The East New Britain provincial government, under the leadership of Governor Michael Marum, has partnered with Agmark Limited to support youth development in inland Baining, Gazelle District, with the delivery of nursery and building materials valued at over K15, 000.The assistance was presented to the Ramandu Youth Association to strengthen rural communities through sustainable agriculture and economic development initiatives.Governor Marum emphasized that agriculture remains the backbone of East New Britain’s economy and encouraged communities to maximize the use of their land for productive purposes.He also praised the Ramandu Youth Association for taking proactive steps toward self-reliance and community-driven development.The materials will support the establishment of a nursery project managed by the association, aimed at producing and distributing high-value cash crop seedlings to local farmers.This will expect to create income-generating opportunities for youths while contributing to long-term agricultural growth and community development in the inland Baining area.

Kerema district in Gulf province, has entered a partnership with the Department for Community Development and Religion (DFCDR) to establish a District Community Development Centre (DCDC).The Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was signed in Port Moresby by Kerema MP and Finance Minister Thomas Opa, Minister for Youth, Religion and Community Development Jason Peter, and DFCDR Secretary Jerry Ubase. The project is estimated to cost K2 million, with the department and the district each contributing 50 percent of the funding. Minister Peter congratulated the Kerema District Development Authority (DDA) for its commitment, noting that Kerema is the second district this year, following Kerowagi, to join the initiative. “This agreement is an important step towards strengthening community development services at the district level,” Minister Peter said. “We signed MoAs with a number of districts last year, and this year Kerema becomes the second district after Kerowagi to come on board.” He added that the DCDC will ensure protection and empowerment programs reach the community effectively so that ‘no one is left behind.’ Meanwhile, Minister Opa emphasized the importance of infrastructure that serves vulnerable populations and expressed his desire for swift action. “I consider this a very important infrastructure project for Kerema District.” “On behalf of our people and the Kerema DDA team, we are not only here to sign the MoA, but we want to see this project fully implemented.” The signing was witnessed by Acting Director for the National Office of Child and Family Services Jerry Wap, the Kerema DDA team, and senior department managers. This center marks a significant step in decentralizing social services to the rural areas of Gulf Province.

The Koupa Soccer Association (KSA) officially launched its 2026 preseason on May 4th, 2026, at Kaparoko village, Central province, signaling a renewed commitment to discovering rural talent in alignment with Papua New Guinea Football Association (PNGFA) President, Chief John Kapi Natto’s developmental vision.The event was attended by PNGFA officials and presidents from eight neighboring village associations. During the launch, PNGFA Vice President and KSA President Morea Vavine announced a restructured format where village associations including Galomarubu, Gemo, Kalo, Makeupu, Hula, Alewai, Irupara, and Babaka, will now manage their own community competitions under the official endorsement of the PNGFA through their KSA membership. This initiative provides a formalized pathway for players across Hood Point and Beagle Bay to showcase their skills on a sanctioned stage. “Our main objective is to ensure village associations are part of the PNGFA through Koupa Soccer Association’s competition structure,” stated Mr. Vavine, noting that this is only the start of expanded football development for the Rigo District and Central Province. Other villages from neighboring Local Level Governments (LLGs) and districts are encouraged to contact the KSA to secure endorsement. By strengthening grassroots in football and establishing clear pathways for rural athletes, the KSA is ensuring that local talent has a direct route to the national stage.

The Chief Justice of Papua New Guinea has been referred again, this time by the Ombudsman Commission to the National Executive Council (NEC) and the prime minister has come out to give his assurance to the nation that the State will tread very carefully with this matter.Prime Minister James Marape in a statement released today, assured the nation that the Government will approach the Ombudsman Commission’s referral involving Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika with the utmost care, diligence, and full respect for the Constitution and the independence of the Judiciary. The Prime Minister’s comments follow the Ombudsman Commission’s announcement on Monday, 11 May, that it had invoked its reserve powers under Section 29(2) of the Constitution and Section 27(3) of the Organic Law on the Duties and Responsibilities of Leadership to refer the Chief Justice to the National Executive Council (NEC) for consideration of the appointment of a Leadership Tribunal. Prime Minister Marape said the Government fully respects the constitutional mandates of both the Ombudsman Commission and the Public Prosecutor. “The Ombudsman Commission and the Public Prosecutor are independent constitutional offices, and their work must be respected,” Prime Minister Marape said. “This is not a light matter. The Office of the Chief Justice is one of the highest constitutional offices in our country, equal in standing to the Office of the Prime Minister and the Office of the Speaker as heads of the three arms of government.” Prime Minister Marape also confirmed that the Office of the Prime Minister, in the presence of the Chief Secretary, had formally received the referral documents from the Ombudsman Commission. Following this, the Government would now seek detailed legal advice from the State Solicitor and other relevant authorities before determining the next steps. Marape said the Government would carefully examine whether the NEC had the constitutional standing and authority to proceed with such a matter involving the Chief Justice under Section 179 of the Constitution. “As Prime Minister, I will not rush this process or make premature conclusions,” he said. “The Chief Justice remains at work and this matter must be handled fairly, respectfully, and with due care because the integrity of our constitutional institutions and the reputation of our country are involved.” The prime minister also urged the public to avoid unnecessary speculation and commentary while proper legal processes were underway.

The Papua New Guinea Football Association (PNGFA) has officially announced its final 23-man squad for the PNG U-19 Men’s National Team ahead of the upcoming OFC U-19 Men’s Championship – Qualifying Stage, set to take place in the Cook Islands from June 6th to 12th, 2026.Head coach Mathew Witu confirmed the squad following several weeks of preparation and assessment, with selected players now set to represent PNG in their bid to secure qualification to the main championship in Samoa later this year. PNG will open its qualifying campaign against Tonga on June 6th, before facing hosts nation, Cook Islands on June 12th. Only one qualification spot is available from the tournament, with the group winner advancing to the final championship stage in Samoa in September. Coach Witu said the squad reflects strong preparation and commitment shown throughout the camp. “We have selected a balanced squad that has shown commitment, discipline, and determination throughout camp.” “The players understand the importance of this opportunity and are eager to represent Papua New Guinea with pride.” PNG U-19 Men’s Final Squad (23 Players) Defenders: Bomecge Basananuc, Charles David, Christopher Eugene, Thomas Niebo, Jaru Eron, Raphael Kamake Midfielders: Ruel Api, Leightan Enoch, Harold Bill, Henry Bill, John Millis, Polos Muip, Albhan Rani, Benjamin Kila, Peter Yagum Strikers: Nalau Moses, Benjamin Bee, David Tita, Boas Tommy, Harrison Ima Goalkeepers: Ricky Hulana, Luther Rodney, Wayne Java The OFC U-19 Men’s Championship Qualifying Stage is regarded as a key development pathway for young footballers across Oceania, offering valuable international experience and exposure. The PNGFA extended congratulations to all selected players and wished the team success as they prepare to fly the national flag in the Cook Islands.

The Rabaul District in East New Britain Province is one of the first districts in the province apart from Pomio district and in the country to roll out the PacFresH20, a project aimed at protecting fresh water and increasing resilience.The official country launch of the PacFreH2O project was held on Monday, May 11, 2026, at the Somare Memorial Park in Rabaul, witnessed by the Minister of the Department of National Planning and Monitoring (DNPM) and his delegation, the Provincial Member, Rabaul MP and his DDA Board members and project implementing partners such as Water Aid, GIZ and others. When giving the keynote address, the Minister for the Department of National Planning and Monitoring, Sir Ano Pala, said that this is a German funded project, a 20 million Euros (PGK104 million) trilateral cooperation between Germany, PNG and Solomon Islands. He explained that the PacFresH2O project will be rolled out between 2026 and 2031 to selected high risk communities, schools, health facilities and markets with the following approach. 1.    Climate- resilient water supply systems will be rehabilitated and installed. 2.    Improved sanitation and hygiene facilities. 3.    Climate and hydrological monitoring stations will be installed to work together with the National Weather Service. 4.    Conservation initiatives. 5.    Establishment of District Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WaSH) Committees and 6.    Alternate livelihood opportunities. Minister Pala said that as a disaster-prone province and district, we have to be prepared and respond accordingly when disaster strikes. He also announced that Rabaul is the first district in PNG to receive a fully DNPM-funded WaSH project of this scale, with priority for the people of Matupit who have endured for decades living in the shadow of a live volcano with inadequate access to clean and safe water. This will also complement the PacFresH2O project. Also present to witness the launch was the member for Rabaul Dr. Allan Marat, who expressed his gratitude towards the Minster for National Planning & Monitoring, implementing agencies and the German Government, for identifying and selecting Rabaul District to pilot this important project. “Germany and Rabaul have a long history since the colonial days of German- New Guinea and we are privileged to renew those ties again with this vital water resilience project,” Dr. Marat said. He said such projects will empower communities to be resilient and improve family’s livelihood and also encouraged the district to take ownership of the project. Meanwhile, Rabaul District Administrator Freddy Lemeki, commended all partners for their efforts in successfully launching the PacFresH2O program and added that this will also complement the recently launched District WaSH 5 Year Development Plan.

The ongoing implementation of the Child Nutrition and Social Protection (CNSP) project in the Gazelle District of East New Britain has captured the interest of the newly appointed United Nations Resident Coordinator in Papua New Guinea, Ms. Shalini Bahuguna.During her recent visit to the province to assess the destruction caused by Cyclone Maila, Ms. Bahuguna travelled to Napapar Ward Four, one of the sixty-eight wards actively implementing the CNSP initiative. A handful of mothers and Village Health Assistance (VHA) were present to share first-hand information on the status of CNSP implementation on pregnant mothers and children between the ages of 0-5 years. The project is in its third year of operation, an initiative of the government and supported by the World Bank and DFAT, aimed at reducing child stunting and malnutrition. Addressing the mothers and the VHA at the ward chamber hall, Ms Bahuguna said that the United Nations was keen to have more information on CNSP rollout since its line agency UNICEF was a leading technical advisor on this project. “I am trying to fully understand how things have been in the last three years of implementation and further find out if the project is having an impact on the mothers and children.” “With high numbers of stunting or children under weight, the concept of having trained VHC, is a great approach, allowing for those concerned to be monitored daily in respective wards.” “I want to commend you all and further encourage everyone to continue doing this.” According to the Gazelle District Health Coordinator, Vunais Leba, a handful of referrals have been made by the VHA to the nearest health centres. “We have now seen the CNSP project achieving results with a lot of nutrition issues addressed by VHAs, allowing health staff in health centres to be focused in other areas of health deliveries.” “People are now doing a lot of back yard gardening and are cooking a balanced meal.” Meanwhile, 136 VHAs were in the four Local Level Governments (LLGs) in the Gazelle District, addressing malnutrition, identifying underweight children for referral and exercising health advocacy.

The Constitutional and Law Reform Commission (CLRC) recently achieved a significant milestone by completing an intensive two-week custom recording exercise in Jiwaka Province.Conducted under the Underlying Law Act 2000 and the CLRC Act 2004, this initiative strengthens the Commission’s mandate to develop and monitor Papua New Guinea’s Underlying Law. Throughout the exercise, the CLRC documented the customs of the Kuma, Eknii, and Narak language groups, covering the North Waghi, South Waghi, and Jimi Districts. Facilitated by the Jiwaka Provincial Administration, the consultations engaged village elders, magistrates, and local leaders to ensure an authoritative record of traditional practices. The recording followed a comprehensive questionnaire framework addressing leadership structures, family relations, land ownership, and dispute resolution, while additional cultural research, including a visit to the Koskala Cultural Site, provided deeper insight into regional artifacts. Jiwaka is the second province to undergo this process following a successful pilot in Central Province. The CLRC is now refining the gathered data into a legally structured report for parliamentary presentation. Once declared, these customs will be recognized by the courts to help determine cases and progressively develop a "home-grown" legal system. CLRC Secretary Dr. Mange Matui emphasized that this national program directly supports the Fifth National Goal and Directive Principle, Papua New Guinean Ways, ensuring the country’s legal framework genuinely reflects the traditions and aspirations of its people. 

The National Government has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding access to quality higher and technical education across Papua New Guinea following the ground-breaking ceremony for the proposed Sandaun Technical College and Teachers College at Poro, Aitape, in West Sepik (Sandaun) Province recently.Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science, Technology and Sports, and Acting Minister for Education, Kinoka Feo, stated that the proposed institution would play an important role in empowering young people through education, skills training and human capital development. “The establishment of this institution will create opportunities for our young people to access higher education locally, reduce barriers caused by geography and infrastructure, and contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic growth of Sandaun Province and Papua New Guinea.” Also, in attendance, were Sandaun Governor Tony Wouwou, Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture and Member for Vanimo-Green, Belden Namah, Member for Aitape-Lumi, Anderson Mise, Sandaun Provincial Administrator Jacob Areman, and Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology Secretary, Lonnie Baki, along with other distinguished guests. Minister Feo acknowledged the partnership between the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (DHERST) and the Sandaun Provincial Government through the signing of a Memorandum of Partnership to support the delivery of higher education services in the province. He said the project aligns with a 2019 National Executive Council decision directing the establishment of Technical Colleges in Sandaun and 11 other provinces nationwide. The proposed institution is expected to deliver training in key priority areas including Construction, Agriculture, Tourism and Hospitality, and Teacher Training, using national training packages to ensure standardised and quality skills development. To support the initial implementation phase, Minister Feo announced a K1 million funding commitment from his Ministry. “The Marape-Rosso Government remains committed to ensuring that no province is left behind in accessing quality higher education and technical training opportunities.” He also thanked the people of Sandaun Province, provincial leaders and stakeholders for their cooperation and continued support toward establishing the institution.

A recent Financial Literacy Training conducted at the Bisini Lawn Bowls club in Port Moresby city, facilitated by the Centre for Excellence in Financial Inclusion (CEFI) in partnership with the Department for Community Development and Religion, has proved helpful for the participants.One particular participant, who is a retired Football player who had a lustrous playing career in his prime days, was also part of this empowerment of life skills training. Mr. Roland Bala is a PNG International Football representative player, who played for various teams in the National Soccer League, a semi-professional competition. He was part of the PNG Football Men’s team that played in the 2016 OFC Nations Cup and also had a stint with Southern United FC in the New Zealand Premiership Football League. When PNG HAUSBUNG interviewed him, he said he was pleased to be part of such an opportunity to acquire such a skill, especially during a time where the country is faced with economic problems and many Papua New Guinean households are struggling financially. “In this financial literacy training, we learnt about budgeting and savings. So, what I learnt from this training is all about our everyday habit of using our hard-earned money through unwise spending and not saving the little we have. And this is a mindset changing experiencing for me, especially to do with saving,” said Mr. Bala. He adds that this training has also helped him to understand how to be financially sound and avoid unhealthy financial habits. He said, someone who has not received this kind of training or is not familiar about financial literacy, will definitely have problems financially. For him, this training has empowered him to be wiser with his spending, and look into opportunities like starting a small business. As a retired athlete, he sees life as a struggle, especially when one who has not completed the formal education process but turns to concentrate more on sports as another means to sustain your life. He says athletes who are in the semi-professional competitions earning money; they must save the little they receive. He also urges the sportsmen and women to reach out to people and others for such opportunities to get them prepared for life after sports. “So many of our athletes earning salaries, they just spend, spend and spend. My advice to them is limit on your expenses and try to save your money. You can start small with at least a much smaller amount. Try putting that little away and forget about it. You’ll be surprised at how much you will save once your time in sports is up," said Mr. Bala.

Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Vanuatu have further strengthened ties following bilateral talks on the margins of the Melanesian Ocean Summit 2026 in Port Moresby city this week.Prime Minister James Marape reaffirmed PNG’s strong and enduring relationship with Vanuatu following bilateral discussions held with Vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat. Marape said the meeting reflected the deep historical, cultural, and political ties shared between Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu as fellow Melanesian and Pacific nations. “We are working to promote unity and the safe and sustainable use of our oceans, and the Ocean Summit has provided an important opportunity for Pacific leaders to come together not only for the conference, but also to strengthen bilateral relationships,” Prime Minister Marape said. The Prime Minister said Papua New Guinea valued Vanuatu’s longstanding friendship and support on regional matters of mutual interest. “Vanuatu is extraordinarily special to Papua New Guinea. We stood with Vanuatu during its independence in 1980, and we look forward to continuing to work together as we have in the past, today, and into the future,” he said. Prime Minister Marape said both countries had agreed to further strengthen diplomatic engagement, including arrangements for reciprocal diplomatic missions. “They have graciously provided space for Papua New Guinea to establish a High Commission in Vanuatu, and likewise we have indicated our willingness to provide space for Vanuatu to establish its High Commission here in Port Moresby,” he said. He also said PNG and Vanuatu shared many common priorities as Melanesian and Pacific neighbours, particularly in the areas of climate change advocacy, ocean conservation, and regional solidarity. “As two Melanesian brothers and Pacific brothers, we share many commonalities. I commend Vanuatu for always standing with Papua New Guinea on matters of shared interest in Melanesia and across the Pacific,” he said. The Prime Minister emphasised the importance of Pacific unity in addressing global challenges affecting island nations. “Collectively, our voice is stronger. On our own, we may face resistance. Together, we can jointly advocate on critical issues such as ocean conservation and climate change,” Prime Minister Marape said. He added that Pacific nations must continue standing together amid increasing geopolitical competition and external pressures.

Prime Minister (PM) James Marape has come out to strongly reject what he has described as misleading allegations suggesting the use of public funds for election purposes next year. These allegations were from the East Sepik Governor Allan Bird who suggested that the existence of “slush funds” under the Office of the Prime Minister and the Government funding allocations, are being used to influence the 2027 National General Election. Prime Minister Marape described the comments as irresponsible, misleading, and damaging to public confidence in the country’s lawful budgetary and governance processes. “The people of Papua New Guinea deserve facts, not politically driven narratives designed to create suspicion and division,” PM Marape said. “All budget appropriations passed by Parliament are done through transparent legal processes under the national budget framework and are subject to scrutiny by Parliament, Treasury, the Department of Finance, Auditor-General, and relevant oversight agencies.” Marape said it was incorrect and misleading to describe contingency funds, government obligations, district maintenance allocations, or development appropriations as “slush funds” controlled personally by the Prime Minister. “These are lawful appropriations passed by Parliament to enable Government operations, national obligations, emergency responses, development programmes, and service delivery,” he said. “No Prime Minister can wake up and spend public money outside the legal budget process. Every allocation has a purpose, a process, and an accountable pathway.” Prime Minister Marape went on to explain that PNG’s budgeting system involved all Members of Parliament and Government agencies through formal parliamentary approval processes. “The same Members of Parliament Governor Bird refers to are elected leaders representing the people of this country,” he said. “The national budget is debated openly in Parliament before being passed. It is not hidden from the public.” The PM further clarified that the allocations Governor Bird referred to fall under Treasury Department budget items such as Item 207, including miscellaneous expenditure and Secretary’s Advance appropriations, which are longstanding provisions contained in national budgets under successive governments. “These appropriations are managed under established Treasury and public finance procedures. The Prime Minister has no personal discretion or unilateral authority over how these funds are applied or disbursed,” he said. “The Budget Management Committee (BMC) process also regulates and oversees all spending to ensure compliance with approved government financial procedures and accountability mechanisms.” “These budget items existed under previous governments, exist under the current government, and will continue under future governments as part of normal state financial operations.” Marape said it was therefore wrong and misleading to portray lawful Treasury appropriations as personal political funds controlled by the Prime Minister.