TISA Bank Limited has entered into a Strategic Referral Partnership Agreement with Toyota Tsusho (PNG) Limited to provide vehicle financing options to Toyota customers.Under the agreement, customers purchasing Toyota vehicles and other eligible products can be referred to TISA Bank through Toyota Tsusho PNG dealerships and sales channels.TISA Bank Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Luke Kaul said the partnership will strengthen access to financing for customers seeking to purchase vehicles.Mr. Kaul said the agreement combines TISA Bank's financing solutions with Toyota's established dealership network.Toyota Tsusho PNG and Ela Motors CEO, Masaru Mikami, said the arrangement will provide customers with a more convenient pathway to financing when purchasing vehicles.The partnership also includes staff training, customer support, reporting, and joint marketing activities between the two organisations.The companies expect the referral arrangement to strengthen cooperation between TISA Bank and Toyota Tsusho PNG, while supporting growth in vehicle financing.

TISA Insurance Group has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Toyota Tsusho (PNG) Limited to strengthen insurance support for customers purchasing vehicles through the Toyota network.The agreement is designed to bring insurance services closer to the vehicle purchasing process, giving customers a more streamlined way to protect their vehicles after purchase.Speaking at the MOU signing, TISA Insurance Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jeremy Norton said the partnership brings together three important elements of vehicle ownership — the vehicle, financing and insurance.Mr. Norton said the arrangement will make it easier for customers to access these services through established brands.“We want to make it easy for people, and people should be able to access those things all in one place at the same time,” Mr. Norton said.He said the partnership also reflects the importance of building long-term business relationships that deliver value to customers and the companies involved.Mr. Norton highlighted the longstanding presence of both the Toyota and TISA brands in Papua New Guinea, saying they have built strong relationships and trust within communities.The MOU will complement vehicle financing options available through TISA Bank, while expanding the insurance support available to Toyota customers.

Ela Motors has introduced the Toyota Land Cruiser 300 petrol hybrid electric vehicle to its lineup, offering customers increased power and torque alongside hybrid technology.Ela Motors Chief Operating Officer Denzel Robertson said the Land Cruiser 300 is powered by a 3.5-litre twin-turbo petrol hybrid engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.He said the vehicle delivers 340 kilowatts of power and 790 Newton metres of torque.According to Mr. Robertson, the new hybrid powertrain, represents a significant increase in performance, with 52 percent more power and 13 percent more torque than the previous model.He said the Land Cruiser 300 also features electric valve steering and a large-capacity dual fuel tank, supporting longer-distance travel.Mr. Robertson said while the ninth-generation Toyota Hilux was the focus of the day's launch, Ela Motors was also proud to showcase the Land Cruiser 300 hybrid as one of the latest hybrid vehicles to join its lineup.He invited guests attending the Hilux launch to view the Land Cruiser 300 and experience its features.The introduction of the hybrid Land Cruiser adds another electrified vehicle option to Ela Motors' Toyota range in Papua New Guinea, combining high-performance capability with hybrid technology.

Ela Motors has reflected on its more than six-decade journey in Papua New Guinea as the company marked another milestone with the official unveiling of the ninth-generation Toyota Hilux.Speaking at the launch, Ela Motors Chief Executive Officer Masaru Mikami said the company’s history in Papua New Guinea dates back to 1963, when it began providing mobility solutions before the country’s Independence.Mr. Mikami said Ela Motors started from humble beginnings with a commitment to bringing reliable transport and mobility solutions to Papua New Guineans.“Over the decades, the company has grown alongside the country and established itself as a major player in Papua New Guinea's automotive and mobility industry.”Mr. Mikami said the company’s growth has been driven by innovation, reliability, and long-term partnerships with customers, communities, and stakeholders.He said mobility has always been an important part of human development, allowing people to travel, connect, conduct business and access opportunities.He highlighted that connection between mobility and development remains central to the company’s approach; thus, the latest Toyota Hilux represents another stage in Ela Motors’ journey of introducing new technology and mobility solutions to Papua New Guinea.Chief Operating Officer Denze Robertson echoed these sentiments, attesting to the important role that Hilux has played in Papua New Guinea over the years, serving a wide range of customers and industries.He added that the vehicle has proven its reliability across different environments, from the streets of Port Moresby to some of the country’s most challenging provincial terrain.The Hilux has also become widely used in construction, mining, business operations, commercial fleets and by families and individuals.Mr. Robertson said this widespread use demonstrates the importance of vehicles that can adapt to Papua New Guinea's diverse operating conditions. “The ninth-generation Hilux has been developed with greater performance, technology, safety and comfort while continuing Toyota's long-standing focus on quality, durability and reliability.”Mr. Robertson further stated that the vehicle range caters for different customer needs, from the hard-working single-cab designed for commercial applications to higher-spec models aimed at customers seeking greater comfort, technology, and off-road capability.According to Mr. Mikami, the launch is not only about the introduction of a new vehicle but also reflects the continued evolution of the mobility sector.As Papua New Guinea continues to develop, demand for reliable transport remains important for businesses, communities and individuals.Therefore, Ela Motors intends to continue adapting to those changing demands by combining its experience in the country with innovation and new automotive technology.The company will remain focused on providing reliable mobility solutions while strengthening its partnerships with Papua New Guineans and supporting the country’s development.

Ela Motors has reflected on its more than six-decades of journey in Papua New Guinea, as the company marked another milestone with the official unveiling of the ninth-generation Toyota Hilux.Speaking at the launch, Ela Motors CEO Masaru Mikami said the company's history in Papua New Guinea dates back to 1963, when it began providing mobility solutions before the country's Independence.Mr. Mikami said Ela Motors started from humble beginnings with a commitment to bringing reliable transport and mobility solutions to Papua New Guineans.Over the decades, the company has grown alongside the country and established itself as a major player in Papua New Guinea's automotive and mobility industry.Mr. Mikami said the company's growth has been driven by innovation, reliability and long-term partnerships with customers, communities and stakeholders.He said mobility has always been an important part of human development, allowing people to travel, connect, conduct business and access opportunities.That connection between mobility and development, he said, remains central to the company's approach.The latest Toyota Hilux, Mr. Mikami said, represents another stage in Ela Motors' journey of introducing new technology and mobility solutions to Papua New Guinea.Chief Operating Officer Denzel Robertson said the Hilux itself has played an important role in Papua New Guinea over the years, serving a wide range of customers and industries.He said the vehicle has proven its reliability across different environments, from the streets of Port Moresby to some of the country's most challenging provincial terrain.The Hilux has also become widely used in construction, mining, business operations, commercial fleets and by families and individuals.Mr. Robertson said this widespread use demonstrates the importance of vehicles that can adapt to Papua New Guinea's diverse operating conditions.The ninth-generation Hilux has been developed with greater performance, technology, safety and comfort while continuing Toyota's long-standing focus on quality, durability and reliability.Mr. Robertson said the vehicle range caters for different customer needs, from the hard-working single-cab designed for commercial applications to higher-spec models aimed at customers seeking greater comfort, technology and off-road capability.The launch, Mr. Mikami said, is not only about the introduction of a new vehicle but also reflects the continued evolution of the mobility sector.As Papua New Guinea continues to develop, demand for reliable transport remains important for businesses, communities and individuals.Mr. Mikami said Ela Motors intends to continue adapting to those changing demands by combining its experience in the country with innovation and new automotive technology.The company says its focus will remain on providing reliable mobility solutions while strengthening its partnerships with Papua New Guineans and supporting the country's development.

The 1st Royal Pacific Islands Regiment (1RPIR) has carried out a community cleanathon as part of an initiative by its Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Eddie Jarope.The activity focused on promoting community engagement and improving cleanliness across areas surrounding Taurama Barracks, including Manu Auto Port, Vadavada and Funky.The initiative also aims to promote hygiene, food and water security and preventive health practices while strengthening cooperation between the military and nearby communities.The cleanathon forms part of 1RPIR’s broader commitment to supporting healthier and cleaner communities.

Ela Motors has officially unveiled the ninth-generation Toyota Hilux in Papua New Guinea, introducing a new model that combines greater capability, technology, comfort and safety while maintaining the toughness the vehicle is known for.The new Hilux was revealed at an official launch attended by distinguished guests, business partners, stakeholders, members of the media, and Toyota customers.Ela Motors Chief Operating Officer Denzel Robertson said the Hilux has earned a legendary reputation both globally and in Papua New Guinea, where it has become a familiar sight in urban centres, rural communities, construction sites, mining operations, businesses and family settings.Mr. Robertson said the vehicle has consistently proven its ability to perform in demanding conditions.“From the bustling streets of Port Moresby to the challenging terrains of our provinces, from construction sites and mining operations to family adventures and business fleets, the Hilux has consistently proven that it is built to perform where others cannot,” he said.He said the ninth generation represents the next evolution of that legacy, delivering greater capability and capacity, alongside improvements in comfort, technology and safety.Under the bonnet, the new Hilux range is powered by Toyota's 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, designed to deliver performance, durability and fuel efficiency.According to Mr. Robertson, the higher-spec models produce up to 150 kilowatts of power and 500 Newton metres of torque, providing strong acceleration, towing capability and low-speed off-road performance.The single-cab and entry-level variants also offer strong torque for commercial and work-related applications.Mr. Robertson said the vehicle's off-road capability has also been strengthened through Toyota's four-wheel-drive system and advanced driver assistance technology.Selected models feature Multi-Terrain Select, Downhill Assist Control, and a differential lock, providing drivers with greater control and confidence in demanding environments.The vehicle is also supported by an advanced suspension system designed to balance ride comfort, load-carrying strength, durability, and off-road performance.Safety remains a key feature across the new Hilux range, with standard braking technologies including anti-lock brakes, brake assist and electronic brake-force distribution.Depending on the model, customers can also access a range of safety features including multiple airbags, seatbelt pre-tensioners, child restraint anchoring points, immobilisers, intrusion sensors and alarm systems.Inside, the ninth- generation Hilux has been designed to meet modern customer expectations, offering multimedia displays, USB-C connectivity, voice recognition, wireless charging, cruise control, and reverse cameras.The flagship Extreme model offers additional premium features, including leather seating, dual-zone climate control, parking sensors, LED headlamps, and alloy wheels.Mr. Robertson said the new generation Hilux was designed around the practical needs of Papua New Guinean customers.“These are not simply specifications on a brochure,” he said.“They are features designed to help businesses work harder, families travel safer and adventurers explore further.”Ela Motors CEO Masaru Mikami said the new Hilux builds on decades of reliability and strength, while introducing modern enhancements in design, comfort, stability and control.He described the latest model as a new chapter in the Hilux story, combining driven toughness with modern technology.The ninth- generation Toyota Hilux is now officially part of Ela Motors' range in Papua New Guinea, offering customers a choice of variants ranging from work-focused single-cab models to more premium and adventure-oriented options.

PNG Power is stepping up efforts to reduce electricity theft and technical losses, with smart meters and improved monitoring systems being introduced to detect tampering and identify faults across the national power grid.PNG Power Chairman Mal Lewis said electricity losses are currently around 12 percent, with the figure made up of both power theft and technical losses.Lewis said theft includes illegal connections, tapping into power lines before meters and tampering with electricity meters, involving both individuals and businesses.He said the utility recently identified a company that had accumulated a debt of almost K30 million through electricity theft, but existing laws limited the amount PNG Power could recover.Lewis said the laws need to be reviewed to ensure those who steal electricity are held accountable, and the utility can recover losses incurred over longer periods.Meanwhile, Minister responsible for PNG Power, Richard Maru, said the company is looking at using technology to tackle electricity theft.Maru said smart meters will allow PNG Power to electronically monitor electricity use and identify customers who attempt to tamper with their meters or manipulate their power consumption.Lewis said smart meters are among several measures being pursued to reduce losses, alongside the use of drones to inspect power lines and identify potential equipment failures before they cause major outages.He said PNG Power also needs to improve the management and maintenance of its assets, noting that the lifespan of electrical components can vary significantly depending on where they are sourced.Lewis said PNG Power is looking at international examples, including Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and South Africa, to identify strategies that could help strengthen the country's electricity network.He said there is no single quick solution to PNG Power's challenges, but a combination of better technology, asset management, staff training and appropriate investment can gradually improve the reliability and financial sustainability of the utility.

The government has set a six-month target to reduce PNG Power Limited's electricity losses and improve the reliability of power supplied to households and businesses.Minister responsible for PNG Power, Richard Maru, says the utility currently loses about 26 percent of the electricity it generates through technical losses and electricity theft.He wants that figure to be reduced to below 10 percent.Maru says the high loss rate is one of the major problems affecting PNG Power's ability to provide reliable and affordable electricity.He has challenged the company's board and management to intensify efforts to stop illegal connections, electricity theft, and technical losses.The minister says PNG Power cannot continue operating with a quarter of its generated electricity effectively lost before it is sold.He has also linked the company's financial difficulties to the continuing blackouts experienced in Port Moresby and other parts of the country.Maru says PNG Power is struggling to purchase fuel and has been losing money through unpaid bills, technical losses, theft, independent power producer arrangements and loss-making service centres.He says addressing these problems is necessary if the country is to move away from its reputation for unreliable electricity.Maru says PNG has some of the most expensive electricity charges in the world and has described the country as the "blackout capital of the world."He believes this must change if PNG is to grow its industrial and manufacturing sectors.The minister points to Indonesia as an example of how access to cheaper electricity can support industrial development.He says electricity in Indonesia can cost about five US cents per kilowatt hour, compared with about 17 US cents in Australia and at least 20 US cents in PNG.Maru says the high cost of electricity puts PNG businesses at a disadvantage and limits the country's ability to develop downstream processing and manufacturing.He argues that PNG has relatively low labour costs and could become a major manufacturing hub if it can provide cheaper and more reliable electricity.Part of the government's response will involve changing how government departments pay for electricity.Maru says government agencies will no longer be allowed to accumulate electricity debt with PNG Power.Instead, departments will be required to use advanced metering infrastructure, allowing them to pay for electricity in advance.The measure is designed to improve PNG Power's cash flow and prevent government agencies from becoming major creditors.The government also intends to review the cost of electricity purchased from independent power producers.Maru says he will sit down with IPPs to examine their agreements and identify ways of reducing the price PNG Power pays for purchased electricity.At the generation end, the government wants the restructured PNG Power to invest in existing facilities and new sources of electricity.Maru says Rouna and Yonki need to be upgraded and operated at maximum capacity.He also wants PNG Power to develop more hydropower, solar, and wind projects to increase the availability of cheaper and cleaner electricity.The minister says greater generation capacity and lower technical losses would allow more of the electricity produced to reach consumers.He says PNG Power must also have sufficient revenue to maintain its infrastructure instead of repeatedly relying on government support.Maru has therefore linked the reduction of power losses to the broader restructuring of the company.He says the immediate challenge is to stop the financial and operational losses while building a power utility capable of supporting the country's economic growth.The government wants the six-month reform program to ultimately deliver more reliable electricity, reduce the cost of power, and create the conditions for industries to expand.Maru says reliable and affordable electricity is essential to improving the lives of Papua New Guineans and driving national economic growth.

The government has unveiled an ambitious six-month plan to rescue PNG Power Limited from insolvency, restructure the state-owned electricity company and prepare it for majority private-sector ownership.Minister responsible for PNG Power, Richard Maru, said the company is facing liabilities of more than K2 billion, including K1.2 billion owed to independent power producers and other creditors.Maru announced the plan during a press conference, describing it as one of the most important decisions he has made since taking responsibility for PNG Power.He said the company cannot be rescued through more government borrowing, after already accumulating about K2 billion in loans from its shareholder and the government.Instead, the proposed strategy will focus on operational discipline, restructuring PNG Power's balance sheet, and attracting fresh private capital.Maru said the government intends to submit a three-step proposal to Cabinet, with the overarching goal of delivering cheaper, reliable and sustainable electricity.A key part of the plan is addressing PNG Power's outstanding debts.The government owes PNG Power more than K200 million, and Maru said that debt must be settled before the government can expect other creditors to support a proposed court-sanctioned scheme of arrangement.He plans to ask the government to allocate K200 million in the supplementary budget, with the debt to be paid between now and December.Maru said the government must demonstrate its own commitment to PNG Power before asking creditors to assist with the company's restructuring.The government also plans to sell PNG Power's loss-making B and C centres.Maru said valuations of the centres have already been commissioned, with the aim of selling them by October.The centres include Wabag, Vanimo, Manus, areas outside Lae, Ramu Grid, Port Moresby and Gazelle.According to Maru, these centres collectively cost PNG Power more than K18 million in losses each year because they are operated largely as community services.He said the proceeds from the asset sales will help PNG Power meet its outstanding obligations and strengthen its balance sheet.Following the sale of the loss-making centres, the government intends to prepare the remaining PNG Power business for private-sector investment.Maru said advisers will be brought in, an information memorandum prepared and the company taken to the market by December.Potential investors will include private companies, superannuation funds and landowner companies.The government's intention is for private investors to own the largest share of the restructured PNG Power.Maru said the new company would initially focus on the Ramu Grid and extend its operations through to the Highlands, while other centres would be sold to private-sector operators.He said funds generated through the restructuring and private investment could be used to upgrade major generation facilities, including Rouna and Yonki and ensure they operate at maximum capacity.The restructured company could also invest in new generation projects, including hydropower, solar farms and wind farms.Maru said this would allow PNG Power to progressively reduce its reliance on independent power producers and develop its own cheaper and cleaner sources of electricity.He points to the partial privatisation of Bank South Pacific as an example of what he believes could be achieved through private-sector participation.Maru said PNG Power has the potential to become a profitable company if its losses are addressed, illegal electricity connections are stopped, infrastructure is upgraded and fresh private capital is injected.He said the proposed reforms could put the utility on a path towards sustained profitability, allowing it to finance its own maintenance and future generation investments.The plan is subject to National Executive Council approval, with Maru hoping the restructuring and sale process can be substantially concluded by February or March.He said the ultimate objective is to transform PNG's electricity sector and provide the reliable and affordable power needed to support economic growth and improve the lives of Papua New Guineans.

For Stanley Kavila Tomonai, electricity is more than just a convenience; it is a pathway to opportunity.The Central, Milne Bay student is preparing to leave Papua New Guinea for India, where he will pursue a degree in electrical engineering under the Government’s STEM scholarship program.As the second of three children, Stanley says his decision to pursue engineering was shaped by what he has seen in his family’s villages.In his mother’s village in Abau in Central province and his father’s village in Goodenough in the Milne Bay province, access to electricity remains a challenge.Stanley said the lack of reliable power affects even the simplest things, including how all student study.“When they want to study, they use solar, and not often there’s sunny weather,” he said.The experience changed the direction of his ambitions.Stanley initially dreamed of becoming a pilot, but seeing the need for reliable electricity in rural communities convinced him to choose a different path.“I started to see the demand for it, like I said, back in my village. So, I decided to take up electrical engineering,” he says.His journey through education began in Port Moresby, where he attended St Terese Primary School at before continuing to Kila Kila for Grades 9 and 10.He was later selected to attend Port Moresby National school, where he completed Grades 11 and 12 and took part in the STEM program.While Stanley has visited his mother’s village, he has never been to his father’s village. But through his relatives and family connections, he remains aware of the challenges faced by students and communities in rural areas.He says access to basic services such as water, electricity, and healthcare continues to be a concern.For Stanley, receiving the opportunity to study overseas is therefore about more than earning a qualification.“It really means a lot personally to my family, my community and the country as a whole,” he says.He sees the scholarship as a chance to gain international exposure, build networks, and develop skills that he can eventually bring home.For the first-time overseas traveler, there is also the excitement of experiencing a new country.“I’m excited about travelling and seeing new places,” he says.But beyond the excitement of travel, Stanley already has a clear idea of what he wants to learn.His particular interest is in grid systems and how sustainable electricity networks can be developed to meet the needs of communities.When he returns to Papua New Guinea, Stanley hopes to bring back more than technical knowledge.He wants to return with a different mindset, new skills, and experiences that can contribute to the country’s development.And he knows exactly which problem he wants to help tackle.“Power shortages here. It’s a really big issue,” he says.In the next decade, Stanley sees himself not only as an electrical engineer but also as an entrepreneur and CEO.For now, however, his immediate goal is clear: complete his degree, gain the experience he needs and return home ready to help address the very problem that inspired him to choose engineering in the first place.His story is one of a young Papua New Guinean whose ambition was redirected by the needs of his community and whose dream now goes beyond personal success.Stanley wants to help bring power to places where students still depend on the sun to study.And for him, that is the power of education.

The FissPotts Rugby 10s will raise funds for Laloki Psychiatric Hospital when the annual charity tournament returns to the Sir John Guise Stadium this Saturday.The tournament will feature 12 men's teams and three women's teams, with proceeds going towards patient care, facility improvements and community mental health initiatives at the hospital.FissPotts President Jack Kariko said the club's decision to support Laloki reflects the need to direct attention towards causes that require greater community and financial support.“Funds raised during the tournament will be dedicated to supporting patient care, facility improvements, and community mental health initiatives at the Laloki Psychiatric Hospital,” Kariko said.FissPotts Vice President Malcolm Kulu said mental health awareness remains an area requiring greater attention in Papua New Guinea, particularly in helping families and communities recognise when someone may need assistance.“Right now, I guess you can really say that in terms of mental awareness in PNG and the need for the support of it is not really looked at,” Kulu said.He said there is also a significant need for funding and stronger support systems for people experiencing mental health challenges.“There is quite a big need,” Kulu said.Kulu said the concern extends beyond the hospital system, with greater community awareness needed to help identify people experiencing mental health challenges.“How do we generate the awareness that mental health is an issue in Papua New Guinea as well, especially in a society where we're closed off from other side, we don't necessarily know how to identify the symptoms of a young person or an old person having mental issues,” he said.The FissPotts Rugby Club has made charity the central purpose of its annual tournament since it was established in 2015.Between 2015 and around 2022 or 2023, the club supported Links of Hope and said it raised more than K100,000 for the organisation over the years.The club has since diversified its beneficiaries, supporting an elementary school in Kimbe in 2023 and children's wards at Angau Hospital in Lae and Kimbe General Hospital last year.Last year's tournament raised K20,000, with K10,000 going to each children's ward.Kariko said the club deliberately targets organisations and causes that do not normally receive significant corporate support.“We target those charities that don't normally receive the normal support,” Kariko said.This year's fundraising will come from several sources, including team registration, merchandise, food and drinks sold during the tournament, as well as additional donations.The Australian High Commission's Depot Hippos team is also expected to make a donation to the nominated charity.“We're happy that a team that's also participating can go out of their way to also raise funds for the nominated charity,” Kariko said.NiuPower is supporting the tournament this year, with the company saying the charity component was a major reason for its involvement.“What impressed us most was how far the tournament has come and that they contribute the proceeds to a charity, as mentioned, Laloki this year, and that's why we felt compelled to support this year,” a representative speaking on behalf of the NiuPower CEO Michael Uiari said.The company also said the tournament's inclusive nature aligns with its own values.“The tournament brings together people from diverse backgrounds, which is why we've chosen to support as diversity and inclusion is important to us, and we share those values,” the representative said.The FissPotts Rugby 10s will be held this Saturday, August 15, at the Sir John Guise Stadium in Port Moresby.