The National Superannuation Fund (Nasfund) has announced the appointment of Christopher Elphick as Chairman of its Board of Directors, effective January 2026.Chief Executive Officer Rajeev Sharma confirmed the appointment today, describing Mr. Elphick as a proven leader with strong governance credentials and a deep understanding of the Fund’s mission. “On behalf of the Fund, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Christopher Elphick as Chairman of the Board,” Mr. Sharma said. “Christopher brings proven leadership, strong governance experience and a deep understanding of Nasfund’s mission to deliver long-term value for our members. His strategic mindset and investment expertise will be invaluable as we continue advancing our priorities and strengthening member outcomes.” Mr. Elphick joined the Nasfund Board on 1 October 2022 as an Independent Director. He has since chaired the Investment Committee and served on the Remuneration and Nominations Committee. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from the University of Surrey in the United Kingdom, majoring in Marketing and Management, and is an alumnus of the United World College of Southeast Asia. A graduate of the Nasfund Trainee Directors Program (2014 cohort), Mr. Elphick has maintained a long-standing relationship with the Fund and a strong appreciation of its mandate. Beyond Nasfund, Mr. Elphick serves as Executive Director of Tohouwa (PNG) Limited (FairPrice), outgoing Chairman of the Nasfund Contributors Savings & Loans Society (NCSL), and a Director of Transparency International PNG, among other roles. He succeeds Tamzin Wardley, LM, MBE, who served as Board Chair from October 2022 to December 2025. Acknowledging his predecessor’s contribution, Mr. Elphick said, “I want to recognize the outstanding leadership of Ms. Tamzin Wardley. Her vision and dedication have reaffirmed Nasfund as a trusted and innovative superannuation provider.” Reflecting on his appointment, Mr.Elphick described the role as both an honour and a responsibility. “It is an honour to lead Nasfund at this pivotal time. Having begun my journey as a trainee director, I am humbled to now chair the Board of an organisation that plays a critical role in securing the retirement future of contributors in Papua New Guinea,” he said. “My focus will be on strengthening governance, driving sustainable investment strategies, and enhancing member services through innovation, guided by the Nasfund values. With a strong Board and an exceptional management team led by CEO Rajeev Sharma, we are ready for tomorrow.”

Customers in Minj, Anglimp South Waghi District of Jiwaka Province, are now the first in Papua New Guinea’s Highlands Region to access a Deposit ATM, following the upgrade of the local BSP branch.BSP Financial Group Ltd officially opened its newly constructed Minj branch earlier this week, marking a significant milestone in the expansion of modern banking services to rural communities. BSP Group Retail General Manager Ronesh Dayal said the upgrade transforms a sub-branch established 15 years ago into a full-service, modern banking facility. “Our Minj Branch opened its doors for service on Tuesday, 17 February 2026, through a soft opening with enhanced services including Deposit and Dispensing ATMs, teller services, lending, self-service digital banking registration, card services, and account opening,” Mr Dayal said. The new services are expected to benefit more than 200,000 people in the district, strengthening rural banking access and financial inclusion. BSP Highlands Region Area Manager John Tomba Jnr highlighted the importance of banking access in predominantly agricultural communities. “The Minj area is primarily rural, with agriculture — especially coffee, fresh produce and small-scale farming — forming the backbone of the local economy. Access to formal banking services is critical for farmers receiving payments, small businesses managing cash flow, government employees accessing salaries, and parents paying school fees,” he said. “Customers in Minj are the first in the Highlands Region to access and use our Deposit ATM. They can conveniently use this service even after the branch closes.” Previously operating from the Jiwaka Provincial Treasury Office, the new Minj branch building took five months to complete. Together with its Hybrid Branch in Banz, the Minj facility now serves as a key financial hub for Jiwaka Province, reducing the need for residents to travel to Mount Hagen for banking services. The branch expansion is expected to support secure cash handling, local business growth and broader economic development across the province.

Rugby league in Madang Province has received a major boost following the presentation of a new set of uniforms to the Madang Rugby League Provincial Team, the Madang Fox, by Brian Bell Home Center.The uniforms were presented by General Manager Janoa Smith during a ceremony attended by Madang Rugby League officials, players and supporters. The jerseys were sponsored through the Brian Bell Foundation and mark a significant milestone for the team as it prepares for greater challenges ahead.Receiving the uniforms on behalf of the league, Albert Tobe, Administrator and President of Madang Rugby League, expressed heartfelt appreciation for the timely and generous support. “We are deeply grateful to the Brian Bell Foundation for sponsoring these uniforms for our provincial team, the Madang Fox,” Mr Tobe said. “This sponsorship is a huge boost for the development of rugby league in Madang, especially as we prepare to enter the national competition in 2027.” Mr Tobe stressed that the contribution goes beyond providing new jerseys, describing rugby league as a powerful vehicle for community development and social progress. “Rugby league is not just a sport,” he said. “It is a development tool that can greatly help promote unity, peace and a healthy society. It keeps our young people engaged, disciplined and focused.” He added that a strong provincial rugby league programme can also serve as a platform to promote small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and stimulate economic activity across the host district and the wider province. “When we host matches, businesses benefit. SMEs grow. Communities come together,” Mr Tobe said. “Rugby league creates opportunities not only for players, but also for vendors, transport operators, accommodation providers and many others.” The Madang Fox’s new uniforms symbolise more than just team identity — they represent renewed hope and ambition for rugby league in Madang. After years of rebuilding and restructuring, the league is now firmly setting its sights on national participation in 2027. With corporate partners such as Brian Bell stepping forward, Madang Rugby League is confident that the foundation is being laid for a competitive, united and economically vibrant future for the sport in the province.

Police are investigating a fight that broke out this morning at Koki near the Koki Vegetable Market in Port Moresby. National Capital District Metropolitan Superintendent Warrick Simatab confirmed that the altercation involved individuals residing in the Koki area. According to initial police reports, the incident stemmed from a misunderstanding between a man from Hela Province living in Koki and members of the Wanigela community residing nearby. Superintendent Simatab stated that police have identified the alleged main instigator as being from Hela Province and are working to confirm his identity with the intention of arresting and charging him accordingly. The fight lasted several minutes before police units responded and brought the situation under control. More than three police units attended the scene, dispersed those involved, and advised community leaders to provide the names of individuals who participated in the disturbance. “Police will determine whether the person who instigated the fight is residing illegally in the area. If so, we will move to carry out eviction as soon as possible,” Superintendent Simatab said. He added that information received indicates there may be illegal settlers occupying land that does not belong to them. Police will verify these claims and take appropriate action where necessary. Superintendent Simatab thanked officers for their swift response, which helped prevent further damage to lives and property in the Koki area. He also acknowledged the presence of Port Moresby South leaders who assisted with community awareness efforts, urging residents to cease the fighting and cooperate with authorities. Police have called on community leaders to surrender those responsible as investigations continue.

Nasfund has announced two major milestones set to enhance engagement with both members and employers in 2026.Nasfund CEO Mr. Rajeev Sharma revealed that the Fund will deliver its first multi-location Employer Conference on 25 March 2026. The annual event will be streamed live from a central location while simultaneously broadcast across the Southern, Momase, Highlands, and New Guinea Islands regions. “It will mark the first time employers nationwide participate in a unified, real-time conference experience,” Mr. Sharma said. He noted that the initiative reflects Nasfund’s commitment to modernising employer engagement and ensuring consistent superannuation education across the country. “This conference sets a new standard for connecting with employers across Papua New Guinea,” he said. “By streaming one conference to multiple regions on the same day, we ensure every employer receives the same information and support, while also seeing and appreciating shared experiences with colleagues in other regions.” In addition to the Employer Conference, Mr. Sharma confirmed another key date: the Annual Crediting Rate Announcement on 12 March 2026, when Nasfund will reveal the interest earned by members for the 2025 financial year. These two major events, occurring just weeks apart, highlight Nasfund’s focus on transparency, digital innovation, and improving superannuation outcomes for both employers and members. The Employer Conference will cover critical topics including contribution compliance, employer obligations, digital services, and tools to support workforce retirement readiness. Nasfund encourages members and employers to follow the Fund’s social media channels for updates, livestream links, and announcements. For those who prefer traditional media, full coverage will also be available through mainstream news outlets.

Cricket Papua New Guinea (Cricket PNG) Development Officer Quanaki V. Gaudi is set to represent Papua New Guinea at the International Cricket Council (ICC) East Asia Pacific (EAP) Regional Conference 2026 in Japan. The four-day conference will focus on strengthening the “Business of Sport” and connecting cricket with younger audiences across the region.Held under the theme “Business of Sport – Connecting Cricket with a Younger Audience,” the event comes at a pivotal time for the EAP region, with the 2026 Asian Games and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup EAP Qualifiers in 2028 on the horizon. The conference will bring together board directors, presidents, CEOs, and general managers from across East Asia and the Pacific to explore innovative strategies for youth engagement and sustainable growth in cricket. For Ms. Gaudi, who marks five years with Cricket PNG this year, the opportunity is both professionally significant and personally meaningful. She departed for Japan today to attend the conference on behalf of Cricket PNG. “I am excited and nervous about this trip to Japan,” she said. “This is my first time travelling overseas, and I am humbled because this is not only my opportunity, but also our Cricket PNG Development Team’s opportunity.” She credited her selection to the collective efforts of her colleagues working at the community level across Papua New Guinea. “I got this opportunity because of the work they are doing in their communities. It’s because of them that I have this chance,” she said. “I am grateful to the Board and Management of Cricket PNG for this opportunity, and I am proudly representing them all.” The conference aims to strengthen partnerships within the EAP region and position cricket as a modern sport capable of inspiring the next generation. With global tournaments approaching, youth engagement is seen as critical to expanding cricket’s footprint and ensuring long-term sustainability. As a development officer, Ms. Gaudi plays a frontline role in grassroots cricket initiatives, working closely with communities to nurture young talent and broaden participation. Her attendance at the conference reflects Cricket PNG’s commitment to investing in professional development and aligning local programs with international best practice. From the conference, she hopes to gain deeper insights into leadership, innovation, and the commercial aspects of cricket administration. “I want to learn more. I want to hear what other countries are achieving successfully,” she said. “I want to do my job better and learn from leaders in the Business of Sport. There will be board directors, presidents, CEOs, and general managers, and I hope to understand how they conduct their work and tackle challenges.” While eager to learn, Ms. Gaudi also intends to share Papua New Guinea’s experiences with regional delegates. “As much as I listen and learn, I also want to share our experience,” she added. Her participation underscores Cricket PNG’s growing presence in the EAP region and highlights the crucial role of development officers in shaping the future of the sport. As cricket gains momentum in the Pacific, representation at high-level regional forums ensures PNG remains engaged in discussions that will define the game’s next steps. Cricket PNG congratulates Ms. Gaudi on her selection and thanks her for representing the nation at the ICC EAP Regional Conference in Japan.

Buk bilong Pikinini (BbP) has announced new support from global logistics provider Blue Water Shipping, marked by a generous donation of K32,664.96 to fund School Library Kits for seven primary schools across Papua New Guinea.The contribution was formally recognised during a visit by Nicholas Walsh, General Manager of Blue Water Shipping PNG, to BbP’s Baruni Library Learning Centre in Baruni village. The event was witnessed by teachers and students, with Mr. Walsh sharing insights into the company’s global operations and engaging the children in interactive activities. Founded in Denmark in 1972, Blue Water Shipping is an international logistics and freight forwarding company specialising in customised end-to-end transport solutions across sea, air, road, and rail, as well as port agency services worldwide. Through its corporate social responsibility initiatives, the company continues to demonstrate its commitment not only to infrastructure and trade, but also to community development. Anne-Sophie Hermann, Founder and Vice Chair of Buk bilong Pikinini, welcomed the partnership and highlighted the meaningful connection between her Danish heritage and the company’s origins. “As someone originally from Denmark, it is incredibly meaningful to see a Danish company like Blue Water Shipping extend its support to children here in Papua New Guinea,” she said. “This partnership reflects the power of shared values across borders — a commitment to education, opportunity, and community development. We are truly grateful for their generosity and belief in the work we do at Buk bilong Pikinini.” The donation will enable BbP to distribute high-quality, curriculum-aligned library books to seven primary schools that currently lack adequate library facilities. Each School Library Kit is designed to strengthen literacy outcomes, foster a culture of reading, and support classroom learning. Buk bilong Pikinini, a Papua New Guinean non-government organisation focused on early childhood education and literacy, operates Library Learning Centres and supports community schools through its School Library Re-Establishment Program. The initiative assists schools in restoring functional library spaces with the support of committed partners such as Blue Water Shipping. Limited or non-existent library facilities remain a significant challenge for many schools nationwide, leaving students without essential reading resources. By equipping schools with School Library Kits, BbP aims to improve reading proficiency, increase academic engagement, and create sustainable learning environments. Schools wishing to be considered for BbP support are encouraged to submit details including school level, location, number of classes, teacher-to-student ratio, and nearest airport. Accessibility and logistical considerations will guide the planning and distribution of future donations. The contribution underscores a shared commitment between Buk bilong Pikinini and Blue Water Shipping to improving educational outcomes and expanding access to quality learning resources for children across Papua New Guinea.

OFC Tech Solutions, a business unit of the Remington Group, has announced a strategic partnership with Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise (ALE), a global leader in secure networking and communications solutions.The collaboration aims to accelerate the modernization of enterprise-grade networking and cloud-based communication systems across Papua New Guinea. The partnership comes at a pivotal time for the local market. As legacy hardware vendors phase out traditional PABX systems, many organisations face growing risks associated with aging infrastructure and diminishing technical support. Through this alliance, OFC Tech Solutions and ALE will provide a seamless, secure, and scalable transition to modern IP-based and hybrid-cloud platforms, ensuring long-term reliability and performance. “We are thrilled to welcome OFC Tech Solutions to our partner ecosystem. Their deep local expertise and the Remington Group’s legacy of service excellence make them an ideal partner to advance digital transformation in Papua New Guinea,” said Dinesh Divakar, Country Leader ANZ, Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise. “Together, we are enabling PNG businesses not just to replace their systems, but to evolve them with secure, resilient, and future-ready communications solutions—ensuring confidence, scalability, and long-term support.” OFC Tech Solutions is a leading ICT services provider in Papua New Guinea, delivering enterprise technology solutions including IT infrastructure, networking, communications systems, and managed services. The company supports government, corporate, and institutional clients nationwide. Asanka Dias, General Manager of OFC Tech Solutions, said the partnership reflects the company’s commitment to delivering practical and future-focused solutions for customers. “This marks an important step forward for OFC Tech Solutions as we continue to create value through technology. Partnering with Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise allows us to offer globally proven, reliable solutions that help organisations modernise their systems, improve operational efficiency, and plan confidently for the future.” The introduction of the Alcatel-Lucent OmniPCX Enterprise Communication Server further strengthens OFC Tech Solutions’ enterprise communications portfolio and reinforces the Remington Group’s commitment to delivering world-class technology solutions backed by strong local expertise.

After a competitive selection process attracting applicants from across the country, the Remington Group has welcomed five emerging professionals into its 2026 Graduate Development and Apprenticeship programs.Applications were received from across Papua New Guinea’s four regions, with 19 candidates shortlisted for the Graduate Development Program and seven for the Apprenticeship Program. After a rigorous assessment process, five candidates were selected to join the Group. The 2026 intake includes: Michelle Bilson – Junior Service Technician Apprentice (Remington Technology) Nadia Kila – Graduate Trainee (Marketing) William Marjen – Junior Service Technician Apprentice (FX Business Centre) Sinclair Sabadi – Graduate Trainee (IT)  Antonette Bapi – Junior Service Technician Apprentice (Remington Technology) The one-year Graduate Development Program provides structured training, mentorship, and practical exposure across business functions, preparing participants for long-term career opportunities within the Group. The four-year Apprenticeship Program, delivered in partnership with the National Apprenticeship and Trade Testing Board (NATTB), combines formal trade certification with hands-on technical experience to equip apprentices with nationally recognised qualifications and industry-ready skills. Chief Executive Officer Justin Kieseker said investing in young Papua New Guineans remains central to the Remington Group’s long-term strategy. “Sustainable growth depends on building local capability. Since launching in 2020, these programs have created clear pathways into permanent roles and future leadership within our organisation,” he said. General Manager – Human Resources, Madeline Orim, added that the selection process was thorough and highly competitive. “We looked beyond academic results to identify candidates with strong technical ability, character, and long-term potential. This intake reflects our ongoing commitment to developing skilled professionals who can contribute meaningfully to both our business and the country.” The Remington Group continues to prioritise talent development as part of its broader commitment to strengthening Papua New Guinea’s workforce and supporting sustainable national growth.

Prime Minister (PM) James Marape says he will sink any illegal vessels operating in the waters of Papua New Guinea catching fish. The PM reiterated his strong warning made earlier to illegal fishermen from neighbouring countries to be properly licensed or face the sinking of their fishing vessels. He resounded this warning today as he commended the border surveillance unit and the National Fisheries Authority (NFA) for apprehending three unlicensed fishing vessels from Indonesia in the Gulf of Papua last week. PM Marape said he was awaiting a full report from NFA before these trespassing, illegal fishermen can be tried in the PNG courts and their boats sunk. “I did make an announcement earlier that we will sink any illegal boats caught in our country,” he said.“We respect our traditional partner nations Indonesia, Australia and those we share the border with. But we will not tolerate trespassing, illegal fishing in our waters. “Our country is not a fishing ground for illegal fishing. If you want to fish, do it properly. Get a license. There is enough space for everyone,” said PM Marape.PM Marape said PNG is now working closely with its security partners to strengthen maritime surveillance and all fishing vessel owners must seriously take heed of this warning or face losing their ships. “Our waters hold some of the world’s most fertile fishing grounds, and fish remains as one of our important resources. We want to protect this resource for sustainable harvest into the future, and will not tolerate such practices,” he said. “This is the direction from us to anyone out there thinking of fishing without proper license. We are sinking your boats when we catch you.” 

The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) has increased its recruit intake from 300 to 500 per batch, following the opening of new infrastructure at the Bomana National Centre of Excellence (NCoE), as part of the government’s plan to grow the police force to 10,000 personnel by 2030.The additional recruitment drive is currently underway at the Bomana NCoE in the National Capital District (NCD), targeting applicants from NCD, Central and Gulf provinces. RPNGC management confirmed that from 2026 onwards, intake numbers are expected to rise further to approximately 700 recruits per batch, supporting ongoing Law and Justice Sector reforms. In December 2025, a public call-out invited applications for the special intake. A total of 7,696 applications were submitted through the RPNGC online portal. Of these, 2,711 applicants were shortlisted. The remaining applicants were unsuccessful due to missing documents, low grades in Mathematics and English, exceeding the age limit, or failing to meet other recruitment criteria. Of the 2,711 shortlisted candidates, 2,086 are from NCD, 463 from Central Province, and 162 from Gulf Province. Recruitment for NCD applicants began on Monday, 9 February 2026, at the Bomana NCoE and is expected to conclude this week before the team moves to Central and Gulf provinces. Successful candidates from this drive will join the second batch of 2025 recruits from the Highlands and New Guinea Islands regions for police training scheduled to begin in April 2026. The recruitment process includes screening and validation of documents and height requirements, literacy and comprehension testing, interviews, medical examinations, practical training tests, and character reference checks. From the 2,086 shortlisted NCD applicants, 1,638 attended the screening and validation stage, while 448 did not report. Following document verification, 518 candidates were disqualified for failing to present a National Identification (NID) card, submitting fraudulent documents, or not meeting height requirements. Police also uncovered nine cases involving falsified documents. According to RPNGC officials, the individuals identified small printing companies and persons allegedly responsible for producing the forged documents. Police have confirmed that investigations will be conducted, and criminal charges pursued against those involved in producing fake documents. All fraudulent documents were confiscated, and the applicants concerned were cautioned and dismissed from the recruitment process. To strengthen the integrity of future recruitment drives, the RPNGC will engage a Criminal Investigation Detective Team to thoroughly investigate and prosecute applicants who submit fraudulent documents. Authorities reiterated that producing fake documents is a criminal offence. The Constabulary says the increased intake marks a significant step toward strengthening national security capacity and meeting long-term policing targets. Further announcements regarding the 2026 nationwide recruitment call-out are expected at a later date.

The Central Provincial Government (CPG) has partnered with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) to deliver a major education infrastructure project for Sabusa Primary School in Hiri-Koiari District, reinforcing a long-standing collaboration between the Church and communities across Papua New Guinea.The partnership was formalized with the presentation of a K350,000 cheque to developer Najala Properties. The funds have already been deposited by the Central Provincial Government into the contractor’s account to commence works on the K2.4 million project. The development will see the construction of a three-unit, four-in-one double-storey classroom block, accommodating four classrooms (two on each level) designed to meet modern standards of safety, durability and functionality. Each classroom will include an integrated teacher’s office and cater for up to 40 students. The project also includes additional facilities such as offices, a residential home for a school board member, and a bore water system. The bore will supply the school and provide fenced external access points for Sabusa residents, improving access to clean water for the wider community. Central Governor Rufina Peter described the initiative as timely and strategic, noting Sabusa has been earmarked as the future seat of government for Central Province. “We are very happy for the Church to bring us on board.” “I would especially like to thank the Church for its work in developing faith through service delivery and education.” “One of my key pillars since taking office is developing human resources.” She said the project would be transformative for the rapidly growing population of Hiri-Koiari. Church Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for Welfare and Self-Reliance Bret Dandoy outlined the project’s funding structure, confirming staged payments to contractor Najala Builders from the Church, Central Provincial Government and the Hiri-Koiari District, whose contribution is expected in March. Acting Provincial Administrator Bala Kapa called on all stakeholders to work closely with customary landowners to ensure smooth implementation. “We must partner with the landowners and work together for the benefit of everyone.” The Sabusa Primary School project is expected to take six to eight months to complete.