The Office of the Bougainville Electoral Commissioner (OBEC) has launched a new online landing page to promote transparent and timely communication with voters and electoral stakeholders ahead of the 2025 Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) General Elections. Accessible at abgelections2025.com, the landing page serves as a central source of election-related information, which includes resources for candidates and scrutineers, the indicative election schedule, how to vote instructions, polling procedures, and downloadable awareness materials. Bougainville Electoral Commissioner Mr. Desmond Tsianai, stated that the new digital platform is part of OBEC’s commitment to strengthening transparency and ensuring all election stakeholders have access to accurate and timely electoral information. “We call on all Bougainvilleans to help us amplify this platform.” “Trusted information is the foundation of a credible election, and this site is one way we’re working to ensure voters are informed and empowered,” he added. The site will be regularly updated with press releases, fact sheets, and other election materials, therefore OBEC encourages the public, media, civil society, and election stakeholders to visit the site regularly and share the link widely across their networks.

The Bougainville Disaster Directorate recently hosted a consultative workshop to present and review its Strategic Plan for Emergency Management & Disaster Resilience 2025–2030. Secretary for the Department of Community Government, Ms. Belinda-Maree Lanbong, in her opening remarks, highlighted Bougainville’s vulnerability to natural disasters and stressed the importance of proactive preparedness. “To achieve significant development opportunities, build resilient communities and districts that understand disaster risks, investing in disaster preparedness through proper planning and capacity building are crucial,” she said. She also acknowledged the contributions of various stakeholders involved in developing the plan, with special appreciation for the United Nations International Organization for Migration (UN IOM) as a key partner. “We are grateful to the United Nations International Organization for Migration (UN IOM) for their continuous technical support since 2013, and to the National Disaster Centre for their ongoing support to Bougainville.” “Additionally, the office appreciates the contributions of individuals who have influenced the development of the disaster management plan,” she added. Director for Disaster and Emergency, Julius Nohu also noted that while the Bougainville Disaster Management Plan took several years to develop, it is now close to completion. “We are now at the stage where we are validating this key document, which has already been drafted, and that is the purpose of this workshop.” “The plan is called the ‘Bougainville Strategic Plan for Emergency Management & Disaster Resilience 2025–2030." Mr. Nohu further added that they have now concluded the validation process, and the next step is to submit the document to the Bougainville Regional Disaster Management Committee (BRDMC), which is headed by the Chief Secretary, to endorse this key document for the Government of Bougainville ahead of its submission to the new Bougainville House of Representatives when it is formed in September.

Nine (9) graduate development program trainees from City Pharmacy Ltd Group (CPL) were certified as table facilitators for Maxwell’s Leadership Program under PNG Tribal Foundation last week. Donald Willie, City Pharmacy Ltd Group, People and Culture Department lead said the nine trainees are the first batch from the graduate development program to take part in the Senisim PNG Program, a valued based and leadership roundtable session for 11 weeks. This program will not only build good character and personality but also contribute to developing good human resource for CPL as they move into the workforce. “The Senisim PNG program is a safeguard for CPL’s leadership in the future and our trainees’ taking part is a pathway to managers in various departments,” Mr. Willie said. The trainees are now Senisim Pasin facilitators who will run their own table sessions with CPL staffs at their respective departments to have more staffs take part in good values and leadership program. Mr. Willie said these trainees are from various universities from University of PNG, University of Technology and amongst other universities that joined the GDP program this year. Senisim Pasin National Coordinator for Port Moresby, Agnes Andreas said these trainees are now eligible to run their own table sessions within their workplace and out in communities. “Let us continue to teach good values into communities because we have a moral decay in our homes, schools, communities of simple values that we don’t practice in our daily lives”.

Papua New Guinea Police Minister and Acting Minister for ICT Peter L. Tsiamalili Jnr at the opening of the 2nd Pacific ICT Ministers Dialogue at the Pacific Islands Forum Headquarters in Suva, delivered a strong call to action, urging all regional leaders to embrace the Pacific’s unique geography as a strategic asset in global digital development. “The Pacific is not just a collection of small islands — it is a vast digital frontier,” said Tsiamalili. Tsiamalili added that with one of the world’s largest ocean and airspaces, the Blue Pacific faces distinct challenges in building resilient and inclusive digital infrastructure, and sadly many island nations continue to grapple with limited connectivity, high costs, and vulnerability to cyber threats. “Our geography demands innovation from satellite connectivity to undersea cables and cross-border cybersecurity,” Tsiamalili emphasized. “Our big ocean and big airspace are not barriers; they are assets that position the Pacific as a digital gateway between continents.” The Dialogue brought together ICT ministers and regional stakeholders to align on shared priorities, including digital sovereignty, infrastructure investment, and regional cooperation. Tsiamalili underscored the importance of ensuring that Pacific nations are not left behind in the global digital transformation. “As custodians of this vast ocean of data pathways and digital potential, we must ensure that digital infrastructure is inclusive, sovereign, and future ready.”

Autonomous Bougainville Government’s Department of Lands, Physical Planning, Environment, Conservation and Climate Change (DLPPECCC) recently conducted a Valuation Rolls workshop for Bougainville Valuation Rolls stakeholders in Buka. The workshop was conducted ahead of the official handover of Bougainville Valuation Rolls to the Autonomous Bougainville Government on Thursday, 07th August 2025, with participation from the ABG Department of Lands, Urban Town Councils of Buka, Arawa, and Buin, regional business associations, Bougainville Police Service, and the National Lands Department. Speaking at the opening of the workshop was the Secretary of the Department, Ms. Lynette Baratai-Pokas, who explained that the Valuation Roll strengthens broader land administration functions, including setting land rentals, guiding zoning and planning, resolving disputes, attracting fair investment, and ensuring transparency in land dealings. “These valuation rolls will set the basis for us on how we are going to go forward in setting up land rates and taxes in the future,” she said. “Your participation in attending this workshop is a testament to your commitment as a whole to support this department and its other stakeholders on how we can progress accountability and governance in the space of Land management and land development.” Bougainville will be the first region in PNG to receive not one, but four valuation rolls for the four townships of Buka, Buin, Arawa, Kieta, and Toniva. These valuation rolls will assist in: Urban Planning & Zoning – helping to guide development decisions in towns like Buka, Arawa, and Buin. Land Rentals & Revenue – providing valuation data that will be used to set fair land rental rates and support budgeting. Dispute Resolution – providing accurate valuations that will help resolve land ownership and usage disputes.  Investment and Transparency - attracting responsible investment by ensuring land dealings are transparent. Participants who were at the workshop expressed their gratitude at being invited to attend the workshop and stressed that there was a mammoth task for all participants and stakeholders to work together with the department to understand the valuation rolls, the vital role it plays in generating revenue for the townships, and how to set the land rates and land rentals.

The Kroton Hela Wigmen who is currently sitting on the 6th place on the Digicel Exxon Mobil Cup Ladder for 2025 season is setting its eyes on winning this weekend’s game at the Santos National Football Stadium as they go up against the Kimbe Cutters. Wigmen Coach Mr. Ian Yaro stated that with just 1 or 2 points difference on percentage amongst other clubs, winning this weekend game is crucial. “Sitting on the top 6 is still not healthy because we are just 1 or 2 points difference, and if we win, plus if the Lahanis and the Vipers somehow loose this weekend game then we have better chance of moving up to 4th place, however, this weekend game is a must win for the boys.” Coach Ian described the upcoming game as a crunch time for the Wigmen, saying they will be fighting to remain in the top 6. He also highlighted that the club had a bit of a rough year in this season game, with 18 rounds played, and 9 home games, only 5 was won here in Port Moresby and this one this weekend is very crucial. “Winning games when we travel out and play out is always a bonus for us, but then winning home games too is important and we want to do just that this weekend and by all means more win on home game in the next season.” “Wishing my boys all the best this weekend this Saturday at 1pm when we meet the Cutters at the Santos Football Stadium, hoping we get this game as well as the next weekend game in Kokopo against the Guria, so we can advance to the finals.” All Kroton Hela Wigmen fans and supporters are urged to come support the boys this Saturday when they play their final home game for the 2025 season here in Port Moresby, before the finals in 2 weeks' time.

Oro Governor Garry Juffa during question time in parliament this week raised concerns surrounding social media usage by content creators and the need to monetize social media platforms in the country. Governor Juffa stated that large number of people who are engaging in creating contents on social media platforms are young people and they make about 60% of the online users, unfortunately they are not able to benefit from this growing industry that is benefitting many throughout the world. “This Content creators create amazing contents that promotes Papua New Guinea that can attract tourists and investment and that can also give the world a better picture of this country.” “Social media content creators coming in from other parts of the world to Papua New Guinea and creating contents and are benefitting from it, but our own cannot do so,” Governor Juffa reaffirms. Juffa said local content creates are not benefitting from what they are doing, and this is most likely because of outdated laws and non-existence laws or mechanism that are not in place to allow creators to monetize their social media contents they created. Governor Juffa asked the Acting Minister for Communication and Information, Peter Tsaumalili Junior, that if the Marape Rosso Government have any plans to address these challenges and issues so that it can assist local content creators to generate an income or revenue, especially for the youths who formed large part of the demography? In responds, the Acting Minister for Communication and Information assured all youths and others using the social media space as content creators that apart from the legislative reforms that the department of ICT is working towards to enable that environment, there is also a need to understand the volatile space in which social media is used. Minister Tsiamalili added that it is also seen as imminent threat that not only speaks to the internal challenges in the social media space, but also the external that imposes on sovereignty in terms of the space social media platform is using. “Enabling effective electronic transactions is not the responsibility of one agent alone, it requires a multifaceted government approach involving coordination between ministry of Justice, Ministry of Police, Ministry of Treasury, and the Ministry for ICT.” Specifically, four critical areas must be addressed. Cyber security Data Governance and Protection Cyber Crime Investigation and Enforcement Anti Money Laundering, AML and counter terrorism financing “On the matter cyber security, I am pleased to say that PNG has a national cybersecurity policy framework in place, endorsed by cabinet in 2021. This framework is referred to as a National of 202.” Following this the department of ICT established a national security center which currently monitors over 75 government agency networks and systems. In 2024 cabinet endorsed the National Cyber Security Strategy calling for the establishment of an emergency response framework across critical infrastructure sectors such as water, energy and banking. To operationalize the strategy, in December 2024 the Ministry for ICT did a direct and national information and communication technology authority to develop a regulatory framework for cyber security. “I can confirm that drafting instructions have now been completed, and I have instructed the legislation to be brought before the Parliament in the September seating.” On the matter of data, governance and protection, last year the department of ICT also facilitated development and the subsequent cabinet endorsement for national data governance and protection policy said Tsiamalili. “This government is working to ensure that you do monetize your contents on social media. This is to ensure that the environment in which all this is happening in social media amongst our young men and women and everyone using social media, is protected." “You have the independence to express yourself, but it is within a framework of governance and legal framework that you can monetize your work as a social media creator or an influencer.”

Prime Minister James Marape has hailed the official visit of New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon as a historic and defining moment in the bilateral relations between Papua New Guinea and New Zealand, reaffirming a shared commitment to peace, prosperity, and Pacific solidarity. Prime Minister Luxon today became the first New Zealand Prime Minister and only the second foreign leader in history to address the National Parliament of Papua New Guinea, joining Australian Prime Minister Hon. Anthony Albanese who addressed Parliament in 2023. Welcoming Prime Minister Luxon and his delegation to Parliament House at Waigani, Prime Minister Marape described the visit as a “powerful reaffirmation of a friendship rooted in integrity, trust, and shared Pacific values.” “Today, we do not just welcome a neighbor — we welcome a family member,” Prime Minister Marape said. “New Zealand stood with us in 1975 when we gained Independence and has walked alongside us for the last fifty years.” “This visit renews that vow of partnership and positions us to move forward together for the next fifty years.” PM Marape also paid tribute to New Zealand’s longstanding role in PNG’s development — from supporting the formation of PNG’s civil service and health and education sectors to playing a vital peace-building role during the Bougainville Crisis and following the signing of the Bougainville Peace Agreement in 2001. He highlighted the Papua New Guinea–New Zealand Statement of Partnership 2025–2029, launched earlier this year during his State Visit to Wellington, as a bold and strategic framework to deepen cooperation across five key pillars: · Political and regional collaboration · Economic and trade engagement · Education and labor mobility · Peace and security, particularly Bougainville · Climate action and environmental resilience “This partnership is not built on aid or handouts,” said PM Marape. “It is built on mutual respect and a shared vision for transforming lives, uplifting communities, and creating opportunity for the next generation.” PM Marape and PM Luxon will hold bilateral to progress specific initiatives that align with PNG’s 50-year development vision, including: · Expanding New Zealand’s Recognized Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme to include over 10,000 Papua New Guinean workers, including skilled labor pathways. · Increasing New Zealand business investment in agriculture, infrastructure, and energy in PNG. · Boosting vocational training and youth employment opportunities. · Supporting peaceful dialogue and implementation of the Melanesian Agreement on Bougainville · Scaling up climate resilience efforts and renewable energy cooperation. Prime Minister Marape also acknowledged key people-to-people connections, including thousands of New Zealanders living and working in PNG and the growing Papua New Guinean diaspora in New Zealand. “Students, teachers, professionals and families making both nations stronger.” The Prime Minister emphasized the critical role both countries must play in shaping the Pacific’s future amid growing global competition. “In a world of turbulence, we seek friends who lead not through might, but through right — and New Zealand is such a friend,” he said. “Our unity as Pacific nations is more important than ever.” He noted that New Zealand’s support in defence, climate diplomacy, and regional leadership continues to be instrumental in advancing shared priorities under the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. “We are committed to stand together — to protect our oceans, defend our democracies, and ensure no Pacific child is left behind.” Prime Minister Marape reaffirmed PNG’s confidence in a brighter shared future with New Zealand. “Let it be said that the PNG–New Zealand relationship is not just transactional — it is transformational. Together, we are building something that transcends politics — a legacy of peace, purpose, and Pacific partnership.” “May the bond between our peoples deepen. May the mountains of PNG and the shores of Aotearoa rise together. And may the next 50 years be a testament to what we can achieve — side by side, wantok to wantok.”

New Zealand Prime Minister His Excellency Christopher Luxon on the first day of his three days official visit to Papua New Guinea addressed the National Parliament this morning, Tuesday 05th August 2025. Before his address he showed acknowledgement to the Motu Koita People, who are traditional custodians of the Port Moresby. Prime Minister Luxon also sent best wishes on behalf of the people of New Zealand to all the people of PNG on the upcoming 50th Anniversary of Independence, congratulating the country for reaching 50 years of Golden Jubilee. PM Luxon also acknowledged the Parliament for granting him the privileged to address the parliament today, stating his is honored to be the first ever Prime Minister of New Zealand to speak in PNG’s chamber. In his address, PM Luxon emphasized on New Zeeland’s presence since the World War two, were many fought to defend PNG and died alongside many Papua New Guineans too and today many New Zealand’s soldiers’ lye in PNG soil at Bomana War Cemetery. Even during the post war period, New Zealanders have come back to PNG and supported PNG through until independence and the relations continues until today. Since PNG’s Independence, seven (7) NZ Prime Ministers have visited PNG and Prime Minister Luxon is honored to be the 8th NZ Prime Minister on PNG soil. PM Luxon emphasized on strengthening bilateral ties and partnerships between the two countries, marking the 50th anniversary of Papua New Guinea's independence as well as 50 years of diplomatic relations between the nations. He also pointed out that NZ helped to play facilitative role to help the Bougainvilleans find the truth amongst themselves and with PNG. “We continue to work alongside both governments as you jointly sync mutually agreed way forward.” Luxon also highlighted New Zealand's longstanding support for PNG since its independence, especially in areas such as education, development assistance, and peacebuilding efforts with Bougainville, fresh produce area, business space for unlocking economic growth, electrification partnership, defence and security corporation and many more. PM Luxon further added that today PNG plays a critical leadership role in the Regional Architecture, where it must work together with all Pacific Island forum members. PM Luxon also emphasized that Australia who has been an indispensable partner to both nations, is a fellow pacific country that engages in significant scale here and throughout the region in support of Pacific priorities. “There is more that the three of us can do together and in concept with other pacific countries to ensure continued peace and prosperity and to deliver on our collective ambition under the 2050 strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.” “We can work more closely together on regional and global issues, at the time of turbulence, it is up to us to create and defend the region that we want and to influence the world that we want to live in.” “I hope for the next 50 years, when my successor comes, for the sentinel celebrations, he/she will be able to look back at our partnership that has continued to go beyond the handshake and will continue to invest in each other's success.” Thus, this visit will include bilateral discussions on trade, climate resilience, labour mobility, infrastructure development, as well as regional security. The visit is aimed to deepen people-to-people links, government partnerships, and economic collaboration, reflecting a commitment to advancing regional solidarity and cooperation in the Pacific over the next 50 years. “Ultimately, the strength of our partnership lies not only in governance, but with the people and it has strengthened, and friendship are forged, challenges are identified and faced down together.” The Prime Minister reiterated that New Zealand has committed to continue work with PNG on shared beliefs to create a brighter future for both countries.

About fifteen (15) suspects allegedly involved in death of a policeman and destruction of nine houses, two trade store, coffee gardens and livestock are still walking around freely in the communities. Minj Police Station, CID Officer in Charge, Senior Sergent James Kami said manpower is one of the biggest challenges when dealing with such serious criminal cases, thus it is not easy for police to approach suspects easily up in the Highlands Region. To do an arrest requires more, it involves not just manpower but, preparations of warrants, logistics, greater risks plus it is important for police man to have a good working relationship with community leaders. If there is relationship between police and the communities as wells as their leaders then it becomes easier for the community to assist police in their investigations, often leading to suspects surrendering to community leaders and accepting arrests. “We need to fight hard to get what we need to fully equip ourselves before attending to such cases and making arrests,” Snr Sgt Kami said. Snr Sgt Kami said one of the main suspects was arrested in May and was charged with wilful murder and arson currently detained at Barawagi Prison in simbu, whilst the other remanded files were served last Friday to prosecutor for further legal processes. He said investigations continues with help and support from PNG Tribal Foundation with stationary printings, fuel and police operation over a period now. The 15 suspects who are still at large were allegedly involved in the killing of a late policeman Gabriel Kolim, from Jiwaka Province, in the Western Highlands in August of 2015. The deceased was falsely accused of sorcery, and his death led to retaliation by his family members, resulting in the destruction of nine homes, livestock, and gardens. Jiwaka Provincial Police Commander acting superintendent Laimo Asi said last week he is aware of SARV cases and police will continue to investigate and make arrests.

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) PNG is excited to announce its support as Diamond Sponsor and Official Non-Alcoholic Beverage Partner for the 31st Enga Show that is set to take place on 8th to 10th August 2025. A cheque of K100,000 was presented by CCEP PNG’s Regional Sales Manager – Highlands, Guthridge Songan, to the Enga Show Committee on Wednesday, 30th July 2025, including 200 cartons of assorted Coca-Cola products and 150 Coca-Cola shirts to further support the event. CCEP PNG’s Sales and Commercials Director Tim Solly highlighted that the CCEP is delighted to support for the third consecutive year, and CCEP believes in preserving the unique Engan culture for the next generation to enjoy. “Our contribution is more than a sponsorship; it’s about uplifting the community and creating lasting memories for families and friends to cherish.” “We are bringing the fun to Enga! Come check out our Share a Coke and Fanta Wanta activities, sip some BU, be part of our fun games, and win some Coca-Cola goodies.” Enga Show Committee Chair Lady, Margaret Potane, thanked CCEP for the sponsorship and that they are grateful to CCEP for choosing to support Enga Show for the third year as Diamond sponsor. “We know you a strong supporter when it comes to cultural events, your sponsorship demonstrates that you value our culture, our people, and the spirit of unity this show represents,” Margaret added. More than 5000 spectators are expected over the three-day show at the Johnson Siki Oval in Wabag town. Visitors can look forward to spectacular traditional dances, unique, black-painted faces and headdresses, and a vibrant display of local crafts and produce. But as locals will tell you, this only scratches the surface of Enga’s true beauty. Coca-Cola prides itself in partnering with the Enga Show and continues to sponsor other notable provincial shows such as the National Mask and Warwagira Festival, the Goroka Show, and the Morobe Agriculture Show.

One of the main suspects who was involved in the torture of an elderly man, destruction of properties and livestock as well as the burning down of 13 houses back in year 2023 in Kombumogo village in Kerowagi District was re-arrested on Tuesday. The violence, which erupted following the death of a man believed to be linked to sorcery-accusation related violence, led to widespread destruction. Eight suspects were arrested and charged with wilful murder and arson in relation to the incident. PNG Tribal Foundation President, GT Bustin said the case is one of the many ongoing sorcery accusation-related violence (SARV) cases the Foundation has been supporting. “This is about ensuring justice is served to those who continue to accuse innocent people and destroy lives and property.” The suspect, who had already been arrested and charged, failed to appear in court for several months until a bench warrant was issued by the National Court last week, leading to his re-arrest by police on Tuesday. He is currently in police custody and is expected to appear in court soon. “Tribal Foundation had to fund the re-arrest of several perpetrators who have been let out on bail, including some who were involved in murder on various incidents that should not have been let out on bail in different cases.” According to the Foundation’s records, three of the suspects are remanded in Barawagi Prison, while five are out on bail and attending court hearings.