given his marching orders by referee Gerard Sutton, who told him and Knights captain Kalyn Ponga: "Initially he's up high, he makes a definite action to twist. He comes down on the leg with weight. There's extreme risk of serious injury. You're off".He was expected to play the No.14 role for the Kiwis, with Jeremy Marshall-King to start at hooker. If Crossland receives a lengthy ban, Brandon Smith is likely to be his replacement in the Kiwis squad.For Australia, the loss of Cleary will leave Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters to choose between Mitchell Moses, Sam Walker and Tom Dearden to partner Cameron Munster in the halves.Dearden was the bench utility in the Australian side during last year’s Ashes series against England, while Moses was the back-up to Cleary but didn’t see any game time in any of the three Tests.However, Walker could be a premiership winning halfback when the Kangaroos squad is named after leading Sydney Roosters to a place in the grand final in Friday night’s win over the Dolphins just four weeks after undergoing surgery for a syndesmosis injury.Walker made his State of Origin debut for Queensland earlier this year and could finish the season as a World Cup player.If Australia pick Moses, it would be a massive blow for Lebanon after he captained the Cedars at the last World Cup in 2022. Boom Bullldogs playmaker Alex Conti is set to play for Lebanon.If Edwards is ruled out, it would open the door for the recall of former Kangaroos captain James Tedesco, who led Australia to victory at the last World Cup in England in 2022.Yeo, who is the Kangaroos captain, has repeatedly insisted he wants to play at the World Cup."I will have to talk to the club because it will affect the start of next season if I prolong it, so that is probably a conversation for next week with the staff," Yeo said.The Kangaroos side is set to be announced after the NRL grand final.Source: NRL

The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) has reaffirmed its commitment to establishing agricultural commodities as the primary driver of economic and fiscal revenue for the region.Speaking at the 2026 Bougainville Chocolate Festival in Buin, Minister for Primary Industry Hon. Clarence Dency extended his gratitude to development and donor partners for their ongoing support of the gazette annual event. Minister Dency called on international stakeholders to back the ABG’s long-term strategy to strengthen downstream processing and add commercial value to Bougainvillean products.Minister Dency urged local farmers to maintain rigorous standards for high-quality cocoa production, specifically praising South Bougainville’s farmers for driving the region’s highest cocoa production output.He noted that since its inception in 2016, the Bougainville Chocolate Festival has served as a vital platform for farmers, industry representatives, legislators, exporters, and development partners to share technical knowledge, promote fair trade, and secure new business opportunities."Cocoa has long been the backbone of community livelihoods," Minister Dency said, highlighting its multi-generational role in helping families fund school fees and medical expenses. He also thanked cocoa exporters for their sustained efforts in upholding strict export quality standards.Echoing the Minister's remarks on behalf of the Chief Secretary, Belinda Lanbong called on donor partners to deepen their support for the ABG’s agricultural roadmap, specifically targeting the transition from raw farming to local downstream processing.Secretary Lanbong welcomed all attendees to the three-day event, emphasizing that the festival remains an invaluable space for industry learning and strategic networking.

Opportunities to expand local cocoa processing and strengthen industry regulations dominated the opening day of the 2026 Bougainville Chocolate Festival Farmers’ Seminar in Buin.Presentations by Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) officials Mr. Raymond Moworu (Department of Commerce, Trade, and Industry) and Dr. James Butubu (Chief Compliance Officer of the Bougainville Agriculture Commodity Regulatory Authority, BACRA) mapped out how downstream processing, tighter regulations, and robust farmer support services can maximize revenue from Bougainville's cocoa sector.Mr. Moworu’s presentation focused on leveraging Special Economic Zones (SEZs) to attract international investment, generate local jobs, and transform raw commodities into high-value exports.Key details of the economic strategy include:The Soraken SEZ: Current plans highlight a proposed cocoa liquor processing facility boasting an annual capacity of 10,000 tonnes to supply international chocolate manufacturers.Structural Benefits: Designated zones will offer businesses upgraded infrastructure, streamlined administrative processes, and technical skill pathways for local workers.Critical Risks: Moworu emphasized that the success of these zones relies heavily on sustained political will, robust governance, land access resolution, and environmental safeguards.Dr. Butubu outlined the Department of Primary Industry’s ongoing efforts to elevate agricultural standards through the BACRA framework. The regulatory body is enforcing strict licensing across the entire supply chain, covering nurseries, fermentarians, bean dealers, and major exporters.To meet competitive international market demands, BACRA is prioritizing:Traceability and Sustainability: Establishing strict quality assurance and source-tracking protocols.Infrastructure Upgrades: Deploying specialized inspection and laboratory facilities in Buka and Toniva/Arawa, with a third facility planned for Buin.Institutional Support: Upskilling field compliance officers, boosting research, and enhancing local marketing infrastructure.Despite these advancements, Dr. Butubu noted that the rollout faces ongoing challenges, including funding gaps, data management constraints, and the need for seamless coordination with national commodity organizations. Together, the presentations demonstrated to local farmers how high-quality bean production directly underpins Bougainville’s long-term downstream processing ambitions.

Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) Minister for Community Development, Hon. Melvin Wilolopa, has issued five critical political directives to shift his department's focus from planning to aggressive implementation, accountability, and institutional readiness ahead of September 1, 2027.Delivering the ministerial statement to the Bougainville House of Representatives, Wilolopa outlined an action-oriented agenda designed to prepare the Department of Community Development to exercise greater authority under Bougainville’s self-government pathway.“This is not about creating another plan," Minister Wilolopa stressed. "It is about making the plans we already have work and ensuring they translate into measurable results for the people.”The Five Strategic DirectivesThe Minister’s mandate outlines five foundational pillars for the department:1. Accelerated Organizational Restructure: To ensure clear performance accountability, the department must complete its internal restructuring by March 2027. This includes defining staff roles, mapping existing officers, and filling critical vacancies.2. Bougainville Civil and Identity Registry Pilot: The department will launch a pilot program targeting an initial 1,000 identity registrations. The rollout must rigorously address data security, privacy, ownership, and technical reliability to build a trustworthy local institution.3. The Bougainville Youth Work Ready Program: Backed by an approved K3 million allocation under BEC Decision No. 26 of 2026, this initiative aims to upskill and create pathways for at least 5,000 young people. The Minister warned that the program must deliver real employment, apprentice, and business outcomes rather than exhausting funds on simple workshops.4. Sharp Agreement Implementation: The department must focus on translating previously agreed-upon transfers of powers into functioning Bougainville institutions. To eliminate bureaucratic redundancy, Wilolopa banned the pursuit of any new Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) on matters already legally covered by the Sharp Agreement.5. Stronger Government-Community Coordination: A practical coordination mechanism will be established to unite NGOs, civil society organizations, churches, and community partners. Minister Wilolopa noted that "self-government must be visible at the community level."The directives also fast-track vital policy and legislative frameworks, including the Bougainville Civil and Identity Registry Policy, Censorship Policy, Sports Policy, Civil Control Policy, and proposed Family Law.Minister Wilolopa concluded that by the September 2027 deadline, the department must demonstrate tangible proof of a fully functional workforce, a tested registry system, and verified youth employment outcomes. The ultimate goal, he stated, is ensuring Bougainville builds resilient institutions capable of carrying its future national responsibilities.

The completion of 41.2 kilometers of critical repairs on Madang’s Northern Coastal Highway has injected vital jobs into the local community and significantly advanced women’s participation in Papua New Guinea's construction sector.Funded through the PNG-Australia Partnership, the PGK10 million project successfully restored damaged road sections and enhanced bridge approaches between the Airport Junction and the Surumarang Bridge. The Department of Works and Highways partnered with local firm South Pacific Construction to deliver the works.A major highlight of the project was its focus on inclusivity: women made up more than 20 percent of the total workforce, gaining invaluable, hands-on experience in active road building and maintenance.Beyond physical labor, the initiative served as an industry training ground. The local workforce and contractors received targeted education in:Workplace health and safety protocols.Environmental management.Social safeguards."Completing this project was more than road repairs," said Mr. Joshua Yaru, General Manager of South Pacific Construction. "It created employment opportunities, gave workers practical experience, and supported greater participation of women in construction. The knowledge and skills gained will help us continue delivering quality infrastructure in Papua New Guinea."The engineering upgrades have structurally reinforced the highway against severe tropical downpours and weather-related deterioration, minimizing the risk of future travel disruptions.Department of Works and Highways Acting Secretary, Mr. Simeon Suagu, noted the immense logistical value of the upgrade. "This project has delivered important repairs while creating opportunities for local people to work and gain experience. It supports the vital movement of people and goods across Madang Province," Suagu stated.Australian High Commission Acting Minister-Counsellor Mr. Peter Lothian reiterated that investing in local firms is central to the PNG-Australia Partnership. "Alongside the physical works, contractors receive training to strengthen overall local industry capability, delivering infrastructure that drives economic and social development," Lothian remarked.The finished 41.2-kilometer stretch is part of a broader infrastructure upgrade for the region. Twelve new contracts are currently underway along the Northern Coastal Highway, spanning seawall construction, drainage installations, proactive maintenance, and road resealing. These ongoing projects will continue to expand local job markets and foster gender diversity in Madang's construction industry.

The leaders of Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands have issued a strong call to action to industrial nations and the international community ot act on the climate crisis.Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Plenary Meeting on Addressing the Existential Threats Posed by Sea-Level Rise, Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister James Marape demanded industrial nations to stop the "empty promises" and cut their carbon emissions.Marape urged the biggest economies to do more to mitigate the impact of sea-level rise threats for PNG and Pacific small island states.He expressed deep frustration with what he described as empty promises from industrialised nations.He said that, while climate conversations have remained at the forefront of international diplomacy, actual mitigation from big polluters has been minimal."Stop your carbon emissions. We must secure our planet and our future," Marape said."There is only one planet for all of us. Rich or poor, big or small, powerful or not powerful, it does not matter. If we destroy this planet, we pass a ruined world to our children. Sea-level rise is here amidst us, and we must act now. It is enough of talking," he said.Meanwhile, Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale said the time for climate promises is over, urging real action from the international community.Wale made the comments while addressing the UN Secretary-General's Climate Action Summit on 'Just Transition' at the Trusteeship Council in New York.He called for grant-based, predictable and accessible finance that turns climate commitments into resilience on the ground.Wale said the Solomon Islands contributes less than 0.0015 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, yet communities regularly face threats from rising seas, king tides, saltwater intrusion, cyclones, droughts and extreme rainfall."Solomon Islands did not cause this crisis, yet we bear its consequences every day," the prime minister said.According to Wale, vulnerable countries like his were being forced to make difficult choices between climate action and essential development priorities, including education, health, food and water security and infrastructure."Climate finance must be grant-based, predictable and accessible, aligned with national priorities and without adding to the debt burden of vulnerable countries," he said."The time for promises is over. Commitments must become finance, and ambition must become resilience on the ground."Source: RNZ

US President Donald Trump has rejected an Iranian proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping within a week.He told reporters at the White House that Tehran "want to make a deal where they open the Strait immediately because they're losing so badly".In a post on Telegram, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi acknowledged Trump's comments, but said Tehran would wait for an official response from mediators.On Friday, Araghchi had told reporters at the UN in New York that an agreement could be reached "if the necessary conditions are met" and that these were contained in a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed by the two countries in June.The vital waterway through which around a fifth of the world's gas and oil supply usually flows has been effectively closed since the outbreak of war in February."I'm rejecting their deal," Trump said on Saturday, adding that the US already had "total control" of the strait, with "massive amounts of oil" passing through it."They want to make a deal, and I think that's fine. I like making a deal, too. But that deal would not be acceptable," he added.Araghchi wrote that Trump "has made many good statements, as well as many contradictory ones, which unfortunately we hear frequently."He added that he would await the "definitive views" of mediators, and that Tehran "will make a decision based on that."On Friday the Wall Street Journal cited officials as saying Trump was sceptical that Iran would meet his demands and had told his staff that he saw a renewed bombing campaign as probable.Iran responded to US and Israeli air strikes, beginning in late February, by attacking Israel and US bases in the Gulf and Arab Gulf allies of the US - as well as blocking the Strait of Hormuz. Its closure has caused wild fluctuations of energy prices.The economic effects have also increased pressure on Trump to find a way of ending the conflict - particularly as the US heads towards Congressional elections in November.Araghchi told reporters on Friday: "If the necessary conditions are met, the strait can be reopened, a normal maritime passage restored within seven days,"He added that "the actions that the United States should take are not new. They are all already in the MOU... The choice now rests with the United States."Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, meanwhile, told CBS News, the BBC's US partner: "We had previously reached an agreement based on the MOU that was signed in Pakistan... if the United States agrees to proceed in that way, everything will return to the way it was before."But Kirsten Fontenrose, who served on the National Security Council during the first Trump administration, told the BBC there was no appetite for restarting the conversation around the MOU as it is seen as a bad deal in the US and Iran was "pushing against a very closed door".The MOU was designed to bring about a ceasefire and at least partly reopen the Strait of Hormuz.The 14-point agreement said Iran would never have a nuclear weapon. It noted that the US, Iran and their allies would end military operations on "all fronts" and contained provisions including ending a US naval blockade and other sanctions.But the deal fell apart after both sides resumed strikes. Iran has attacked vessels it says have attempted to cross the strait without authorisation.The US has attacked Iranian sites in the strait - as well as Iranian tankers off the country's coast. It has also maintained a blockade of Iranian ports, causing huge disruption to the Iranian economy.Trump has since claimed the US has been successful in getting oil out through the Strait of Hormuz.Shipping data shows a recent 10-day average of about 18 transits per day, with numbers dropping as low as nine vessels on certain days, according to Kpler, a commodities analytics firm cited by Reuters.The situation has been exacerbated by Houthi attacks on Saudi oil installations.Yemen's Houthis - allied to Iran - have recently intensified attacks aimed at disrupting Saudi oil exports via the Red Sea, on the other side of the Arabian peninsula to the Strait of Hormuz.The group seized strategic stretches of Yemen's Red Sea coast this month, including the port of Mokha, which overlooks the Bab al-Mandab Strait, another chokepoint for global shipping.On Saturday, the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen said it had intercepted two ballistic missiles and drones launched by the Houthis towards Saudi Arabia. US media report Saudi leadership has requested military support from Trump.The US president told the UN General Assembly this week that he believed a deal with Iran would come after November's elections, while pondering whether he "annihilate the Islamic Republic" to rebuild it "quickly".Araghchi said on Friday that "peace cannot be built through threats of annihilation".Source: BBC News

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says his country has proposed a deal to the US that would see the Strait of Hormuz reopened within a week.Araghchi told reporters at the UN in New York that this could be done "if the necessary conditions are met" and said these were contained within the memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed in June."The choice now rests with the United States," he said, adding the plan was delivered to the US via Qatar.Asked about the Iranian offer, a US official told the BBC positive discussions were taking place through mediators, including about nuclear issues.While the US has yet to deliver its official response to the proposal, the Wall Street Journal, citing US officials, reported that US President Donald Trump had rejected the deal.Trump was privately sceptical that Iran would meet his demands, it reported, and had told his staff that he saw a renewed bombing campaign as likely.The US and Israel launched air strikes on Iran on 28 February. Iran responded by attacking Israel and US bases in the Gulf and Arab Gulf allies of the US - as well as blocking the Strait of Hormuz.Some 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas used to pass through the strait before the war and its closure has caused wild fluctuations of energy prices.It has also increased pressure on Trump to find a way of ending the conflict - particularly as the US heads to Congressional elections in November."If the necessary conditions are met, the strait can be reopened, a normal maritime passage restored within seven days," Araghchi told reporters.He did not specify what steps Iran wanted the US to take but added that "the actions that the United States should take are not new. They are all already in the MOU"."I can tell you if there is seriousness in the US side to come to a deal and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, everything is now prepared," he added.A US official told the BBC that the US was "in a very strong position with control of the Strait of Hormuz, so we are not in a rush".In an interview with CBS News, the BBC's US partner, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said that the ceasefire process "will begin from the very day they accept it"."We had previously reached an agreement based on the MOU that was signed in Pakistan... if the United States agrees to proceed in that way, everything will return to the way it was before," he added.Pezeshkian also said Iran would now allow UN nuclear inspectors into the country.Rejecting claims that Iran is trying to develop a nuclear weapon, the Iranian president said: "If they wish to come in and have inspections, we can reach accords and agreements vis-à-vis that specific topic within the negotiations."The MOU between the US and Iran, signed on 18 June, was designed to bring about a ceasefire and at least partly reopen the Strait of Hormuz.The 14-point agreement said Iran would never have a nuclear weapon. It noted that the US, Iran and their allies would end military operations on "all fronts" and contained provisions including the end of a US naval blockade and sanctions relief.It also said Iran would "make arrangements using its best efforts for the safe passage of commercial vessels" through the strait and hold talks with Oman over future shipping arrangements.But it fell apart a short time later when both sides resumed strikes.Iran has attacked vessels it says have attempted to cross the Strait of Hormuz without authorisation.The US has attacked Iranian sites in the strait - as well as Iranian tankers off the country's coast. It has also maintained a blockade of Iranian ports, causing huge disruption to the Iranian economy.Trump since has claimed the US has been successful in getting oil out through the Strait of Hormuz.Shipping data shows a recent 10-day average of about 18 transits per day, with daily numbers dropping as low as nine vessels on certain days, according to Kpler, a commodities data and analytics firm cited by Reuters.However, Yemen's Houthis - allied to Iran - have recently intensified attacks aimed at disrupting oil exports from Saudi Arabia via the Red Sea on the other side of the Arabian peninsula.The group seized large strategically important stretches of the Red Sea coast in a rapid offensive this month, including the port of Mokha, which overlooks the Bab al-Mandab Strait, another chokepoint for global shipping.The situation has been exacerbated by Houthi attacks on Saudi oil installations. US media has reported that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has requested military support from Trump.On Saturday, the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen said it had intercepted two ballistic missiles and drones launched by the Houthis towards Saudi Arabia.During his speech at the UN General Assembly this week, Trump said he believed an Iran deal, which has so far eluded him, would come right after November's elections."Will a deal be made with Iran that lets them rebuild and create a far greater country than it ever was before?" he said."Or do I annihilate the Islamic Republic and do it quickly, never giving them a chance to kill and destroy people and countries again? Do I drive them into hell?"On Friday, Araghchi said Iran did not accept "coercion, threats or intimidation" and added that "peace cannot be built through threats of annihilation".Source: BBC News

The PNG Chiefs are pleased to welcome Struddys on board as a Major Partner of the club, forming a landmark partnership that will see the sportswear company create the first playing kits and merchandise in PNG Chiefs history.As the official apparel and kit partner of the club, Struddys will exclusively design and manufacture the PNG Chiefs’ inaugural jersey and supply the on-field jerseys and merchandise range for the club’s first four NRL seasons from 2028 to 2031.They will also supply the club’s training, travel, staff, pathways and community program apparel as the club’s exclusive kit supplier and merchandise partner.The partnership builds on Struddys’ long-standing support of rugby league in Papua New Guinea, where it has developed strong and successful relationships with the PNG Hunters, the PNG Kumuls and Orchids national teams, as well as the Digicel ExxonMobil (PNGRFL) teams.PNG Chiefs CEO Lorna McPherson said that as the official apparel partner and jersey designer, Struddys would hold a unique place in the history of the club.“As a club, we have so many unique first moments, and seeing our first jersey proudly being worn by Papua New Guineans right across the country is going to be one of the most special moments we will have,” McPherson said.“Struddys will forever be the first apparel partner of the PNG Chiefs, and we are delighted to have them on board with our club to create something truly powerful.“Struddys has shown a great knowledge and commitment to rugby league in Papua New Guinea through its work with our domestic and international teams, and we are very proud that they will be part of how our club shows itself to the world.”“There is so much about this partnership that aligns and just makes sense,” Struddys CEO Jacob Strudwick said.“Struddys was founded in 1975, the same year Papua New Guinea gained independence. Rugby league has run deep through both our veins for over 50 years. Our culture and values have been shaped by the game – from grassroots and community rugby league through to the semi-professional and international stage.“Now, the time has arrived for both Struddys and the PNG Chiefs to step onto the NRL stage, and we couldn’t be more excited to be part of this historic journey.“To know Struddys will be there from the very beginning, helping create the first jerseys that will represent the PNG Chiefs, their supporters, and the people of Papua New Guinea, is incredibly special. We can’t wait to deliver apparel that this country and its passionate supporter base can be truly proud to wear.”In addition to exclusive rights as team apparel and kit supplier, Struddys’ long-term partnership with the PNG Chiefs also includes match-day signage, hospitality, digital integration and engagement with the club’s leadership and business network.

Westpac Pacific is investing heavily in the region's financial future through its newly launched Future Banker Development Series. This dedicated professional development initiative is designed to strengthen the skills, confidence, and expertise of emerging banking professionals across Fiji and Papua New Guinea.The six-month program reflects Westpac's ongoing commitment to local talent cultivation, equipping employees with the advanced capabilities required to support customers in an increasingly dynamic financial environment.Bringing together early- and mid-career banking professionals from both nations, the Future Banker Development Series grants participants access to elite learning frameworks drawn from the broader Westpac Group, while keeping course materials firmly grounded in the unique realities of Pacific banking.The curriculum focuses on practical skills that drive professional excellence and deep customer relationships, including:Advanced communication and emotional intelligenceStrategic stakeholder engagementHigh-value customer conversations and personal effectivenessParticipants complete a structured learning journey combining virtual modules, peer collaboration, and immediate workplace application. Westpac Pacific is already celebrating the success of its inaugural cohort, with 15 participants having recently graduated or entered the final stages of the program.Patrick Wright, Westpac PNG Head of Corporate & Commercial Banking, emphasized that building localized banking capability is vital as Papua New Guinea experiences rapid economic growth and business expansion."Papua New Guinea is a market full of opportunity, with businesses expanding, industries evolving, and customers requiring increasingly sophisticated financial support," Wright said. "Ensuring our workforce has the skills and knowledge to meet those changing needs is absolutely essential.""The Future Banker program exposes our emerging professionals to proven learning frameworks and global industry expertise from across the wider Westpac Group. This helps them broaden their capabilities while applying those sharp insights directly within the PNG context. It is a direct investment in the very people who will shape the future of banking in Papua New Guinea," Wright added.Wright also noted that cross-border collaboration between Fijian and Papuan participants yields unique dividends for regional business."There is enormous value in learning from colleagues across different Pacific markets. Sharing distinct experiences, ideas, and perspectives builds more versatile banking professionals. Ultimately, this collaboration allows us to deliver better financial outcomes for our customers, businesses, and communities."Through initiatives like the Future Banker Development Series, Westpac continues to cultivate a robust pipeline of highly skilled local leaders, perfectly balancing deep local market knowledge with world-class professional development.

Westpac PNG is reinforcing its commitment to a relationship-led, "whole-of-bank" approach for its Corporate & Commercial customers, ensuring businesses can seamlessly access the bank's comprehensive suite of services through a single, dedicated Relationship Manager.This strategic approach unifies Westpac PNG's core capabilities—spanning commercial lending, financial markets, foreign exchange, transactional banking, payments, digital banking tools, and macroeconomic insights—tailoring them to the unique requirements of each business."Businesses in PNG frequently juggle competing priorities, from funding capital investments and maintaining cash flow to managing foreign currency needs and navigating volatile market conditions," said Patrick Wright, Head of Corporate & Commercial Banking at Westpac PNG. "No two businesses are identical. Our strategy begins with deeply understanding our customers' unique goals and challenges, then assembling the precise team, expertise, and banking solutions needed to help them move forward with absolute confidence."Westpac PNG's relationship model is backed by its extensive local heritage. Since establishing its first branch in Port Moresby in 1910, Westpac has supported Papua New Guinean businesses through diverse economic cycles, delivering robust business finance, international trade capabilities, and modern digital banking solutions.Beyond core transactional products, commercial customers benefit from direct access to proprietary research and analysis from Westpac’s economists, market specialists, and industry experts to help them navigate emerging domestic and global trends.Andrew Cairns, Chief Executive of Westpac PNG, emphasized that local enterprises increasingly require banking partnerships that deliver holistic, multi-disciplinary expertise."Business success relies on an interconnected web of decisions. Access to liquidity, seamless payment systems, foreign exchange risk management, digital capabilities, and sharp market insights all play a critical role," Mr. Cairns said. "By combining our deep local knowledge with the full breadth of our Corporate & Commercial Banking offering, we are empowering businesses to effectively mitigate risks, seize market opportunities, and strategically plan for generational growth."Westpac PNG’s regional brand platform continues to center on long-term structural commitment, localized leadership, and supporting PNG businesses and communities across generations.