PNG Haus Bung

TISA Bank has officially opened its new Mt. Hagen Branch and launched ATM services in Western Highlands Province, marking another significant milestone in the Bank's commitment to delivering accessible, convenient, and customer-focused banking services to Papua New Guineans.The opening ceremony brought together provincial leaders, government representatives, business stakeholders, community members, and TISA Bank officials to celebrate the Bank's continued expansion into one of Papua New Guinea's most important commercial and economic centres.The launch represents a major step forward in TISA Bank's strategy to improve banking accessibility across the country by combining a growing branch network, digital banking solutions, agency banking services, and ATM infrastructure.TISA Bank Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Luke Kaul, said the opening of the Mt. Hagen Branch reflects the Bank's commitment to serving customers and supporting economic development across the Highlands Region."The opening of our Mt. Hagen Branch reflects TISA Bank's commitment to bringing banking services closer to our customers and supporting economic growth across the Highlands Region. Mt. Hagen is one of Papua New Guinea's most important commercial centers, and we are proud to invest in a community that plays such a vital role in the nation's economy.Through this new branch, we look forward to building lasting relationships with our customers, supporting local businesses, and helping more Papua New Guineans achieve their financial goals through accessible and customer-focused banking services," Mr. Kaul said.The Mt. Hagen Branch will provide a full range of personal and business banking services, enabling customers to access savings accounts, lending solutions, digital banking services, and other financial products closer to home.In addition to the branch opening, TISA Bank also officially launched its ATM services in Mt Hagen. The ATM Launch and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony marked the official opening of the Bank's latest ATM facility and forms part of a broader nationwide ATM rollout program.The introduction of ATM services will provide customers with secure, convenient, and reliable access to essential banking services while reducing the need to visit a branch for routine transactions.TISA Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Michael Koisen said the ATM rollout forms part of the Group's broader vision to improve customer convenience and strengthen financial inclusion throughout Papua New Guinea."The launch of our ATM service in Mt. Hagen is another important step in TISA's digital transformation journey and our commitment to improving customer convenience. As we continue to invest in technology and modern banking infrastructure, we are creating more ways for customers to access banking services securely and conveniently. Combined with our branch network, agency banking, and digital channels, our ATM rollout supports our vision of delivering better banking experiences and strengthening financial inclusion across Papua New Guinea," Mr. Koisen said.ATM deployments are planned throughout the country as part of TISA Bank's continued investment in customer accessibility and service delivery.The expansion of TISA Bank's ATM network complements its growing suite of banking solutions, including Internet Banking, Mobile Banking, WhatsApp Banking, Voice Banking, YumiPei, and Agency Banking services.Community leaders and guests welcomed the establishment of both the branch and ATM services, recognising the important role increased access to financial services plays in supporting local businesses, promoting financial inclusion, and driving economic growth.The opening of the Mt. Hagen Branch and launch of ATM services further strengthens TISA Bank's expanding national footprint and reinforces its commitment to making banking simpler, more accessible, and more convenient for communities across Papua New Guinea.

Treating one breast cancer patient overseas can cost up to K500,000, highlighting the financial burden faced by Papua New Guinean families seeking specialised cancer care.Port Moresby General Hospital Cancer Unit Head Dr Peter Olali said the cost covers the full treatment process, from diagnosis to medication, surgery and radiation therapy.He said many families struggle to afford the specialised services and are forced to seek fundraising assistance to send their loved ones overseas.Dr Olali said the hospital is working to bring more cancer treatment services into the country through its developing cancer centre, which is expected to improve access and reduce costs for patients.He said one of the major challenges is accessing molecular testing, which helps doctors identify the specific type of breast cancer and determine the most appropriate treatment.Some of these tests cost close to K3,000 in Australia, making them difficult for many patients to afford.Dr Olali said the hospital is now working towards strengthening its diagnostic capacity so patients can receive more appropriate treatment based on their cancer type.He acknowledged the ongoing support from the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary and its partners, saying their donations would help strengthen cancer services.The police have supported the hospital's cancer awareness and fundraising initiative for four consecutive years, with more than K100,000 contributed over the years.

The National Superannuation Fund Limited has officially opened the doors to its new Wewak branch today, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing commitment to providing accessible and reliable superannuation services to the people of East Sepik Province.The official opening was attended by distinguished guests, business and community leaders, and members, with the Most Reverend Bishop Jozef Roszynski leading the blessing of the new premises.Nasfund Board Director and Chairwoman of the Membership Committee, Florence Willie, officially opened the branch on behalf of Chairman Christopher Elphick and the Board. She highlighted the new office as a symbol of the Fund's confidence in the province and its people."For us, today is more than the opening of a new office. It is a celebration of partnership, progress, and confidence in the future of East Sepik Province," Ms. Willie stated. She also noted that this milestone builds a longstanding relationship with the East Sepik Provincial Government, which began in 2020 to promote financial literacy, and the subsequent opening of the Maprik Service Centre in 2021.Representing CEO Rajeev Sharma and Nasfund Management, General Manager for Talent and Culture, Alex Rogea, emphasized the Fund's dedication to service continuity and its growing membership base."Nasfund serves more than 24,000 members and over 100 employers in East Sepik Province. These members and employers depend on us for service that is timely, reliable, and respectful, and the new branch places us in a stronger position to meet that responsibility."The upgraded facility is designed to improve the member experience. The new service chamber can comfortably accommodate 20 members at a time and features four customer service counters. To provide a safer and more inclusive environment, the branch is also equipped with a wheelchair-accessible entrance and appropriate safety measures.Nasfund extends its gratitude to its members, employers, and partners in East Sepik Province for their continued trust and patience during the transition to the new branch.

Village Court officials in the Rabaul District of East New Britain province are currently attending a five-day training workshop designed to upskill them in carrying out their responsibilities effectively, with the goal of strengthening peace and good order across local communities.The training commenced at the District Education Resource Centre at the Kurakakaul District Headquarters, bringing together 44 participants representing the four Local Level Governments (LLGs): Rabaul Urban, Balanataman, Kabiu, and Watom LLG.The cohort comprises village magistrates, land mediators, village court clerks, peace officers, and other key local court officials.Conducted by the Village Courts and Land Mediation Secretariat of the Department of Justice and Attorney General (DJAG), the core program covers four main modules: Introduction to the Village Court System, Village Court Processes and Procedures, Communication and Mediation Skills, and Ethical Leadership & Decision Making.Facilitators will also cover critical legal frameworks, including Interim Protection Orders (IPO) and Protection Orders (PO) under the Family Protection Act, the Lukautim Pikinini Act, and standard procedures for data collection, processing, and reporting.Speaking at the official opening, Bernard Tiula, Advisor for the Division of Village Court and Land Mediation, emphasized the strategic importance of the workshop.He noted that the training is an integral part of the Division’s appointment and revocation process, particularly since most participants are newly appointed officials who require proper grounding for their roles.He added that with East New Britain facing its own law-and-order challenges, the workshop equips frontline officials to handle community disputes more effectively.Meanwhile, Sedrick Ringwaku, Public Liaison Officer for Morobe Province under DJAG and one of the principal facilitators, underscored the foundational role these officials play within the justice system.“The village court is the heartbeat of the Rule of Law in Papua New Guinea,” Mr. Ringwaku stated, highlighting the direct impact of local governance on national stability.Welcoming the delegation to the district, Deputy District Administrator John Matava expressed appreciation to the Provincial Administration, the Division of Village Court & Land Mediation, and DJAG for their collaborative partnership.He urged participants to fully commit to the week’s program, encouraging them to view the village court system not as an avenue for punishment, but as a mechanism for correction, reconciliation, and restoring peace.Sequential proceedings will conclude on Friday, November 13th, featuring an official swearing-in ceremony for the newly trained village court officials.

West Sepik is the third province to begin preparations for a six-year US$63.4 million Green Climate Fund programme aimed at protecting forests, strengthening climate resilience and improving community livelihoods.The provincial inception workshop was launched in Vanimo on November 10 by the Climate Change and Development Authority (CCDA), in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the West Sepik Provincial Administration.The programme recognises Papua New Guinea’s achievements in reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, while ensuring communities benefit from protecting their forests.Newly appointed CCDA Managing Director Debra Sungi said the programme would give communities an opportunity to identify their development priorities, particularly in sustainable agriculture, food security and climate resilience.Ms. Sungi, who is also CCDA’s first female Managing Director, said establishing a West Sepik Provincial Climate Change Committee would strengthen local ownership and coordination of climate initiatives.West Sepik Provincial Administrator Timothy Diklan reaffirmed the province’s commitment to establishing the committee and working with CCDA, district administrations and communities.FAO Chief Technical Advisor Dr Itofumi Abe said the US$63.4 million funding, approved in July 2025, recognised PNG’s verified reductions in emissions from deforestation and forest degradation.The programme will run for six years across six provinces: West Sepik, East Sepik, West New Britain, Western, Chimbu and Hela.The inception process in West Sepik follows consultations with seven communities across Nuku, Aitape-Lumi and Vanimo-Green districts.

Children and newborn babies across Madang Province are expected to receive better emergency medical care following the donation of critical paediatric and neonatal equipment to Modilon General Hospital.The equipment was officially handed over on Monday, November 9, through funding from the PNG Chamber of Resources & Energy (PNGCORE) Charity Golf Challenge Program.About K316,000 raised from the 2025 Charity Golf Challenge was used to purchase specialised respiratory, neonatal and paediatric equipment aimed at strengthening emergency response services and improving treatment outcomes for critically ill young patients.PNGCORE Executive Director Richard Kassman said the donation was designed to support health workers who continue to care for children despite facing challenging conditions."While we are pleased to help provide these medical tools, the real heroes are the doctors, nurses and health workers at Modilon General Hospital who show up every day with unwavering dedication to save lives," Mr. Kassman said.He said the contribution demonstrated how support from the resources and energy sector could be channelled into essential community services such as healthcare.According to Mr Kassman, a strong industry allows businesses to contribute more through corporate social responsibility programs and community development initiatives.He also acknowledged the 33 corporate sponsors and community partners whose support helped make the donation possible, including major contributors K92 Mining Limited, Sun Engineering, McMonagle Qld and Santos Limited.Modilon General Hospital Chief Executive Officer Dr Martin Daimen welcomed the assistance, saying the equipment would immediately strengthen the hospital's ability to respond to medical emergencies and care for vulnerable patients."These resources will directly support our staff as they respond to medical emergencies, perform neonatal resuscitation, and manage respiratory distress for our most vulnerable patients," Dr Daimen said."The impact of this support will be felt by families across Madang Province for years to come."The first shipment includes advanced respiratory support systems such as Fisher & Paykel Bubble CPAP machines and Airvo™ 3 Humidified High Flow devices for infants experiencing breathing difficulties.Other equipment includes nebulisers, clinical thermometers, nursing stethoscopes and paediatric blood pressure monitoring devices.Hospital officials said the remaining equipment is expected to arrive in the coming weeks.The donation is the second major provincial healthcare project supported through the Charity Golf Challenge.Organisers have already earmarked funds from the next Charity Golf Challenge, scheduled during PNG Investment Week in Sydney on November 27, 2026, to assist a third provincial hospital in 2027.

The mountains of Sogeri in the Central province have had some rainfalls lately, but the amount of rain is still not enough to fill up the Sirinumu Dam which residents of Port Moresby and Central province depend on for power and water.According to PNG Power Limited, the El Nino is expected to peak throughout January 2027, and the current situation is just the tip of the iceberg one could say. What is going to happen next year onwards, is making everyone edgy.In a recently released information by PNG Power, it says hydro stations depend on rain- fed dams such as Sirinumu and Yonki Dam in the Eastern Highlands province. And when water levels fall below, they can generate less electricity supply.Due to the low water levels, PNG Power is also using more diesel for power generators to produce power, which then leads to high cost of operation and power load shedding.The state-owned power company continues to advocate on the preservation of water and urges the public to be aware of the situation and to not waste water or power.PNG Power also urges the public to make sure all rechargeable electronic devise like torches and mobile phones are fully charged and ready for use, especially during the time of load shedding.The Dam is depended on rainfall and the only way water levels can rise again is when there is continuous rainfall for weeks and even into months; this alone can ensure the refilling of the dam.

Seventeen-year-old Kabake Lansana has produced a breakout performance at the Olympic Youth Games in Dakar, finishing sixth in the 100m final in a personal best time of 10.91 seconds.Lansana clocked 10.99 seconds to place third in his semi-final over the weekend, before improving again in the final to smash his previous best of 11.63 seconds set at the Philippine Open in June.The Port Moresby-based sprinter runs for the Axel Club and was identified through the NCD Championships last year, where he won the U18 sprint events against older athletes. He was later supported by Athletics PNG to attend the National Championships in Goroka.Club coach Rellie Kaputin has been supervising his training, using programmes supplied by USA-based Dior Lowry.Athletics PNG President Tony Green described the result as truly outstanding."Kabake stood out last year by winning the U18 sprinting events at the NCD Championships running against older athletes," Mr. Green said."I mean OK, it wasn't like a world championship with all the top nations there, but it's an Olympic Final. Em bikpela samting."Mr. Green thanked the PNG Olympic Committee for supporting Lansana and Kaputin at both the Philippine Open Championships and in the relay team to the World U20 Championships in Oregon.

A young volunteer is using his practical knowledge of cocoa farming to help rural communities in Central Province turn the crop into a source of income and economic opportunity.Twenty-nine-year-old Shadrach Vaka Jnr, a self-taught Didiman, is sharing his years of experience in cocoa cultivation with villagers in Gavuone, Abau District, hoping to change how local farmers view the industry.Originally from Gavuone village in Central Province and Lungalunga in East New Britain, Shadrach grew up on his mother's cocoa plantation in Rabaul, where he developed practical farming skills from an early age.He said growing up around cocoa taught him the value of the crop through observation and hands-on experience.After joining the National Volunteer Service (NVS), Shadrach was placed in the agriculture sector under an agreement with the Central Provincial Government. He graduated with Batch 20 volunteers earlier this year.During his return to Gavuone, he identified an opportunity to help local farmers improve their cocoa production.Although cocoa was already being cultivated in the area, many farmers lacked the technical knowledge to properly manage their crops and turn them into a reliable source of commercial income.Shadrach said some villagers had already started establishing cocoa nurseries but needed guidance on cultivation and crop management.He began conducting practical demonstrations and training sessions under mango trees, sharing techniques he had gained from working alongside experienced cocoa growers on his family's plantation.His training covers proper pruning, spacing and pest control to improve production, as well as fermentation and drying methods to maintain the quality of harvested cocoa beans.He has also introduced simple fermentation boxes and drying facilities to help farmers produce beans that meet export quality standards.Alongside commercial production, Shadrach encourages farmers to intercrop cocoa with food crops such as taro, cassava and bananas to support household food security.Through regular discussions with community leaders, nursery operators and young people, he continues to promote cocoa farming as a long-term investment for families.He said his goal was not only to encourage income generation but also to help communities build a sustainable future through agriculture.The initiative is also bringing villagers together, with local youth leader Paul Geno saying community members are now working collectively to manage shared nurseries and fermentation facilities.Geno said farmers were beginning to understand that successful cocoa farming required the right knowledge and commitment.While some villagers remain hesitant, Shadrach believes more people will take up cocoa farming as they begin to see the results of improved production and management.His work highlights the role young volunteers can play in transferring practical skills, strengthening rural livelihoods and creating economic opportunities at the community level.The National Volunteer Service has commended Shadrach's grassroots initiative, describing it as an example of how individual commitment and practical expertise can support economic self-reliance in rural Papua New Guinea.The NVS is a state agency mandated to recruit, train and place volunteers in communities across the country.

The PNG Chiefs have signed Papua New Guinea international Zac Laybutt on a two-year deal from 2028.Laybutt will become PNG Chiefs Player #008 when his contract with the North Queensland Cowboys ends in 2027. He has played 42 NRL games since his debut in 2023.The 24-year-old, who can play wing and centre and has also kicked goals at club and international level, adds further depth to the Chiefs outside backs ahead of the club's maiden campaign.A proud Kumul, Laybutt has played eight Tests for Papua New Guinea since his debut in 2023, including helping PNG clinch the Pacific Bowl championship over Fiji and featuring at the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.PNG Chiefs CEO Lorna McPherson said the signing was particularly meaningful for the club.“Having Papua New Guinean players like Zac representing the PNG Chiefs will be incredibly important to our identity and he can help inspire the next generation of rugby league talent in this country by showing what is possible to achieve in the NRL” Ms McPherson said.“Zac is a wonderful young man, and we are excited to see him take the next steps in his rugby league career with the PNG Chiefs in 2028 and beyond.”Laybutt is the fifth Kumuls representative to sign with the club, after Alex Johnston was announced as Player #002, and joins Finley Glare, Gairo Voro and Morea Morea who are on development contracts for 2028.General Manager of Football Michael Chammas said Laybutt understood the significance of what the club was building.“As a player, he has size, athleticism and versatility to excel in multiple positions, and he has shown already in his career that he can handle the demands and challenges of what it takes to be an NRL player,”Mr. Chammas said.Coach Willie Peters said he was looking forward to watching Laybutt develop.“Zac is a quality young man who brings a willingness to work hard for the team, and he will join our club with good NRL experience behind him and a bright future ahead of him,” Peters said.“We believe he will only continue to improve as a player and we’re looking forward to watching him continue to develop with our team in the years ahead.”

The water supply system for the new Dr. Kaven Memorial Pomio District Hospital was officially commissioned today as part of the facility’s opening ceremonies.The Water Project will supply 160,000 liters of much-needed water to the hospital, establishing a reliable supply that is essential for ongoing patient care. Located within the hospital grounds, the facility features an on-site treatment plant capable of pumping 3,000 liters of treated water directly to the hospital. The water is sourced from two 60-meter boreholes drilled near the facility.Defense Minister and Pomio MP Elias Kapavore noted that securing a dependable water source for the hospital posed a major challenge. However, it was successfully accomplished through a partnership with the Department of National Planning and Monitoring under a Water Sanitation Project valued at over K2 million.Kapavore added that electricity is another critical requirement for operationalizing the hospital, highlighting the concurrent launch of a 1.5-megawatt solar farm project supported by Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited.

Prime Minister James Marape has expressed his gratitude to the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Australian Government, and all partners involved in bringing the newly opened Dr. Katen Memorial Pomio District Hospital to fruition.Officially cutting the ribbon today in Palmalmal to mark the opening, Marape announced that other rural districts will receive similarly designed Level 4 hospitals. This initiative aims to ensure that individuals seeking medical intervention can access care within an hour, whether by road, air, or sea.The Prime Minister described the hospital as a national asset that symbolizes the government's commitment to upgrading rural healthcare infrastructure with the essential amenities needed to serve the local population.Marape commended Defense Minister and Pomio MP Elias Kapavore for his vision in bringing high-impact development to a remote geographic setting. He also extended praise to East New Britain Governor Michael Marum for supporting Pomio District and ensuring its communities receive critical services.The 40-bed facility was built at a cost of K64 million and meets all national healthcare operational standards.Health Minister Dr. Lino Tom has announced that six additional Level 4 hospitals are currently in the pipeline for construction across designated rural districts.