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Minister for Energy and Kairuku MP Peter Isoaimo has welcomed and supported the Central Provincial Government’s K364.9 million 2026 Supplementary Budget, while calling for stronger investment in district-level infrastructure across the province.Minister Isoaimo said the Supplementary Budget provides an important opportunity for the Central Provincial Government to address key development priorities and improve essential services for the people of Central Province.However, he expressed concern that the K5 million allocation for infrastructure development is insufficient to meet the infrastructure needs of all five districts.“I support the Supplementary Budget because it is intended to advance development and improve services for our people. However, we must also be realistic about the infrastructure needs across Central Province. Five million kina is not enough to address the infrastructure priorities of all five districts,” Minister Isoaimo said.He said infrastructure development must be coordinated between the Central Provincial Government, Open Members, District Administrators and local-level government authorities to ensure available funding is properly targeted and delivers tangible results.Following the intervention and support expressed by Abau MP Sir Puka Temu, Minister Isoaimo urged the Provincial Government to strengthen cooperation with all five Open Members and their respective District Administrations.He said greater collaboration would help prevent duplication of projects, improve planning and ensure limited government resources are directed towards priority infrastructure and services.Minister Isoaimo also called on the Central Provincial Government to give greater attention to the province’s three major provincial roads, which he said require continued upgrading and maintenance.“I would like to specifically appeal to the Central Provincial Government to look closely at our three provincial roads. These roads are important lifelines for our people and require proper upgrading, maintenance and long-term planning,” he said.Minister Isoaimo said better provincial road infrastructure would support the movement of people and goods, improve access to health and education services, and create opportunities for local economic development.The Kairuku MP also acknowledged and thanked the Governor and Central Provincial Administration for supporting important infrastructure improvements in Bereina, the administrative centre of Kairuku District.He specifically welcomed the renovation of the YC Hall at Bereina and fencing works around the Bereina Sporting Oval.He said the facilities were important community assets and the improvements would provide better venues for community activities, sporting events and public gatherings.“I would like to sincerely thank Madam Governor and the Central Provincial Administration for the work undertaken in Bereina, particularly the renovation of the YC Hall and the fencing around the Bereina Sporting Oval. These are important facilities for our people, and I appreciate the Provincial Government’s support,” Minister Isoaimo said.Minister Isoaimo said the development of Central Province must be approached as a shared responsibility, requiring the Provincial Government and the five Open Members to work together rather than operating in isolation.He reiterated his support for the K364.9 million 2026 Supplementary Budget, while calling for greater coordination, transparency and strategic allocation of infrastructure funding so that people across all five districts can benefit.“Central Province belongs to all of us. We have five districts, and each district has important development needs. I therefore encourage the Provincial Government, Open Members and District Administrators to work closely together so that every kina allocated for development delivers a meaningful benefit to our people,” he said.

Ok Tedi Mining Limited (Ok Tedi) has announced the successful deployment and commissioning of the ArcSAR Neo slope stability monitoring radar system, becoming the first company in the world to acquire and deploy two units of this next-generation radar technology.In a statement issued by Ok Tedi, the company said the successful deployment of the ArcSAR Neo slope monitoring radar system provides a clear view of ground conditions, allowing monitoring to continue during network interruptions, and can automatically adjust its position after being moved for blasting activities. Given these features and the present ongoing challenges with the pit operations been narrow and deep, the new system is particularly valuable in Ok Tedi’s complex mining environment.The ArcSAR Neo was developed by IDS Geo Radar, a Hexagon company, and is designed to be most advanced in monitoring and detecting ground movements at an early stage. Its introduction demonstrates Ok Tedi’s ongoing commitment to improve safety, embrace innovative technology, and promote continuous improvement in geotechnical risk management.According to the statement, the system since its commissioning has demonstrated significant improvements in data quality, reliability, and confidence in decision-making.Equipped with advanced processing technology and sophisticated monitoring software, the ArcSAR Neo substantially reduces common sources of interference, including atmospheric conditions and signal distortions. This has resulted in fewer false alarms and more eligible slope stability assessments.The radar's enhanced resolution has enabled the detection of very small ground movements at an earlier stage, allowing potential risks to be identified early and managed proactively. This capability strengthens Ok Tedi's ability to maintain safe, productive, and efficient mining operations while effectively managing geo-technical hazards.The technology is said to be designed to perform in challenging environments; the ArcSAR Neo incorporates durability improvements that address historical issues such as water ingress, ensuring reliable operations in Ok Tedi’s high rainfall conditions.The new radar systems are being supported by trained and certified Ok Tedi technicians, with additional technical support from IDS GeoRadar specialists.While previous ArcSAR systems have delivered dependable service for many years, the ArcSAR Neo introduces a new level of precision, reliability and operational value.Ok Tedi will continue to assess the long-term performance of the technology under site-specific conditions and progressively integrate its outputs into the company’s broader strategy.The combined training and development of its technical personnel will help maximise the benefits of this strategic investment.The successful acquisition and deployment of the ArcSAR Neo radar system is Ok Tedi's commitment to leveraging innovative technology while improving safety outcomes, strengthening operational performance and supporting sustainable mining practices for the future.

Rugby league fans in Papua New Guinea are set to witness the Prime Minister’s XIII when PNG hosts Australia at the Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby on October 3.The annual fixture brings together representative players from both countries and provides an opportunity for emerging and established players to test themselves against high-level opposition.For Papua New Guinea, the Prime Minister’s XIII is also an opportunity to strengthen the sporting relationship between PNG and Australia while allowing local players to perform in front of a passionate home crowd.PNGRFL Chairman Sandis Tsaka said the return of the Prime Minister’s XIII provides an important opportunity to celebrate the relationship between the two countries through rugby league.“The Prime Minister’s XIII has become an important fixture for both Papua New Guinea and Australia, and we are pleased to welcome our Australian counterparts once again to Port Moresby. Rugby league has a unique ability to bring our two countries together, and this event gives us an opportunity to showcase the passion of our people while strengthening the connection between our two rugby league communities.”He said the event would also give PNG players an opportunity to experience representative football at home.“It is also an important opportunity for our players to experience representative football at home and for our supporters to see some of the emerging talent from both countries take the field at Santos National Football Stadium.”The 2026 Prime Minister’s XIII will feature four representative clashes involving PNG’s junior and senior national teams.2026 PRIME MINISTER’S XIII MATCH SCHEDULEJunior Orchids vs Australian SchoolgirlsDate: 03rd of October, 2026Time: 9:00 AMVenue: Santos National Football Stadium, Port MoresbyJunior Kumuls vs Australian SchoolboysDate: 03rd of October, 2026Time: 10:30 AMVenue: Santos National Football Stadium, Port MoresbyPNG Orchids vs Australian Women’s Prime Minister’s XIIIDate: 03rd of October, 2026Time: 12:15 PMVenue: Santos National Football Stadium, Port MoresbyPNG Kumuls vs Australian Men’s Prime Minister’s XIIIDate: 03rd of October, 2026Time: 02:05 PMVenue: Santos National Football Stadium, Port MoresbyPNGRFL Chief Executive Officer Stanley Hondina said the event complements the organisation’s focus on developing players through domestic competitions and representative pathways.“The Prime Minister’s XIII is an important part of the pathway for our players because it gives them the opportunity to step into a representative environment and test themselves against quality opposition.”Hondina said players had progressed through domestic competitions and development pathways into the Prime Minister’s XIII, adding that PNGRFL wanted to continue building those opportunities.He also highlighted the inclusion of the women’s and junior teams as an important part of player development.The Junior Kumuls and Junior Orchids selections will provide young Papua New Guinean players with another development opportunity, with the teams drawing talent from domestic competitions and established development pathways.The senior PNG Orchids and Kumuls will also use the fixture to test themselves against Australian opposition in front of a home crowd.The Prime Minister’s XIII has a long history in Papua New Guinea, with the first PNG-Australia men’s fixture played in Port Moresby in 2005.The women’s fixture was introduced in 2017, while junior representative fixtures were added in 2023, expanding the program to provide opportunities across multiple levels of the game.Further details on the 2026 squads, coaching staff, ticketing and other arrangements will be released by PNGRFL as preparations for the Prime Minister’s XIII continue.

Prime Minister James Marape has arrived in the United States of America to begin an important diplomatic week at the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.Flying in from Washington, DC, the Prime Minister was received by Papua New Guinea’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, H.E Fred Sarufa at La Guardia Airport, New York, today at 12:49 PM (New York Time).Prime Minister Marape begins his packed New York itinerary tonight with a dinner hosted by President of the United States, Donald Trump in honour of the 81st UNGA.Moving away from standard diplomatic observation, the Prime Minister has a demanding schedule filled with key bilateral talks, specialized international summits, and corporate roundtables.This full itinerary will culminate on Friday, September 25, when Prime Minister Marape takes the global stage to address the 81st UNGA General Assembly and deliver the Papua New Guinea Country Statement (4:00 AM, Saturday, September 26, PNG Time).Prime Minister Marape and his ministerial delegation will depart New York on Sunday, 27th September.This intense week of legal, environmental, and corporate negotiation re-establishes Papua New Guinea’s standing as an active, solution-focused leader on the global stage.

The Australian Wheelaroos have named their 10-player squad for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, marking a major milestone in the team’s preparations to take on the world’s best on home soil. Following an extensive selection and preparation process, the final team brings together a strong combination of experience, skill, speed and versatility as Australia prepares to compete on the world stage. Wheelchair Rugby League Australia Chair Darren Gocher congratulated the players selected and said representing Australia at a home World Cup would be a significant honour. “On behalf of the Board, I congratulate the 10 players selected to represent Australia at the 2026 Rugby League World Cup,” said Darren. “Selection for the Wheelaroos is an enormous achievement and reflects the commitment, hard work and performances of these players throughout the campaign. “We are incredibly proud of the team that will represent Australia, and equally appreciative of every player who has been part of the broader Wheelaroos program and contributed to our preparations. “We also want people who watch this team to see Wheelchair Rugby League for what it is – Rugby League. It’s fast, physical, skilful and fiercely competitive, and these players are incredibly proud to have the opportunity to represent Austalia,” he said. “We want Australia to get behind the Wheelaroos as this team takes on the world’s best on home soil.” Wheelaroos Head Coach Brett Clark said finalising the team was an important milestone after months of preparation and competition for places. “Selecting a World Cup team is never easy and there were some very difficult decisions to make,” Brett said. “We’ve selected a group that we believe gives us the right balance of experience, skill, speed and versatility to compete against the best teams in the world. "Every player brings something different to this team, and we’re confident in the group we’ve selected. “The standards across the group have continued to rise and the players have pushed each other throughout the preparation period, which is exactly what we want heading into a World Cup. “There is still plenty of work ahead of us, but our ambition is clear – we want to be the best in the world and we’re excited about the opportunity to represent Australia in front of a home crowd.” The Wheelaroos will head into the Rugby League World Cup with the ongoing support of the NRL, alongside AtkinsRéalis (Presenting Partner), Advocates Online (Official Partner), Astris PME (Equipment Partner), Classic Sports (Official Apparel Partner). The team will continue its preparations over the coming weeks ahead of the Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup in Wollongong. Australian Wheelaroos 2026 World Cup team Cory Cannane Diab Karim Peter Arbuckle Adam Tannock Zac Schumacher Bayley McKenna Dan Anstey Liam Luff Toby Popple Stephan Rochecouste Head Coach: Brett Clark Source: NRL

Papua New Guinea weightlifting coach Konio Toua is in the United States to take part in an international coaching enrichment program at the University of Delaware.The Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC), through Olympic Solidarity funding support, has sent Toua to the XVII International Coaching Enrichment Certificate Program (ICECP) in Newark, Delaware, USA, from September 17 to October 3, 2026.Toua, the younger sister of Olympic weightlifting legend Dika Toua, is a successful 2026 ICECP scholarship recipient.Together with her sisters Dika and Thelma, Konio is part of a family well known in PNG weightlifting. She currently coaches at club level, mentoring young and developing athletes.The 17-day program will give Toua access to international coaching education and a hands-on apprenticeship placement, with PNGOC expecting the knowledge gained to contribute to strengthening the sport and athlete development pathways in PNG.PNGOC Secretary General Desmond Kaviagu said Toua’s selection reflected the calibre of coaching talent coming through the country’s sporting federations.“Coach Toua's selection for ICECP reflects the calibre of coaching talent coming through our federations. We are grateful to Olympic Solidarity and the partnership they have with the University of Delaware to provide these opportunities for our coaches. Investing in coach development is central to building a sustainable high-performance pathway for sports.”Toua’s coursework at the University of Delaware covers anti-doping and clean sport education, sport psychology, biomechanics, athlete development and coaching leadership.She will also complete an individual coaching project from concept through to evaluation.From September 28, Toua will undertake a week-long practical apprenticeship placement before returning to PNG on October 3rd.Toua said being selected for the program was a great honour and an opportunity to learn from coaches around the world.“It gives me the chance to learn from coaches around the world and bring that knowledge home — to expand weightlifting into more provinces, identify young talent, and build a stronger pathway for athletes across the country, regardless of where they live in PNG.”The Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee congratulated Coach Konio Toua on her selection and wished her every success as she completes ICECP XVII and returns home.

The VAVA Gold Men have been crowned champions of the 2026 National Open Volleyball Championship after defeating NCDVA Gold 3–2 in a nail-biting Grand Final over the weekend.The match went all the way to a deciding set, with VAVA Gold showing experience, determination, discipline and composure to claim the championship title.The VAVA Gold Men were guided by current and former PNG representatives and volleyball veterans Junior Harold Gima, Walter Henao, Junior Momo Taeara and John Soi Jnr, who played key leadership roles throughout the competition.Their experience, knowledge and composure on the court helped steer the team through to the Grand Final victory.Meanwhile, the VAVA Women’s Gold Team also displayed tremendous courage and fighting spirit in their Grand Final against Fairfax 1.Although they fell short of securing the championship, the women fought strongly until the final point and finished the competition with a commendable performance.Led by volleyball veterans Clara Vele and Aileen Gima, the Women’s Gold Team demonstrated the strength, resilience and unity that VAVA volleyball is known for.VAVA President Lawes Rabura congratulated both teams on their performances, saying the village was extremely proud of their efforts.“We congratulate our Men’s Gold Team on winning the championship and commend our Women’s Gold Team for the courage and determination they displayed in the Grand Final. Our veteran players provided valuable leadership, while our younger players stepped up and showed great promise. Both teams represented VAVA with pride.”VAVA also acknowledged its sponsors and partners, including Hon. Thomas Opa, Hon. Sir Ano Pala, Hon. Turaho Morea, Juice Bar, Love & Light Events, GoldRing Media, Mr Jack Lindsay, Mr Darren Ali and Kuti Sox.The association also thanked its coaches, team managers, officials, families and supporters for their contribution throughout the competition.The results highlight Vabukori’s proud volleyball tradition and VAVA’s continued commitment to developing the next generation of players through the guidance of experienced volleyball veterans.VAVA Gold Men are the 2026 National Open Volleyball Champions, while the VAVA Women’s Gold Team finished with a strong Grand Final performance.

For communities living around the Ramu Nickel and Cobalt Project in Madang province, the development of the mine has brought employment, skills training and support for schools, health, agriculture and basic infrastructure over the past two decades.The impact of the project was highlighted during Ramu NiCo Management (MCC) Limited’s Independence luncheon in Madang on September 15, as the company reflected on its contribution to communities and national development.Community Affairs General Manager Eric Kuman said the project had created opportunities for Papua New Guineans through jobs, training and business activities since construction began in 2006.The project moved into production after construction was completed in 2012 and has since developed into a major mining and processing operation, with the mine at Kurumbukari and refinery at Basamuk.Mr. Kuman said Ramu NiCo had also supported communities in areas including education, health, agriculture, roads, water supply and financial literacy.The company has provided school infrastructure and school fee assistance, while some of its programmes have focused on women and disadvantaged members of communities.Mr. Kuman said these forms of support were particularly important in areas where government services could be difficult to reach.The project has also provided royalties, with Mr. Kuman saying these are distributed annually among 22 local-level governments across Madang Province to support development activities at district and local levels.He acknowledged the late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare for supporting the development of the Ramu Nickel and Cobalt Project in Madang.Mr. Kuman said the project would continue to provide opportunities for communities living along the project corridor for the remaining life of the mine.Ramu NiCo Vice-President Meng Deyong also congratulated Papua New Guineans on the country’s 51st Independence anniversary and acknowledged employees working at the Kurumbukari Mine, Basamuk Refinery and the company’s other offices.The luncheon brought together employees and management to mark Independence and reflect on the project’s role in Madang and Papua New Guinea.

A primary school in Markham District, Morobe province is being prepared for a major change, with the near completion of a new classroom block that could see it take its first Grade 9 students next year.The four-in-one classroom building is being constructed at the Waritzian primary school with K200,000 funding from the Markham District Development Authority. The new facility is expected to provide the space needed for the school’s planned transition to junior high school.The expansion could create a new opportunity for children from Waritzian and surrounding communities to continue their education without having to leave their area after primary school.Local carpenters and workers have been engaged to build the classrooms, keeping the construction work within the community while giving local tradespeople an opportunity to apply their skills.School officials are now looking towards 2027, when the first Grade 9 intake could begin if construction is completed and the necessary approvals are granted by education authorities.The planned expansion is also expected to increase access to secondary-level education for children in nearby communities, particularly those who may otherwise have to travel further from home to continue school.The new classroom is therefore not only adding infrastructure to Waritzian Primary School but also creating the space for the school to serve students beyond primary education.

Indonesian and Chinese nationals have been put in the spotlight following a human trafficking raid conducted by the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC).Commissioner of Police David Manning announced the disruption of an alleged international human trafficking operation in Port Moresby city, with four Chinese nationals detained as police prepare a range of serious charges.Acting on intelligence developed by the RPNGC Transnational Crime Directorate, police executed search warrants at a downtown Port Moresby residence this morning and located 39 Indonesian victims—five women and 34 men—confined inside a three-bedroom property.It is alleged that the 39 individuals were approached through social media with false offers of employment and subsequently held against their will as part of a complex people-smuggling enterprise.Commissioner Manning condemned the criminal enterprise which sought to profit from the exploitation of vulnerable people.“There will be no leniency for those who traffic and exploit people. RPNGC Investigators are committed to ensuring that every offender identified through this investigation is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, and we will seek penalties that reflect the seriousness of these crimes,” Commissioner Manning said.“Investigators are tracing the movements and connections of the alleged traffickers, including members of the network operating both within Papua New Guinea and overseas. We expect this work to lead to further arrests.”Commissioner Manning said the safety, welfare and dignity of the victims remain the immediate priority, with the Papua New Guinea Government working closely with the Embassy of Indonesia.“Consular support has been provided to all 39 victims. Papua New Guinea Government agencies, including health professionals and the Department of Foreign Affairs, are also providing the necessary assistance.“It is deeply disturbing that such alleged crimes could occur in our country. At the same time, we commend the professional RPNGC investigators that located these victims and brought them to safety.“Papua New Guinea is founded on Christian values, respect for the law and, above all, respect for the dignity of every person.”Deputy Commissioner of Police, Special Operations, Donald Yamasombi, who led the operation, said the outcome marked an important success against the serious threat of transnational crime.“Initial inquiries indicate that those detained may be connected to a wider transnational human trafficking syndicate operating between Southeast Asia and the Pacific,” DCP Yamasombi said.“The RPNGC will work closely with international policing partners to support efforts to identify and dismantle any offshore components of this criminal network.”“Human trafficking is a grave crime that police agencies around the world take seriously. The RPNGC will continue working with international partners to identify offenders, dismantle criminal networks and protect vulnerable people.”The investigation remains ongoing. Further information will be released at an appropriate time.

For 18 years, communities in Rai Coast District in Madang province have gathered to celebrate the dances, traditions and cultural knowledge passed down through generations at the Kangal Festival.The annual festival at Sidor Government Station brings together people of different ages to showcase traditional dances, cultural attire and customs, with Rai Coast performances continuing into the night.Organisers say the festival is an important opportunity for younger generations to learn about and appreciate their cultural heritage.Ramu NiCo has supported the festival for the third consecutive year, providing financial assistance on Thursday, September 10, 2026.Ramu NiCo Community Affairs General Manager Eric Kuman said the company was pleased to support an event that helped communities maintain their cultural identity.He said the company, as part of the Rai Coast community, remained committed to supporting activities that brought people together and helped preserve local traditions.Kangal Festival chairman Kevin Murray thanked Ramu NiCo for its continued support, saying partnerships were important to ensuring the festival continued to grow.The Kangal Festival remains a major gathering for Rai Coast communities, giving people an opportunity to celebrate their identity while passing cultural knowledge to the next generation.

The prime minister is currently in the United States to attend the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) this week where he intends to talk more about the country and the region in light of geopolitical tensions.Prime Minister James Marape is attending the 81st Session of the UNGA in New York, where he will represent the country and address issues of national, regional and global importance.The 81st United Nations General Assembly General Debate will be held at United Nations Headquarters in New York from 22–26 September and conclude on 28 September 2026.Marape said Papua New Guinea (PNG) would use the global forum to contribute its voice on major international issues while advancing matters important to the country and the Pacific region.“We will speak on issues affecting Papua New Guinea, our Pacific region and the wider global community, while contributing Papua New Guinea’s perspective to discussions on the major challenges facing the world.”Prime Minister Marape said Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso will serve as Acting Prime Minister during his absence.“Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso will once again hold the fort as Acting Prime Minister while I am away representing our country,” he said.