When one thinks of Daru in the Western province of Papua New Guinea (PNG), it's usually a small town which sometimes lack the basic essential services that is needed for progress and development, but this little island town has potential that’s worth looking at it closer with a magnifying glass. This was revealed recently by the Governor for Western province Taboi Awi Yoto at the launching of a new National Fisheries Authority (NFA) state of the art Surveillance Center in Daru town on the 6th of January. He said the province shares two international borders, one with Indonesia and one with Australia. This also places Daru as a strategic location in the province and the country. Being that the good governor wants the province to be one of the provinces that draws investments in all sectors. “When Daru is good, we can be the gateway to Asia and gateway to Australia, and we can provide the gateway for people to travel, exchange our culture, trade and business so we can attract foreign direct investment into Daru, and it can have a ripple effect in the nation,” said Governor Awi Yoto. But, for that to be, Governor Awi Yoto says there needs to be improvements to the services in Daru. He said there is still lots of issues that needs addressing and fixing. One being the power supply issues and the lack of a proper sewage system. Roads and vital economic infrastructure are some of the things need fixing. Meanwhile, Prime Minister James Marape, when it was his time to speak at the event, assured the governor that the town’s development is part of the National Government agenda for 2026 and it shall be done going forward. Daru, historically served as an administrative and trading post for the colonial government. It was a gateway to the vast wilderness of the Western Province and offers access to the Fly River, a major waterway and tourist attraction. These days the town faces challenges related to infrastructure and economic development, but it remains a vital hub for the region.

Prime Minister James Marape is adamant in getting rid of illegal guns that are being used by criminal elements especially in the Highlands region to harm innocent people and create chaos in communities.The prime minister said his government means business and announced yesterday (Wednesday 14th January) that by further addressing this matter, a national gun amnesty and a buyback scheme will be introduced by his Cabinet. He said by working with the new Police Minister, Sir John Pundari, the government will ensure security forces including Kumul 23, closely pursue those who possess all types of illegal firearms, and those who supply and smuggle them into communities. “First things first, extract guns. Under his (Police Minister) watch, we will be calling for an amnesty period,” said the prime minister. “These guns, most of them were paid for by others outside these tribal conflicts, passed them onto young men holding these guns.” Marape said the young men in affected communities have the potential to do much more in bringing peace and participate in development in their areas. But, holding onto these guns and waging tribal war and committing crime, is taking them away from the good things in life. Having said that, Marape said its time to move and put an end to the issue of illegal guns in communities. He also warned that should anyone still holding onto illegal arms after the amnesty period, Kumul 23 will be coming after them. Meanwhile, the prime minister confirmed that the recent Wapenamenda operation in the Enga province, represented only part of the planned security response. “What you saw in Wapenamenda was not the full deployment of Kumul 23. This operation will continue and expand into all hotspots across the country.”He said Government was determined to end the gun culture that has taken hold in parts of Enga, Hela, Southern Highlands and Western Highlands, as well as other areas.“Only the State must carry guns — not criminals,” Prime Minister Marape said.

Sir John Pundari has been given perhaps the biggest task of dealing with the issues of illegal firearms, tribal conflict and crime when he was appointed as the new Police and National Security Minister in Prime Minister (PM) James Marape’s recent cabinet reshuffle and new ministerial portfolio appointments.PM James Marape announced this morning that the Member for Kombiam- Ambun in the Enga province, has been tasked to take decisive acting to deal with the pressing issues right now in the Highlands region with the movement of illegal guns, criminal elements and hired gunmen being engaged in tribal conflicts. The new minister has experience in such issues in his own electorate which the PM says puts him in a good position to deal with this matter. Marape said Sir Pundari is the longest serving Member of Parliament (MP), having first election into office in 1992 and continuing to be re- elected to office since then, marking now 33 years in politics. “He has enough retrospective experience,” said the PM. “Also, coming from a province that is rife with guns, rife with tribal fights, rife with lots of criminal activities, we felt that let me him take this problem that is happening up in the highlands.” Also, the PM announced Tewai-Siassi MP Dr Kobby Bomareo as the new Housing Minister and Menyamya MP Solen Loifa as the new Mining Minister. All three MPs were sworn in yesterday as ministers by the Governor General at Government House in Port Moresby city. Meanwhile, Peter Tsiamalili Jnr, the former Police Minister, is now the new Works and Highways Minister, taking up the role following the recent passing of the former Minister, Solan Mirisim.

The public will soon see an increase the fares for public transportation for both taxis and Public Motor Vehicles (PMVs) across Papua New Guinea (PNG) in 2026.According to Independent Consumer and Competition Commission (ICCC), the PMV fares will see an increase of 20%, which is a 20toea increase on the current rate, while taxis will see a 16% increase this year, which is a 16toea increase. These rates come under a total of 60% and 40% increases for PMVs and Taxis respectively, spread across the 2026 to 2030 regulation period. The ICCC explained that within the first three years of the regulation period, from 2026 to 2028, the PMV fares will increase by 20% each year leading to a total of 60%, while for taxis, the changes will be 16% increase in 2026, 14% increase in 2027 and 10% increase in 2028. This is a total of 40%. The next phase of rates for the remaining two years before the end of 2030, will be established by the ICCC after a review following the first three years of the five-year regulation period of 2026 to 2030. The ICCC Acting Chief Executive Officer and Associate Commissioner (Resident), Mr. Jack Timi, in an earlier statement released by the Commission, stated that in addition to this upfront increase, fares will be subject to annual adjustments linked to changes in fuel prices and the Underlying Consumer Price Index (CPI). “The ICCC has proposed that a 60% weighting in the adjustment formulae will be allocated to fuel reflecting its dominant share in operator costs, particularly PMVs, while the CPI component will represent 40% of the adjusted fares, capturing broader cost drivers.” Meanwhile, the new rates are not effective as yet. According to the ICCC, the new increases will come into effect once it is gazetted by the National Government, and it is hoped that this will take place by the end this week.

As Papua New Guinea (PNG) welcomes the New Year, the residents of Port Moresby city have been urged to reflect on 2025 and embrace 2026 going forward to ensure prosperity in their community and the city.NCD Governor Powes Parkop, who gave his keynote address at the New Year’s Eve Fireworks show at the Ela Beach, told the people gathered there that 2026 is a time to reset, rethink and re- strategize. He said 2025 marked a significant time for PNG with the 50th Independence Anniversary but now, PNG is at a transition point this New Year because 2026 marks the start of the next 50 years of PNG, where it is at this stage that people dig deep, reflect and progress in terms working together to continue the developments in the nation’s capital city. “We can lookback, look at how we have come, look at our successes, look at our failures too, look at our under achievements or the lack of achievements. Look at all of the lessons, how we could have done better and all that we have come through in the last 50 years,” said Governor Parkop. “The decision that we make, the actions that we take will define the next 50 years, whether it gets better or will it be the same as the last 50 years?” The good Governor then thanked his team at the National Capital District Commission, the government and the communities in the city that have worked in collaboration with his office last year and urged them continued this good work in 2026. Meanwhile, the event at Ela Beach was the highlight of the night, topping off a relatively quiet night leading up to the New Year. A look around the city saw less number of vehicles on the main roads and also no police check points at the usual spots, indicating that there was no need for police roadblocks as the people were in their best behavior.

The Papua New Guinea (PNG) Correctional Services (CS) has confirmed that there was no breakout whatsoever at the Bomana CS facility outside Port Moresby city this morning.The CS Deputy Commissioner Operations, David Suagu confirmed this to clear the air following some reports circulating on social media today stating that a prison breakout occurred this morning. Apparently, due to the water shortage issue faced in Port Moresby city and parts of Central province, the inmates became frustrated because there was no water running on the taps in the prison facility for them to use in the showers and restrooms. The CS officers had to let the inmates out to the recreational area in the prison facility when they started showing their frustration on the water shortage that things became a bit rowdy in the courtyard. This then led to the CS officers sounding off the main siren at the prison facility as a means to regain order. Order was later restored. Meanwhile, the CS is concerned regarding the misleading information that has gone out and circulated on social media and urge the public to confirm facts first before putting out sensitive contents on social media that could stir up panic or violence in the community.

The surveillance of the waters and marine resources of Papua New Guinea (PNG) has been elevated close to the level of both Australia and New Zealand with the introduction of new vessels equipped with state-of-the-art surveillance technologies including drone capabilities.The Managing Director of the National Fisheries Authority (NFA) Mr. Justin Ilakini said the introduction of these facilities have lifted the capability of the NFA to provide an effective work in protecting PNG waters and the marine resources from illegal fishing and unregulated fishing.The NFA just last week welcomed two new vessels with two more on the way of which one will be handed over the Autonomous Bougainville Government. These vessels Mr. Ilakini says will do an enormous job in improving surveillance of PNG's Exclusive Economic Zone which is quite large. “We just going to grow from strength to strength from here knowing that without protection, the future will be uncertain. So, we will start building our resources, start building our assets to work with our bilateral, multilateral, even our partners in the national level, to secure our future, to secure our resources for our people for the future,” said the NFA Managing Director. PNG’s Exclusive Economic Zone in one of the biggest in the region, almost 3 million square kilometers. This poses a challenge to surveillance, but Mr. Ilakini says otherwise with the new equipment and facilities NFA now has. “With these assets, I am glad to announce that we’ll be able to cover at least fifty percent (50%) to sixty percent (60%) coverage of our entire Exclusive Economic Zone.” The NFA would achieve this by using its surveillance facilities to work alongside the police, defence force and security partners to address not only illegal and unregulated fishing, but counter transnational crimes within PNG’s jurisdiction.

The recent flight disruptions and the frustrations caused by them should be a thing of the past going forward now that the national airline- Air Niugini, is rapidly re-fleeting its aging fleet of aircrafts.Today saw the third new Airbus A220- 300 touch down in Port Moresby city much to the excitement and relief of Air Niugini and its major shareholder- the government. Minister for State Enterprises William Duma laid it out straight in his keynote address, stating that there is much work to do in lifting the service provided to passengers and with the latest arrival, there should be no excuse but to deliver to the people with airline services. He said the new A 220- 300 came into service at a time where there is a big need for more aircrafts to be able to continue to cater for the ever-growing demands from the people of Papua New Guinea (PNG). “We’ve all seen the challenges faced by our airline in the last two days. When several aircrafts became unserviceable all at the same time, it just simply caused serious disruptions,” said the good minister. Duma said this leads to passenger frustrations, which then leads to Air Niugini staff also being frustrated. However, this re- fleeting is addressing this matter, and it is fully expected that 2026 onwards, the Air Niugini fleet should be in a very good position to once again deliver the best airline service to passengers. Meanwhile, Air Niugini will commence commercial flights using its brand-new Airbus A220-300 aircraft to Tokua Airport, Rabaul tomorrow, Friday 19 December. This milestone service marks another important step in the airline’s fleet modernization program and demonstrates Air Niugini’s commitment to improving connectivity and travel experience for Papua New Guineans, particularly during the busy Christmas travel period. The operation of the Airbus A220-300 to Tokua follows approval and operational clearance by the National Airports Corporation (NAC), allowing Air Niugini to deploy the aircraft to assist with peak seasonal demand, passenger backlogs and increased travel across the domestic network. Air Niugini also acknowledges NAC’s support and collaboration in facilitating this important service at a time when many families are travelling to reunite with loved ones for Christmas.

The National Fisheries Authority (NFA) is now in a better position to carryout surveillance of Papua New Guinea (PNG) waters with the addition of several new vessels to boost its operations.Of these new vessels, the initial two which are MV Vanimo and MV Ilakini, were commissioned on the evening of Tuesday 16th December at port in the city of Port Moresby. The NFA Managing Director Mr. Justin Ilakini, whom one of the new vessels was name after, told dignitaries, government officials and partners that the event marks a significant milestone in the collective effort to strengthen fisheries coverage, protecting PNG’s sovereign waters and safeguarding PNG’s marine resources. “Your presence here reflects the shared commitment we all hold together combating illegal, unreported, unregulated fishing, and to ensure that our fisheries continue to support livelihoods, food security and national development,” said Mr. Ilakini. He also thanked partners who have worked alongside the NFA and the PNG Government to enable better surveillance of PNG marine resources. “Your continued cooperation and partnership remain critical to the success of the fisheries management and maritime surveillance efforts.” The management director said the commissioning underscores a broader long-term commitment by the National Government to invest in maritime capabilities and interagency collaboration. PNG Fisheries Minister Jelta Wong echoed the words of the NFA boss, further elaborating on the focus of the government in the fisheries sector. “The commissioning of these fisheries patrol vessels reflects the government’s firm control, commitment to protecting our sovereign waters, advancing maritime safety, security and ensuring that our fisheries continue to contribute meaningfully to national development,” said Minister Wong. Meanwhile, two more vessels are expected to join the fleet soon, of which one (MV Buka) will be given to the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) to support their fisheries surveillance efforts as well.

The National Fisheries Authority (NFA) presented two separate cheques to the Autonomous Bougainvillea Government (ABG) and the Manus provincial government to support their coastal fisheries project. On afternoon of Monday 15th December, the team from the ABG led by the Minister for Fisheries, Marine Resources and Climate Change, Amanda Masono, were at the NFA office boardroom to receive the check of K5million from the Papua New Guinea (PNG) Fisheries Minister Jelta Wong, who assured the team of the continued NFA support in this area. “It’s an obligation that we have to do, a grant that we are giving back,” said Minister Wong. “I’m very happy that we have this grant to give because I can see that under the leadership of our new minister for fisheries for the ABG, I think we can go a long way.” Going forward, Minister Wong also said the NFA and the ABG must fast track some of the work together to ensure that in the future the licensing of coastal products go back to the ABG. ABG Minister Masono thanked her counterpart and said going forward, there will be some changes taking place to ensure the effective implementation of the coastal fisheries projects with the use of the grants. She said previously, funds that were given didn’t fully support the projects due to the absence of proper systems or mechanisms in place to invest in their priorities in coastal fisheries. “We will begin by reviewing the Bougainville Fisheries Management Act and look at getting the right legal framework in place to ensure that we have the right mechanisms, systems and processes to really invest on the coastal fisheries. “We are prioritizing seaweed farming and also establishing sea cucumber hatcheries.” She said these are programs they want to invest in to sustain the people on ground and also contribute to the internal revenue of Bougainville. Meanwhile, Minister Wong also presented K6million cheque to Manus Governor, Charlie Benjamin that same afternoon right after the meeting with the team from ABG. The K6million is an instalment of a K30million for the Manus provincial government to support coastal fisheries and other major fisheries projects and programs planned for the province.

This afternoon at the APEC Terminal at 7 Mile in Port Moresby city the second Air Niugini Airbus A220- 300 touched down at 2PM, heralding the rapid progress in the re-fleeting exercise of the national airline.  A proud moment for the Air Niugini management and the Government with the Minister for State Enterprises William Duma watching on with pride as the latest addition rolled in through the traditional water salute courtesy of two National Airport Corporation (NAC) Fire and Rescue trucks. Air Niugini Board Chairman Mr. Karl Yalo said the introduction of the latest Airbus A220 is going to improve Air Niugini's services to passengers. He said with the new fleet up and running, issues like flight disruptions will soon be a thing of the past, but perhaps what is significant of them all is safety, which he said Air Niugini prioritizes on. “In recent months, many of you my fellow Papua New Guineans experienced delays, cancellations and last-minute changes. Families have missed important events, businesses have lost opportunities and people have struggled to reach schools, workplaces and hospitals,” said the Chairman. "To all our customers, I want to say clearly that we’ve heard your frustrations and your anger. We acknowledged the inconvenience, the stress and financial hardship you have faced.” “Through all of these, one principle is nonnegotiable, and that is safety,” said Mr. Yalo, stressing that Air Niugini would not hinder safety no matter what. He then said the disruptions are due to the long-term structural problems and aging fleet, years of under investment, constraints and pressure on parts and maintenance. However, thanks to the National Government and Kumul Consolidated Holdings (KCH), these matters are being addressed with the arrival of the new aircrafts and more.Air Niugini is receiving in total eleven (11) new Airbus A220- 300 aircrafts. The first one arrived on the eve of the 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations on September 15th and today the second one has arrived all the way from Canada to Honolulu (Hawaii), Fiji and eventually Port Moresby city.

The recent opening of Luluai (Gerehu) Limited not only marks a change to the business landscape in Gerehu, but it also marks the opportunity for employment for the young people of the notorious Port Moresby suburb.Luluai Gerehu Limited Assistant General Manager Ms. Delmae Haru said the new establishment is bigger than their other establishment and as such, would require a good number of people to staff the various departments. Speaking to PNG HAUSBUNG, she said to fill in this demand, most of the stuff recruited were from the Gerehu suburb. “We need about over a hundred employees in all departments like gaming, restaurant, kitchen, the bar, and security. So, we thought that opening here, we give priority to people around here. So, all our staff working here are living in Gerehu from stage one to seven.” This she added that it also ensures that the residents here take ownership of this new establishment. “Generally, we have good people here and they go all the way out to town to look for social activity or night life, so, that’s why we decided we might as well put one here,” she said. “It’s something for them to be proud of because yes, we are running a business, but it’s for the people of Gerehu.” The new Luluai Gerehu branch opened its doors to the public on Thursday 20th November 2025, much to the excitement of the residents.