Minister for Police Sir John Pundari has challenged members of the newly sworn-in 2026 Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) Promotion Board to ensure police promotions are based on merit, performance and integrity rather than personal connections.Speaking during the recent swearing- in ceremony, Sir John Pundari said the ranks within the Constabulary must be earned through service, commitment and professional conduct.He reminded board members that their responsibility over the next 12 months would directly influence the future leadership of the RPNGC.“Rank is not a gift, it is trust,” the good minister said.“If you promote politics over patrols, you don't just insult one officer, you insult every cop in the country, even the one sleeping in a bush station with one bullet and no backup.”Sir John urged the board to recognise officers who consistently perform their duties and uphold the values of the Constabulary.“Promote the officer who arrests, not the one who attends. Promote the constable who says no to bribery. Promote the leader who bleeds with his men, not the one who hides in Port Moresby,” he said.The Minister said the country needed the right people in leadership positions within the police force to maintain public trust and improve policing standards.“Rank must mean safety for the people of Papua New Guinea, not seniority, not connections,” he said.“I challenge you, board members, every officer promoted must be promoted because he is the best, not because he knows the best.”Sir John said the Government continues to make significant investments into the Constabulary and expects those investments to result in stronger leadership, improved discipline and better service delivery throughout the country.He acknowledged the efforts of Police Commissioner David Manning and senior police leadership as well in driving police modernisation and strengthening training standards across the organisation.Reflecting on his childhood growing up in a police family, Sir John recalled the discipline and professionalism displayed by police officers during the years leading up to Independence.He said those standards should continue to guide the Constabulary as it works to strengthen public confidence and professionalism across the organisation.The Minister also reminded board members that deserving officers serving in remote and rural locations should not be overlooked during the promotion process.“I know there is one out there in the bush, working hard with the community and doing the best that he can. I pray that no one who deserves promotion is overlooked,” Sir John said.The Promotion Board was sworn in on Friday, June 19th at Police Headquarters, Konedobu, Port Moresby. The board is chaired by Dame Jean Lucilla Kekedo, DBE, DBStJ, CSM, and includes Deputy Commissioner and Chief of Administration Dr Philip Nitma and Assistant Commissioner of Police for Policy and Planning, Regga Neggi.This board will oversee promotion assessments across various ranks of the RPNGC over the coming months.

After over a decade of not hosting a cultural show, the current Student Representative Council (SRC) of the country's oldest all boys school- De La Salle Secondary School, are reviving it with this year's event aimed at raising K350,000 for much needed infrastructure improvements.The cultural show is scheduled for July 18, 2026, and is being organised by the current Student Representative Council (SRC) as part of its "Give Back to the School" program. The event will be held at Sir John Guise Stadium under the theme "United In Culture, Strong In Brotherhood."The event marks the return of a major cultural gathering that has not been held at the school since the 2016 Lasallian Cultural Show involving Jubilee Secondary School, La Salle Technical College, and other Lasallian institutions from across the country. Before that, the school's previous cultural show was held in 2014 and organised by the SRC then.In an interview with De La Salle Secondary School Principal Ms. Annette Ingirin, she told PNG HAUSBUNG that the initiative reflects the students' commitment to leaving a lasting contribution to the school."The SRC has a Give Back to the School program. The purpose is to raise money to accomplish a certain project in the school," Ms. Ingirin said.She said the students have set a fundraising target of K350,000 or more, with the main project focused on constructing covered walkways connecting various sections of the school."Their project involves building shelters to connect different sections of the school to each other, so when it comes to rain or sunlight, we're able to move freely and go to the classroom, and teaching and learning can continue," she said.Ms. Ingirin said part of the funds raised will also support other priority projects, including upgrades to the school's assembly hall, which has served generations of students and continues to be used during National Examinations."The second reason is to complete other projects that we need to complete, such as putting a new roof on the assembly hall that's been around for more than half a century," she said.In addition to celebrating the country’s rich cultural diversity, the event will also provide an opportunity for former students to select the new heads of the school's alumni.Ms. Ingirin said the cultural show will serve as a time for the De La Salle alumni to establish a formal alumni leadership structure."They're going to elect the alumni leaders, and then all these leaders will come together and assist the school in our projects," she said.This year's cultural show will run from 8:00am to 3:00pm and is expected to attract students, parents, alumni, businesses, and supporters from across Port Moresby and beyond.Admission has been set at K20 for adults, K10 for students, and K5 for children under 12 years old.Businesses and organisations are also being encouraged to participate, with SME stalls available for K200, corporate stalls for K1,000, and vehicle passes costing K30 per vehicle.The event will showcase Papua New Guinea's cultural diversity through traditional performances, displays, food, and entertainment while supporting the school's fundraising goals.As the countdown to July 18 begins, the return of the De La Salle Cultural Show represents more than a celebration of culture, it is a student-led effort to reconnect alumni, strengthen school spirit, and invest in projects that will benefit future generations of students for years to come.

Outgoing Correctional Service Commissioner and newly appointed Deputy Commissioner for CS Corporate, Bernad Nepo, has called on media organizations to uphold ethical reporting standards, particularly on social media, while urging Correctional Service personnel to support newly appointed Commissioner Noel Sarei.Speaking during the official handover ceremony on Tuesday, June 16th, Nepo welcomed Sarei's appointment by the National Executive Council (NEC), describing it as a government decision that should be respected by all officers and stakeholders.Nepo used the occasion to address public speculation and misinformation circulating online following the recent arrest of 20 uniformed Correctional Service officers by police on June 12. The officers were reportedly intercepted at Rainbow Waigani while allegedly travelling toward the residence of the newly appointed commissioner.In his remarks, Nepo distanced himself from the incident and emphasized that he supports the government's decision regarding the leadership transition."I want to dispel some of that misinformation going out on Facebook or wherever," Nepo said."Correctional Service is in good hands."He urged officers throughout the organization to unite behind the new commissioner and continue supporting the institution's objectives."The same government that appointed me is the same government that brought him in. So, we have to have this kind of understanding with respect." Nepo highlighted.Addressing media representatives present at the ceremony, Nepo challenged journalists and social media users to report responsibly and accurately, warning against the spread of unverified information that could undermine public confidence in the Correctional Service.During his address, Nepo reflected on his two-year tenure as commissioner, highlighting what he described as key achievements despite limited resources. He said maintaining prison security and preventing major prison escapes remained among the Correctional Service's most significant accomplishments during his leadership.According to Nepo, those achievements were made possible through cooperation between Correctional Service officers, their families, prisoners, and the wider community.He stressed that effective leadership and unity within the workforce were essential to the organization's success and encouraged staff to continue working together under the new administration.Nepo concluded by assuring Commissioner Sarei of his support and the backing of senior Correctional Service officers, saying the organization would remain united as it transitions into a new leadership era."The public deserves the best from Correctional Service," he said. "We will stand as a united force with our new commissioner.”

The three member 2026 Police Promotion Board has been officially sworn in and will now begin its work reviewing and assessing officers for promotion across the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) for the next 12 months.The swearing- in ceremony was officiated by Police Commissioner David Manning today at the Police Headquarters at Konedobu, Port Moresby city.The Promotion Board will be chaired by Dame Jean Lucilla Kekedo, DBE, DBStJ, CSM, who was appointed by Minister for Police, Sir John Pundari.Joining her on the board are Deputy Commissioner and Chief of Administration Dr Philip Nitma and Assistant Commissioner of Police for Policy and Planning Regga Neggi, both appointed by the Chairlady.Giving the keynote address, Minister for Police Sir John Pundari reminded the board members of the responsibility entrusted on them and the need for integrity in all promotion decisions.“You have taken an oath of office for the next 12 months. Remember, board members and the esteemed Chairlady, that the nation will be watching you.Ask yourself one question before you stamp that file. If my daughter was kidnapped in Lae tonight, is this the officer I want hunting that kidnapper? If the answer is no, Chairlady and board members, do not promote him,” he said.Sir John also called on police officers nationwide to remain committed to duty regardless of recognition or visibility.“To every policeman right across this nation, you must know this. The oath of service that you have taken is to serve your people.Your Commissioner may not see the service that you provide. Your immediate boss may not see you doing the right thing and ensuring justice for those who deserve it.But you must know one thing. There is a God in Heaven who loves this country and its people. He is watching you, and in His own way, He will reward you,” he said.He further urged officers to maintain integrity in service and ensure promotions are based strictly on merit.“Rank must mean safety for the people of Papua New Guinea, not seniority, not connections,” Sir John said.“I challenge you, board, every officer promoted must be promoted because he is the best, not because he knows the best.”He said the Government continues to invest heavily in policing and expects ongoing improvements in professionalism, standards, and service delivery across the Constabulary.Commissioner Manning reaffirmed that promotions will be conducted in line with established criteria and through a structured assessment process covering all ranks.He said the Constabulary remains committed to building a modern, transparent and accountable police force capable of meeting national expectations.The ceremony marked the formal commencement of the Promotion Selection Board’s work, with members now tasked to assess officers under the Constabulary’s 2026 promotion cycle, including reviewing existing promotion recommendations and selection documentation.Commissioner Manning said the promotion process will be conducted in stages, with officers assessed based on merit, performance and demonstrated service.“It is about delivering a police force in which this country can be proud of; a police force that is modern, transparent and accountable,” he said.He stressed that promotions will not be automatic, but awarded only to officers who consistently demonstrate discipline, commitment and professional conduct.With the board now sworn in, it will begin reviewing promotion assessments and recommendations under the 2026 promotion cycle in the coming months as part of the Constabulary’s ongoing reform agenda.

With just a few weeks remaining before Semester Two begins, the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) says it has activated contingency measures to prepare for the potential impacts of El Niño after the Papua New Guinea National Weather Service officially declared El Niño conditions in the tropical Pacific.The weather agency confirmed this week that El Niño conditions are now established and are expected to persist until at least the end of 2026, with forecasts indicating a strong to very strong event comparable to the 1997/98 and 2015/16 El Niño episodes.Speaking to PNG HAUSBUNG, UPNG Vice Chancellor Professor Ian Findlay, said the university has already implemented measures to minimize disruptions should dry conditions affect essential services on campus.“We are not sure if El Niño is coming or not. There are some indications that El Niño is heading towards Papua New Guinea, although weather patterns are always very difficult to predict.”“UPNG is fully prepared for an El Niño event. We have purchased a number of water tanks to prepare us in case the El Niño effect disrupts our water supply.”Professor Findlay said the university is also exploring additional water sources through bore development to strengthen water security on campus.“We are exploring water bores. We also have contingency and reserve redundancy for our electrical supplies.”The Vice Chancellor added that UPNG has strengthened its digital infrastructure to ensure learning and administrative services remain operational during any disruptions.“We have redundancy for our internet supplies; we have two separate connections for our main internet, and then we have a third redundancy for our internet supplies.”He said the university has already developed comprehensive contingency plans and remains ready to respond should conditions worsen.“The university has already developed contingency plans for El Niño should El Niño come to PNG, so we're ready.”Historically, El Niño brings prolonged dry conditions, higher temperatures, reduced stream flows, frost in higher altitude areas, and an increased risk of drought across many parts of PNG.Furthermore, the National Weather Service has urged communities, government agencies, businesses, and institutions across the country to begin preparations for extended dry weather conditions as climate models continue to indicate the likelihood of a significant El Niño event.UPNG’s early preparations place the institution among organizations taking proactive steps to reduce the potential impact of water shortages, and service disruptions should dry conditions intensify in the months ahead.

A landmark health partnership between the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) and Pacific International Hospital (PIH) has been formally signed, unlocking expanded healthcare access, discounted medical services, and nationwide preventive health programs for thousands of students, and the staff and their families.The three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed yesterday, Thursday June 18th, 2026, at PIH’s 3 Mile facility in Port Moresby and will take effect on July 1st, 2026.The agreement brings together two major national institutions to strengthen early intervention, emergency response and long-term wellbeing across the university community.UPNG Vice Chancellor Professor Ian Findlay said the partnership is a major step in improving healthcare access for students and staff.He said many students previously faced delays in accessing critical care.“This agreement is a practical step toward improving health outcomes and strengthening wellbeing services across our university community,” Findlay said.He said the partnership will reduce barriers to emergency and specialist treatment.PIH Chief Executive Officer Sandeep Shaligram said the initiative is focused on fast and reliable access to healthcare services.He said the collaboration strengthens both emergency response and preventive care delivery.“This ensures rapid and effective access to quality healthcare for the entire UPNG community,” Shaligram said.Under the agreement, students, staff and their families will access emergency care pathways, specialist referrals, discounted consultations and structured campus-based health programs.PIH will provide weekly psychosocial counselling, optometry services, fortnightly dental screenings and monthly hearing tests at the UPNG Waigani campus.The program also introduces structured referral systems between UPNG clinics and PIH facilities to improve emergency response times.UPNG staff and dependents will receive a 20 percent discount on specialist consultations while students will receive a 50 percent discount on selected general practitioner, gynaecology and paediatric services at PIH medical centres in Waigani and Rainbow upon presentation of valid identification.UPNG Health Services Director Dr Christopher Kinip said rising health challenges among young people and working adults make preventive care more important than ever.He said conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, stress related illness and anxiety are becoming more common within the university community.“This partnership will help shift healthcare delivery from reactive treatment to early intervention and ongoing health education,” Kinip said.The agreement also includes regular preventive health programs focused on early detection, counselling and health awareness campaigns.The MOU is set for an initial three-year term with provisions for renewal depending on future healthcare needs.Both institutions say implementation will begin from July 1, 2026, with services to be rolled out progressively across campus.The partnership is part of a wider effort to strengthen institutional healthcare collaboration in Papua New Guinea, with a focus on prevention, access and early response.

What started with a firewood oven, a wheelbarrow, and a handful of female inmates with little baking experience has grown into one of Bomana Prison's most successful rehabilitation programs, culminating in the purchase of a new 15-seater bakery bus worth K126,000.The bus was officially launched on Tuesday, June 16, by Bomana Correctional Service Commanding Officer Chief Superintendent Yelly Oiufa and Assistant Commissioner for Southern Region Timbi Kaugla.The Female Wing Bakery began in 2019 as part of the inmates' rehabilitation program under the supervision of CS Officer Caupol Everlyn Ovoi. At the time, no more than 10 female inmates made up the bakery team.With little baking experience, a firewood oven, and a wheelbarrow used to transport baked goods around the Bomana community, the women started small but remained committed to learning and improving their skills.Ovoi said most of the women had never attended a baking school and relied heavily on online learning."Every year we have new female inmates joining the bakery section while the old ones go out, so most of our training comes from YouTube tutorials," she said.As rehabilitation programs within the Female Wing continued to grow, a truck was provided in 2020 to support activities including sewing, gardening, and the bakery. The additional transport helped improve operations and contributed to increased sales.In 2021, One Tribe Australia visited Bomana and provided practical training to inmates in various rehabilitation sections, including baking.Following the training, the bakery expanded with the addition of an electric oven. Production increased and sales improved, allowing the bakery to supply products not only within Bomana but also to nearby communities.The bakery's growth also enabled it to support other rehabilitation projects within Bomana Prison. However, transportation remained a major challenge as the available truck was shared among several rehabilitation programs.Revenue generated through rehabilitation programs is deposited into the Prison Industry account, which supports inmate rehabilitation activities and operational requirements. Funds from the account were later approved for the purchase of the Female Wing Bakery's new 15-seater bus.Commanding Officer Yelly Oiufa said he had spent considerable time seeking approval from Headquarters for the release of funds to purchase a dedicated vehicle for the bakery section.He said progress was made after Acting Commissioner Bernard Nepo took office."For a while I had been pleading without any response from Headquarters. Then Acting Commissioner Bernard Nepo took office, we were in talks, and after the decision was made, we submitted the quotation. Today the Female Wing has its new bakery bus," Oiufa said.He also acknowledged the support provided by the outgoing Acting Commissioner."I would like to represent Bomana Prison Camp in thanking outgoing Acting Commissioner Bernard Nepo and acknowledge his contribution. I also wish him success in his new role within the Correctional Service."Assistant Commissioner for Southern Region Timbi Kaugla praised Bomana Prison Camp for its rehabilitation efforts and the positive transformation taking place among inmates."Your hard work has been rewarded. Now you can see the bus as the result because some of the work is becoming self-sustaining, and Bomana isn't what it was in the past," Kaugla said."I want to thank the inmates and all the officers in Bomana for this positive change and also the leadership of Commanding Officer Yelly Oiufa."The new bus now stands as a symbol of years of commitment, learning, and rehabilitation by the Female Wing Bakery section, which grew from humble beginnings into a program capable of supporting itself and contributing to the wider rehabilitation efforts at Bomana Prison.

Correctional Service Portfolio Minister Joe Muli has called for unity within the Papua New Guinea Correctional Service (CS) following the appointment of Noel Sarei as the organization's substantive Commissioner on Tuesday, June 16.Speaking during the appointment ceremony, Minister Muli urged senior officers and staff throughout the Correctional Service to work together as the country moves towards the 2027 National General Election.He said while governments and ministers may change, public servants remain responsible for implementing government policies and ensuring services continue to function.“For us ministers, we are only here to make policy, but it is up to the heads of departments and public servants to carry out the groundwork.”“It is not only the Prime Minister or ministers who move the country. It is the public servants and department heads who implement policy.”The Minister said unity across key state institutions, including the Police, Defence Force, Health, Education and Correctional Service, remains critical to national development.The appointment of Commissioner Sarei also marks a significant milestone for the Correctional Service, with the National Executive Council playing a direct role in the appointment process.Outgoing Acting Commissioner and newly appointed Deputy Commissioner Corporate Bernard Nepo, echoed the Minister’s call for unity, saying the organization can achieve more when officers work together.“In any organization, when there is unity, you are able to achieve a lot,” Nepo said.Nepo also urged officers to use social media responsibly and avoid making comments that undermine the organization's leadership.“When I became a Commissioner, there were comments saying I was not eligible for the role and referring to me as a junior inspector. It all depends on a person's knowledge.”He said such comments create unnecessary division within the organization and damage the image of the Correctional Service.Furthermore, he stated that he fully respected the government’s decision to appoint Commissioner Sarei and pledged his support to the new leadership.“Three months ago, I heard there would be a new appointment of a Commissioner, and I said whoever is appointed, I am willing to work under them.”Commissioner Sarei now assumes leadership of the Correctional Service on a four-year term as the organization focuses on strengthening rehabilitation programs, improving operational capacity and enhancing service delivery across the country.The ceremony also highlighted a common message from the Minister, the incoming Commissioner and the outgoing Acting Commissioner that unity, professionalism, and cooperation will be essential to the future direction of the Correctional Service.

PNG Correctional Service (CS) has entered a new leadership chapter with Noel Sarei officially appointed as the substantive Commissioner for a four-year term today, June 16, as Correctional Service Minister Joe Kuli called for unity, institutional stability and a stronger focus on prisoner rehabilitation ahead of the 2027 National General Election.The appointment ends a two-year period of acting leadership under Inspector Bernard Nepo and places Sarei at the helm of one of the country's key law and justice institutions, with a mandate to strengthen rehabilitation programs, improve staff capacity and address long-standing infrastructure challenges across correctional facilities nationwide.In a notable development, Sarei's appointment is also the first Correctional Service Commissioner appointment to be endorsed through the National Executive Council (NEC), highlighting the Government's direct involvement in shaping the future leadership of the organisation.Speaking during his acceptance address, Commissioner Sarei said he was humbled by the appointment and committed to advancing reforms within the service."It is a great honor to be appointed as Commissioner of Papua New Guinea Correctional Service, and on behalf of my family and my people of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, I accept this mandate with the greatest humility."Sarei acknowledged that many correctional facilities throughout the country continue to face significant challenges, including aging infrastructure, staff welfare concerns, and limited rehabilitation opportunities for inmates.He said his administration would prioritise reforms aimed at improving prisoner rehabilitation and preparing inmates for successful reintegration into society."My administration will focus mostly on improving the rehabilitation aspect of correctional service practices."Sarei said his leadership would also focus on strengthening staff capacity, enhancing professional standards and developing prison industries that can contribute towards a more self-sustaining correctional system.The incoming Commissioner's vision was strongly backed by outgoing Acting Commissioner Bernard Nepo, who served in the role for the past two years and used the occasion to urge officers throughout the country to unite behind the new leadership.Nepo said the organisation had made significant progress during his tenure despite operational challenges and limited resources and stressed that continued unity would be essential moving forward."I want us to work together under the leadership of the new Commissioner.""We will stand as a united force."He pledged his full support to Commissioner Sarei and called on correctional officers at all levels of the organization to do the same."If you want our support, I tell you, we will comply and we are ready to support you."Nepo also cautioned officers against using social media platforms to undermine the organization or its leadership, saying internal matters should be dealt with through proper channels."No CS officer should be going to Facebook and bringing down the name of the Commissioner."Meanwhile, Minister Joe Kuli delivered a broader message on national service and institutional continuity, reminding officers that governments and political leaders may change, but public servants remain responsible for delivering services to the people.With the country moving towards the 2027 National General Election, Kuli said officers must remain focused on their responsibilities regardless of future political developments."Country bai move."He said ministers, members of parliament and governments would eventually come and go, but the responsibility of implementing government policies and maintaining public services remained with the nation's public servants."Public servants are the ones implementing government policies.""People will come and go, governments will come and go, but the country must continue."Kuli said the Correctional Service plays a critical role in maintaining public safety and supporting national development, urging officers across the country's correctional institutions to remain committed to their duties and support the organisation's new leadership."Unity must be maintained throughout the organization."The Minister said Sarei's four-year appointment provides important leadership continuity for the Correctional Service at a time when the organisation is seeking to strengthen rehabilitation programs, improve correctional infrastructure and enhance service delivery nationwide.As the Correctional Service marks 50 years of service, leaders say the focus now shifts to building a more professional, united and rehabilitation-focused institution capable of meeting the demands of the future while continuing to serve the nation beyond political and leadership transitions.

De La Salle Secondary School has often found itself at the centre of public criticism whenever incidents involving students from all-boys schools’ surface on social media.But according to Principal Ms. Annette Ingirin, the school refuses to allow negative perceptions to define its identity and instead uses criticism as motivation to improve. Speaking with PNG Haus Bung during the De La Salle Reunion and Meet-and-Greet on Saturday, June 13, Ms. Ingirin said negativity can either become a stumbling block or a steppingstone. "Negativity can be viewed in two ways," she said. "You can allow it to strengthen you and help you move forward, or you can allow it to destroy you. Any negativity directed at our school, we step on it, look for the positive in it, and continue moving forward." Ms. Ingirin said the school has made significant progress in student discipline over the years and should not be judged solely on isolated incidents that often gain attention online. "You can attest to that. We don't have many fights anymore, and we are better," she said. She said the school's reputation should also be measured by the thousands of students who have gone on to make meaningful contributions to the country. From political leaders and senior public servants to doctors, educators and business professionals, Ms. Ingirin said many distinguished country men began their journey at De La Salle. "When you look around and see how many prominent people have come through this school, you'll realize we're not that bad," she said. Ms. Ingirin also challenged what she described as a tendency for people to quickly associate negative behavior with the school because of its status as an all-boys school. "People automatically assume that because we are a boys' school, any negative behavior must be connected to De La Salle," she said. Her comments came as former students from different generations gathered to celebrate the school's history, achievements and contribution to the nation during the reunion event. While acknowledging that challenges exist, Ms. Ingirin said the school's focus remains on building better young men and continuing to improve rather than dwelling on criticism. For De La Salle, she said, the true measure of the school lies not in the negative headlines that occasionally emerge, but in the generations of leaders, professionals and citizens who have passed through its gates.

Seven years after leaving school and becoming a young mother, 25-year-old Doris Joe is celebrating a milestone that few small business owners achieve.She has secured a retail partnership with City Pharmacy and placing her products on the shelves of one of Papua New Guinea’s largest retail networks.As the founder of Doris’s Neem Products- an SME hair and skincare brand built from locally sourced neem and coconut, she has transformed what began as a personal hobby into a growing business now entering the mainstream retail market.The official in-store launch on Friday, June 12, marks a major breakthrough for the young entrepreneur whose products have until now been sold primarily through social media, word of mouth and a network of independent agents.For Doris, the business began with a simple observation, with a common question she keeps getting from her friends “My friends use to ask me what I use on my hair and skin in which I would normally answer them to buy hair, food and other products, but they always came back asking me how to use them.”Then from those repeated questions, sparked an idea “So why not I create the products myself and show them how to use it and they can buy it from me.”That is exactly how it started for Doris- a hobby that soon evolved into a business venture.Today, Doris’s Neem Products manufactures a range of hair and skincare products using ingredients sourced within PNG, while also supporting local suppliers through the use of locally sourced production materials.The journey, however, was far from straightforward. Born in Enga Province, Doris completed Grade 8 at Boreboa Primary school before attending Gerehu Secondary School. In 2019, she withdrew from Grade 11 after losing interest in her studies and struggling to stay focused on her education.“I felt disappointed when they put me into that class, so I withdrew myself because I lost focus and started misbehaving.”A year later, she became a mother. While many of her former peers were pursuing higher education, Doris found herself on a completely different path.“While my classmates were being selected to colleges and university, I challenged myself to do something worthy that would give me money.”Determined to improve her knowledge, she later enrolled in business courses through Pacifund using her own savings.“That is where I improved my business management skills.”On August 22, 2022, she formally registered Doris’s Neem Products and began laying the foundation for commercial production.Since then, the business has steadily grown and now culminating in a partnership with City Pharmacy Retail, which has selected Doris's Neem Products as one of its local SME brands for retail distribution.Speaking during the launch, Doris thanked CPL Group for supporting local entrepreneurs and creating opportunities for small businesses to grow.She also encouraged young Papua New Guineans not to allow setbacks to define their future.“You can have a lot of things going around, but you must focus on your hobby and give it more time.”“I am a mother, but I never let that stop me from putting time into my hobby. Now look how it turned out.”While many of her former classmates have gone on to higher education and employment, Doris says her next goal is to create opportunities for others.“It is now my dream to employ about 100 educated youths into my company, hopefully next year and beyond.”Despite her success in business, Doris says her own learning journey is far from over.“We are learning every single day, and I want to go back to school and learn more. Education stops when we die!”The partnership represents more than a product launch. It highlights the growing role of local SMEs in PNG’s economy and demonstrates how determination, self-investmentand persistence can create opportunities beyond the classroom.Seven years after leaving school, Doris Joe is no longer wondering what will come next.As her products move from home production to retail shelves across the country, she is already looking beyond her own success, dreaming of employing 100 young Papua New Guineans while continuing her own education journey.For a young mother who once walked away from school uncertain of her future, the next chapter may be even bigger than the first.

The aviation future of Mt Hagen’s Kagamuga Airport has entered a decisive construction phase, with major runway works commencing on June 4 as Papua New Guinea accelerates plans to position Mt Hagen and the Highlands region as a key agricultural export hub for Asia-Pacific markets.At the centre of that national direction, Civil Aviation Safety Authority Director Benedict Oraka said Kagamuga is being strategically positioned as a critical node in Papua New Guinea’s long-term aviation and export framework.Speaking during the CIMC Transport and Infrastructure Sectoral Committee meeting on June 3, Oraka said airport upgrades nationwide are designed to reshape the country’s aviation capacity, reduce congestion, improve aircraft handling capability, and support a shift toward larger fleet operations such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A220.“Mt Hagen has the potential to become a major agricultural export hub for the Asian market. We should target markets such as Indonesia, India and China. If we grow the Highlands as an agricultural basket, we can increase production, expand exports and generate revenue that is not presently there,” Oraka said.“For Kagamuga and other airports, the direction is clear—to build capacity that can safely handle bigger aircraft and growing cargo demand,” Oraka noted during the briefing.The comments come as Kagamuga Airport undergoes a K39.4 million runway upgrade that is now transitioning from planning into active construction. The project is backed by a delivery schedule running through to December 2026 and is designed to align airport capacity with rising freight demand from the Highlands’ agricultural production zones.National Airports Corporation (NAC) confirmed that runway pavement repairs at Mt Hagen (Kagamuga) Airport commenced on June 4 and are expected to take approximately nine months to complete, weather permitting. The works are considered essential to enabling safe operations for heavier aircraft types, including the Airbus A220 and Boeing 737.The upgrade was officially launched on April 28, 2026, in Mt Hagen, Western Highlands Province, by Civil Aviation Minister Wake Goi and Western Highlands Governor Wai Rapa.National Airports Corporation Acting Managing Director Dominic Kaumu said the runway works are essential to meet rising aviation demand and enable safe operations for newer aircraft types.He confirmed that contractors have already been mobilised, with the project timeline aligned to national aviation expansion targets and peak travel periods expected in 2026.According to Kaumu, the works will be carried out on the central 18-metre portion of the runway, including turning nodes and Taxiway B, and will involve asphalt overlay, runway grooving, new pavement markings, aircraft parking bay improvements and drainage upgrades.Kaumu emphasized that all works will be executed under strict safety and operational standards to ensure continued airport functionality during the construction period.Western Highlands Governor Wai Rapa described Kagamuga Airport as one of the most important economic gateways in the Highlands region, handling high passenger volumes and placing increasing pressure on existing infrastructure.He called for strict quality control in construction delivery and urged community cooperation to ensure the project is protected and completed to a high standard.Civil Aviation Minister Wake Goi said the upgrade is part of the broader Civil Aviation Development Investment Program Phase Three (CADIP III), which will continue rolling out additional runway and terminal improvements from 2028 onwards.He also outlined complementary measures aimed at modernising the airport environment, including the relocation of informal markets and tighter regulation of trade activities around the terminal precinct.With works now officially underway, Kagamuga Airport stands at the centre of Papua New Guinea’s aviation reset—reframing the Highlands from a domestic regional hub into a strategic export corridor designed to move agricultural produce into fast-growing Asian markets.