In Lido village on the western coast of Vanimo, West Sepik Province, the Haii Entrepreneurship Coastal Fishing Group now goes out to sea around three to four times a week, depending on weather conditions and fish movement thanks to the EU-STREIT PNG Programme.Their weekly net income has increased to about K250 and at times even higher but before receiving support, the group worked with limited fishing equipment and lower catch volumes. On average, each trip produced only five to six fish, roughly 10 kilograms, and fishing was usually limited to one or two days a week, largely determined by weather, fuel availability and fish movement. With assistance from the EU-STREIT PNG Programme’s fisheries initiative in the Greater Sepik region, the group was provided with essential equipment including a boat, 40HP motor, Fish Aggregating Device (FAD), longline gear and cooler boxes. They also received training and technical guidance in fish handling, storage and marketing. The new boat and engine have extended their fishing range, while the Fish Aggregating Device has reduced time and fuel spent searching for fish. Group leader Mr. Steven Tekwei says the 40HP motor has also helped cut fuel costs, which is one of their biggest expenses. Steven explains that the group now catches around 20 to 30 fish per week, or about 40 to 50 kilograms. On 25th August 2025, they achieved a major catch, landing 90 large tuna and earning K2,500 in a single trip. However, higher catches also created storage challenges. Previously, fish had to be quickly transported to buyers in Vanimo, including hotels and restaurants, but delays often meant that around 20 to 30 percent of the catch was lost due to spoilage or lack of buyers. The introduction of cooler boxes has helped solve this problem. Fish can now be kept on ice and stored for longer periods, allowing the group to sell even after market hours. In some cases, fish remains fresh for more than 24 hours, giving customers outside Vanimo more flexibility to collect orders. Steven says spoilage has no longer been an issue since using the cooler boxes. “The cooler boxes really work well for us,” Steven said. “When we go out for tuna, we bring ice blocks with us so the fish stays fresh while we are still at sea. That helps maintain quality until we reach the market.” He added that customers have responded positively, with many now placing orders ahead of time through Facebook and WhatsApp. The group is evenly made up of men and women, with women mainly involved in marketing, processing such as cleaning and degutting and fish drying. Steven’s wife and daughter also sit on the group’s executive board. Before the project support, weekly sales were around K200. Today, a good fishing week can generate up to K500 in sales, resulting in about K250 in profit and sometimes more when catches are strong. The group is reinvesting its earnings back into operations, including purchasing fishing supplies from Jayapura, Indonesia, to replace damaged gear. Steven says future plans include adding another boat and improving cold storage systems to handle larger catches, reduce losses and expand their customer base. “Now we can catch more fish, and we are seeing real progress,” Steven said. “Most of the earnings are going towards building our two new houses,” which are still under construction for family use. At the household level, the impact is also clear. Fish remains the main source of protein, and larger catches mean more food is shared with extended family and friends. On busy fishing days, the team also buys additional food such as chicken and beef to support their work. For Steven’s family, the changes go beyond income alone. Reduced waste, steadier earnings and improved food availability are now helping them plan ahead with more confidence.

The month of October has been set for both Papua New Guinea (PNG) and China to host the first ever Business Forum and Trade Expo, a means to attract more investments from China.The Minister for International Trade and Investment, Richad Maru, made this announcement in Port Moresby on Tuesday 26th May, saying the inaugural PNG – China Business Forum and Trade Expo will be just for two days, running from on October 20th – 21st in Guangzhou, China. “This will be the first time our two countries will host the business forum and trade expo after 50 years of bilateral relationship. While we have had PNG – Australia Business Forum for the last 41 years, it is time we have one with China who is our biggest and most important trading partner,” said the good Minister. “We expect this event to rotate between our two countries annually. This initiative is part of our government’s aggressive push to pursue a stronger and deeper trade and investment relationship with China.” The Ministry and Department of International Trade and Investment will take charge of this forum. “We will be working very closely with the PNG Chamber of Resources and Energy, the private sector, SMEs, and government agencies to put together this very important business forum that we are sure will attract more foreign direct investments from China.” “The PNG private sector can also market investment opportunities across all sectors for Chinese capital and expertise to help develop our economy,” said Minister Maru. He said the details of the forum will be finalized and announced shortly. “In the meantime, we are looking at 500 delegates from each country – a total of 1,000 delegates. The event will coincide with the Canton Fair, the world's largest biannual trade show held in Guangzhou.” He went on to explain that by this way the PNG delegates will also attend this important fair that will feature tens of thousands of suppliers and a vast array of global supply chain products. Meanwhile, the Minister had issued specific instructions to Dr. Clement Waine to lead the arrangements in incorporating a PNG -China Business Council immediately with the help of PNG Ambassador to China, Dr. Thaddeus Kambanei, Beijing Chamber of Commerce, and the sister chambers across China.

Fifty-one students from Kiunga Secondary School in the North Fly District of Western Province have successfully produced oils and soaps using locally available aromatic and herbal plants as part of a practical assessment project.The Grade 11 students, studying biology, chemistry and agriculture, conducted research and processed various plant species into useful products during a practical lesson. Plants showcased during the project included avocado, neem, massoia tree bark, turmeric, lemon, moringa, orange and pawpaw. The activity demonstrated how communities in Western Province can use locally available herbal plants to process, preserve and market products for income generation and sustainable living. Agriculture teacher under the school’s science department, Mrs. Esther Noah, said the project focused on aromatic plants found in Kiunga and nearby villages, with students tasked to identify suitable plants and produce oils and soaps. She said the students applied their skills and knowledge effectively, proving that young people and communities in Western Province can use herbal plants to participate in small business activities. “This was also a life skill student have learned so when they finish secondary education, continue into tertiary studies or stay at home, they will continue to apply these skills to sustain their lives,” She added that the products developed by the students provide health and beauty benefits, including skin, hair, face and body care. Mrs. Noah also highlighted that under the Standard Based Curriculum (SBC), students are now able to perform strongly in both theoretical and practical learning. Science Head of Department, Mr. Sammy Jonne, commended both teachers and students for delivering the project, saying it would help students become skilled professionals in the future. “Local students can use these life skills and venture into small business activities using aromatic and herbal plants available in their villages.” “They can also share their ideas with people in the community so it can help them engage in small business activities.” Mr. Jonne said the school first introduced the assessment project in 2025, and this year marked the second presentation in Term Two. He said the science department plans to continue and expand similar projects in coming years. He encouraged students to value education and use their knowledge and skills to contribute to development in their villages, province and the country. The learning activity also encouraged teachers to explore innovative teaching approaches that strengthen both theoretical and practical learning across all subject areas. Kiunga Secondary School continues to implement the SBC system alongside Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) learning approaches, with the science department leading practical STEM-related activities for students.

His Excellency, Mr. Ewan McDonald, Australia's High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea and Honorable Kinoka Feo, Minister for Higher Education Research and Science Technology today officially launched the Pacific Australia Skills in Papua New Guinea Training program, at the Iduba Port Moresby Technical College, National Capital District. Pacific Australia Skills is the Australian Government's regional Skills and training program supporting quality skills for employment in the Pacific region. It focuses on skills for employment, supporting Papua New Guineans to gain the skills needed for jobs in Papua New Guinea. Speaking at the launching ceremony, Minister Feo said, that this launching event marks yet another milestone in the long-standing partnership between Papua New Guinea and Australia in advancing skills development, workforce capability and national development. “Today’s launch is simply not about the new program, it is about investing in people, it is about creating opportunities for our young people. And it is about strengthening the future of Papua New Guineans through quality technical and vocational education and training. “The Pacific Australia Skills program builds on the strong foundation established through the Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC), which has contributed significantly to skills training and workforce development across PNG and the Pacific region over many years,” said Minister Feo. Under Australia Pacific Training Coalition, the focus was large and direct training delivery through a central training provider module. Pacific Australia Skills represents the next phase of this partnership with emphasis on strengthening Papua New Guineas own institutions, systems, trainers and industry partnerships. “This new approach is so important because our long-term national objective is not only to train people, but to build a sustainable high quality and internationally competitive TVET system, led by Papua New Guinea and responsive to the needs of our economy. It also reflects our shared commitments with Australia to strengthen national skills systems, improve employment pathways, support labor mobility opportunities, promote inclusion and equity, and prepare our workforce for an emerging industry and greener economies,” said the Honorable Minister. He also emphasizes on coordination across TVET sector is now a major priority for the Government. This is part of valuable investments and must not operate in isolation. “Our goal is clear, one coordinated National TVET eco-system working towards shared outcomes for PNG. I therefore encourage all TVET, stakeholders, government agencies, development partners, training institutions, industries and the private sector to work together in genuine partnership and shared responsibilities. Minister Feo added that the government also wants to see young Papua New Guineans to have hope and the skills necessary to participate meaningfully in the economic growth of Papua New Guinea. “The future of PNG will not only be built through infrastructure investment, but it will also be built through shared knowledge, skills, innovation and productivity of our people. I therefore commend the Australian Government, all our partners for continued commitment to skills development in Papua New Guinea. On behalf of the Prime Minister and the Government of Papua New Guinea I officially welcome and support the Pacific Australia Skills program and look forward to a successful implementation for the benefit of our people and our nation. May God Bless our partnership.” Concluded Honorable Kinoka Feo. In his joint speech, His Excellency, Mr. Ewan McDonald said it is a pleasure to be part of the launching of Australia’s newest skills program and reiterate on the Ministers comments on the PNG-Australia partnership. “We have a long history in standing together, PNG and Australia. It’s a relationship built on trust, it’s a relationship built on mutual respect, and a shared commitment to the future of our two countries, and our broader pacific region. Today is about recognizing that skills training and employment are essential to PNG’s development and a critical part to our partnership,” he said. Ambassador MacDonald highlighted the June 2024 signing of the Renewed Joint Statement of Intent on the TVET program by PNG and Australia, which shows Australia’s commitment to improving the TVET sector in PNG to enable more Papua New Guineans to support the growing industry around PNG. And to benefit from the opportunity offered by Australia’s Labor mobility programs. “But the leadership, the ownership, and the delivery sit firmly with Papua New Guinean Institutions. And this is the model the joint statement calls for, and it’s the model that we are supporting and committed to support. Pacific Australia Skills is a practical demonstration of this commitment, operating alongside other PNG-Australia Partnership programs in TVET,” He added. Ambassador McDonald emphasized that the Pacific Australia Skills is stretched across nine (9) other countries in the Pacific and Timor-Leste region. While in PNG, it focuses on quality skills and training, employment opportunities, both domestically and internationally. While speaking of employment opportunities, Ambassador McDonald called out to the Australian businesses and employers to look into such training and the efforts that is put into the skills training here and to be assured that the people that will be coming out from this skills training can contribute to their businesses back in Australia. “Across all activity the program will work to empower more women, youth and people with disability, and people form rural and remote areas in Papua New Guinea to access education, skills development and employment opportunities. When all these things link up you see young Papua New Guineans flourish, young people take up these opportunities provided to them.” “Australia as a long-term partner, we are committed to delivering stronger systems, quality training and meaningful work opportunities for Papua New Guineans. When Papua New Guineas workforce is stronger, Papua New Guinea is stronger,” Concluded H.E, Mr. Ewen McDonald, Ambassador to Papua New Guinea.

British sailors have landed in the nation’s capital, disembarking from the HMS Tamar at the dock in Downtown Port Moresby. The British High Commission in Port Moresby is delighted to welcome the UK’s Royal Navy’s Offshore Patrol Vessel, HMS Tamar, to Port Moresby on her second official visit having previously visited in June 2023. The crew of HMS Tamar marched alongside sailors from the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) naval element and other international partners in last year's 50th Anniversary Naval Freedom of Port Moresby. HMS Tamar is one of two UK Offshore Patrol Vessels deployed in the Indo-Pacific as part of the Royal Navy’s persistent presence in the region. She demonstrates the UK’s commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific by working with our partners and allies to promote maritime security and support humanitarian efforts. Over the past five years, she has sailed over 200,000 nautical miles (equivalent to more than nine times round the Earth’s equator) and played a vital role in supporting counter–illegal (IUU) fishing patrols with regional partners, delivering humanitarian aid, and conducting maritime exercises with Pacific Naval forces. Tamar is also one of the Royal Navy’s greenest ships, with cutting-edge technology and eco-friendly filters that reduce diesel emissions by 90%.

The National St John Ambulance Council Papua New Guinea (NStJA) has commissioned its first ambulance service in Unggai Bena District on 15th May 2026 marking a major milestone in expanding emergency pre-hospital healthcare access in the district. The service was established through a request and funding support from the Unggai Bena District Development Authority (DDA), in partnership with the Eastern Highlands Provincial Health Authority (EHPHA). Unggai Bena District, with a population of more than 75,000 people, consists of three Local Level Government areas: Upper Bena Rural, Lower Bena Rural, and Unggai Rural. Recruitment and training for ambulance officers were conducted in 2025, with four local recruits successfully completing their ambulance training program. In February 2026, a total of eight ambulance officers including four newly trained local officers and four experienced officers deployed from Port Moresby were stationed in the district. Since deployment, the ambulance team has conducted community awareness programs on emergency access, supported local events, and responded to more than 200 emergencies. Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Sports, and Member for Unggai Bena, Kinoka Feo welcomed the commissioning and acknowledged the partners involved. “Healthcare remains a priority for the district, and the establishment of the ambulance service is a major milestone for the people of Unggai-Bena,” Minister Feo said. “Our people can now access a fully equipped ambulance staffed by trained professionals who can provide critical pre-hospital emergency care from the scene of an incident through to hospital admission.” “This fills a significant gap in healthcare delivery within the district, and the DDA remains committed to supporting and strengthening the ambulance service in Unggai Bena.” He also acknowledged the Eastern Highlands Provincial Health Authority (PHA) for supporting the integration of the service into existing health programs. NStJA Commissioner and Chief Executive, Mr. Kai Tane said emergency response services play a critical role in saving lives. “Emergency healthcare is often the difference between life and death,” Mr. Tane said. “When a mother experiences complication during childbirth, when a child becomes critically ill, when there is a road accident or medical emergency timely ambulance response and trained pre- hospital care can save lives before a patient even reaches hospital.” He said the establishment of the service followed three years of planning and discussions between NStJA and the Unggai Bena DDA, beginning in 2023. “This is the first ambulance to be commissioned and there’s more to come,” he said. “With eight ambulance officers working 12-hour shifts, the people of Unggai Bena now have access to a 24-hour ambulance service, seven days a week.” He said services can be accessed through the National Ambulance Operations Centre (NAOC) on 303 1000 or the toll-free emergency number 111. Recruitment for a second ambulance service has already commenced, which will expand coverage across the district and create additional employment opportunities for local residents. “To the people of Unggai-Bena this ambulance belongs to you. Protect it, support it, and work with our officers so we can continue strengthening emergency services in the district,” Mr Tane said. NStJA Board Member Ms. Taimil Taylor said the commissioning reflects the organization’s commitment to expanding emergency healthcare access to rural communities. The service is expected to improve emergency response times and strengthen healthcare delivery across Unggai Bena District.

Wewak has marked a key step forward in provincial healthcare after CPL Group, through its City Pharmacy Medical and Lab Supplies Division, signed a Laboratory Equipment Lease Agreement with the East Sepik Provincial Health Authority (PHA). The three-year partnership is aimed at boosting diagnostic capacity in the province by supplying modern laboratory equipment, including biochemistry analyzers designed to deliver faster and more accurate patient test results. Beyond equipment supply, CPL MedLabs will also handle installation, staff training, ongoing maintenance, and a steady supply of consumables to keep laboratory operations running without disruption. The agreement was formally signed in Wewak between CPL Group representatives and ESPHA Chief Executive Officer Mr. Mathew Kaluvia. CPL Group Chief Operations Officer Pradeep Panda said the partnership is expected to directly improve healthcare delivery in the province. “This partnership will support healthcare providers in East Sepik with improved testing capacity, enabling quicker diagnosis and more informed treatment decisions,” Panda said. East Sepik Governor Allan Bird, who witnessed the signing, welcomed the agreement and said it addresses a long-standing challenge in provincial health services. He said laboratory limitations have been a major concern for the hospital, adding that partnerships like this are critical in bridging resource gaps. With the agreement now in place, CPL Group says it remains committed to supporting both provincial and national health systems through improved access to reliable medical testing and services across Papua New Guinea.

Morobe Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Chief Superintendent Samson Siguyaru has called for a shift in community attitudes towards government authority, saying peace in remote areas will only last if people work with public institutions. His remarks followed a peace and reconciliation ceremony in Sialum, Tewai-Siassi District, where rival groups handed over firearms and traditional weapons following earlier clashes. The process was conducted with police, church leaders, elders, and local officials overseeing the reconciliation between the two sides. Chief Supt. Siguyaru said travel into the area highlighted serious infrastructure and service delivery challenges, including poor road access, long and difficult journeys, and limited government presence. He said despite these difficulties, communities continued to show strong cultural respect through traditional welcomes and ceremonies for visiting officials. However, he noted that basic government services remain stretched, with few teachers, health workers, and police stationed in the area. Local police and auxiliary officers were commended for maintaining law and order under difficult conditions and with limited support. He said the peace exercise gave both groups an opportunity to raise issues openly and restore stability in the community. But he warned that reconciliation efforts would not succeed unless there was a change in behaviour and attitudes towards authority. “Respect for government workers and systems is important,” Chief Superintendent Samson Siguyaru said. He added that cooperation between communities and government is essential to improve service delivery and prevent future conflict. Siguyaru said the ceremony went beyond weapons surrender, describing it as an effort to rebuild trust between communities and the state. He urged leaders and residents to support long-term behavioural change to avoid a return to conflict.

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Papua New Guinea, through its BU Energy Drink brand, has successfully concluded the 2026 BU Disc Jockey (DJ) Competition Masters & Prodigy, following a nine-week showcase of local DJ talent in Port Moresby city. The competition, which ran from March 21st to May 23rd, was hosted every Saturday night at Cosmopolitan Night Club, ending in a grand final on Saturday, May 23rd. The event brought together aspiring and established DJs who competed across several music genres including Afrobeat, Dancehall, Hip-Hop, Electronic Dance Music (EDM), and club mixes. Contestants were assessed on technical skill, creativity, originality, and crowd engagement. Representing CCEP PNG on the judging panel were Dorothy Bengo, Head of Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability; Marcel Eno, Key Account Manager; Mea George and Richard Rawali, both Area Sales Managers; and Gabriel Manoi, Head of Marketing, Brand and Activation. They joined expert judges in evaluating the performances throughout the competition. A total prize pool of K25,000 was awarded across the Pro and Prodigy categories. DJ Wayne Dawg and DJ Skedeh emerged as overall winners, taking home K13,000, including K10,000 for the Pro category and K3,000 for Prodigy. Second place went to DJ Jay Young and DJ Dogg 6iix, who received K7,000, while DJ Savage and DJ Tragic placed third with K3,500. DJ Fixx and DJ Unkz Mickey finished fourth, earning K1,500. Teams placing fifth and sixth received BU sponsor merchandise. CCEP PNG Head of Marketing, Brand and Activation, Gabriel Manoi, said the company was proud to create opportunities for local DJs to showcase their talent. “We are proud to have provided a stage right here in Port Moresby for our local DJs to shine,” “To every DJ who stepped up, showed up, and brought their energy to the decks, this competition was built for you. We look forward to seeing where your journey takes you next.” Backed by a total sponsorship of K30,000, the BU DJ Competition forms part of CCEP PNG’s ongoing commitment to supporting youth development, creativity, and entertainment initiatives across Papua New Guinea. CCEP PNG manufactures and distributes several beverage brands in the country, including BU Energy Drink.

Goroka Airport in the Eastern Highlands province reopened this morning after being shut down for about a day following a PNG Air aircraft incident. The National Airports Corporation says operations resumed at 9:30am after overnight inspection of cleanups and full safety checks in Eastern Highlands. The problem started Monday 25 May around 10:16am when a PNG Air ATR 72-600 had a tire failure during take-off on Runway 17R. By 10:59am the airport was closed after a NOTAM was issued, and emergency teams moved in to secure the aircraft and clear the runway. All 32 passengers and crew were safely evacuated, and no injuries were reported. NAC together with PNG Air engineers worked through the night to remove the aircraft and restore the runway to safe condition. After final checks, the runway was cleared, and flights slowly resumed this morning. Authorities say the quick response helped prevent a worse situation and safety procedures worked as they should. Airport management thanked all teams involved for the fast coordination during the emergency With operations now back to normal attention shifts to stabilizing flight schedules and monitoring runway systems moving forward.

Twenty (20) police officers from Public Safety and other units in Enga Province have completed a Defensive Tactics training program at the Kimininga Police Barracks in Mount Hagen city, Western Highlands Province. A second intake of fifteen officers is currently undergoing the same training. The program was delivered with support from the Papua New Guinea & Australia Policing Partnership (PNGAPP), following a formal request from the Enga Provincial Police Commander through the Office of the Commissioner of Police. The training covered weapons handling, drills, ground control techniques, baton use, restraint methods, and close quarters for defensive responses. PNGAPP confirmed the partnership operates under the country led priorities and continues to support capacity building within the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary. Enga Provincial Police Commander (PPC), Chief Superintendent Steven Harris, said the training responds directly to rising incidents of violence against police officers in the province. “The welfare and safety of my officers is paramount, and it is non-negotiable,” PPC Harris said. Adding “We have seen a troubling spate of attacks on police members in Enga that have resulted in injuries, and that must stop!” “Our officers put themselves in harm’s way every day to protect this community, and they deserve every skill and resource so they can go home safely at the end of their shift.” PPC Harris said he holds strong respect for communities in Enga and acknowledges ongoing cooperation between police and the public. He said officers travelled to Mount Hagen for the training, describing the arrangement as practical and effective for delivery. He also acknowledged the support of the Commissioner of Police, PNGAPP, and Western Highlands Provincial Police Commander Chief Superintendent John Sagom for facilitating use of training facilities. “I am deeply grateful to the Commissioner of Police for actioning this request through his office, and to PNGAPP for deploying instructors and supporting our members,” he said. While adding “I also wish to extend my sincere gratitude to the Western Highlands Provincial Police Commander, Chief Superintendent John Sagom, for his support in making his facilities available.” PPC Harris said discipline, professionalism, and performance remain key expectations for officers serving in Enga Province. He said continued support from RPNGC leadership, the National Government, and the Enga Provincial Government is strengthening policing capacity in the province. The training concluded with a graduation ceremony where participants received certificates of completion.

The Welfare Section under the Human Resource Division of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) has expanded its Welfare Awareness Program to Central and Gulf Provinces, targeting spouses and children of police officers, as well as members living with chronic illnesses. The initiative follows earlier sessions conducted in police barracks within the National Capital District, where internal assessments identified gaps in family awareness of available welfare services. The program is the first of its kind to be extended beyond Port Moresby, reflecting the Constabulary’s focus on strengthening support systems for police families. Police Welfare Officer-in-Charge, Inspector Susan Rumints, said the program was introduced following recurring issues involving entitlement claims. “One of the common issues is when policemen’s wives come forward after their husbands pass on to claim entitlements, only to discover they were not registered as the legal spouse,” she said. Inspector Rumints said the program is designed to help families better understand welfare entitlements, legal processes, and support systems available to them. The awareness sessions also align with national and organizational frameworks, including Vision 2050, the RPNGC Corporate Plan, and internal welfare and personnel risk management strategies. Key areas covered include welfare services, entitlement management, family protection laws, domestic violence awareness, marriage and maintenance laws, financial literacy, spiritual guidance, health and wellness, legal administration, and human resource compliance. The program commenced on Friday, May 22, 2026, beginning at Moreguina Police Station in the Cloudy Bay Local Level Government area of Abau District, before continuing to Kupiano and Upulima Police Stations. The team has since visited Kwikila and is scheduled to continue outreach at Sogeri later this week. Inspector Rumints thanked the RPNGC management for supporting the initiative, saying it is expected to improve awareness among police families regarding their welfare rights and responsibilities. Inspector Rumints said, “It is anticipated that after this program, spouses will know where they stand in terms of welfare and can take the necessary steps to resolve issues, The Welfare Office is here to guide them through.”