TISA Bank has officially opened its new branch in Madang, marking another important step in its nationwide expansion and commitment to providing accessible, reliable and customer-focused banking services to Papua New Guineans.The opening comes shortly after the launch of its Kavieng Branch and highlights TISA Bank’s continued investment in expanding its reach while supporting economic growth, financial inclusion and community development across the country.Speaking at the opening ceremony, TISA Bank Chairman Moses Koiri said the Madang Branch represents more than just a new location for the bank.He said the branch reflects TISA Bank’s confidence in the future of Madang and its commitment to delivering convenient financial services that support families, businesses, and communities.Mr. Koiri said Madang’s strong communities, growing economy, and active business sector make it a key location as TISA Bank continues to strengthen its national presence.Established in 1972, TISA has evolved from an institution serving teachers into one of Papua New Guinea’s leading financial organisations. Today, as a licensed commercial bank, TISA Bank provides a wide range of personal, business, and corporate banking services through its expanding branch network, agency outlets, and digital banking platforms.The new Madang Branch will provide customers with access to everyday banking services, savings and lending products, business banking solutions, and digital banking options.The opening forms part of TISA Bank’s broader strategy to increase its national footprint and deliver on its commitment of “Banking on Change. Better Banking. Better Lives.”

The BSP Financial Group Limited today announced their sponsorship of K100,000 towards the 53rd – 2026 Hiri Moale Festival, at the Motu-Koita Assembly Office, in Port Moresby.BSP Group General Manager – Corporate Affairs & Community, Ms. Hari Rabura made the announcement and presentation to the chairman of Motu-Koita Assembly and Deputy NCD Governor, Mr. Russell Wavik, witnessed by Motu-Koita Assembly Deputy Chairman, the Motu Koita Assembly members and other guests.Today’s sponsorship marks BSP’s support to the Hiri Moale Festival spanning over fifteen (15) years. BSP’s partnership with the Motu-Koita Assembly and support towards the Festival begun back in 2010.On behalf of the BSP, Ms. Rabura expressed their sincere appreciation to the Motu-Koita Assembly for their ongoing commitment to preserving and promoting one of Papua New Guineas most treasured, cultural traditions.She reiterated that BSP has stood along with the Hiri Moale Festival for over fifteen years as a partner in cultural preservation. “So, our support reflects our belief that culture is more that our history. It is our identity; it is our pride, and a foundation upon which future generations build an understanding of who they are. Especially at this time where the digital age is distracting a lot of our young people.“At BSP we recognize that our people play an important part of keeping our culture and traditions alive. We are committed to supporting initiatives that strengthen communities, preserve cultural heritage, contribute to nation building, and championing prosperity in the South Pacific.“Cultural events such as the Hiri Moale Festival play an important role in fostering unity, pride and appreciation for our diverse traditions,” said Ms. Rabura. The sponsorship represents the bank’s continued commitment to supporting an event that has become an important celebration for Papua New Guinea’s cultural identity and heritage. “We wish the team every success towards the preparations and hosting of this event. And we look forward to celebrating alongside you in the months ahead,” concluded Ms. Rabura.   MKA Chairman – Mr. Wavik welcomed and acknowledged the generous sponsorship of BSP Financial Group towards the hosting of the 2026 Hiri Moale Festival. “On behalf of the Motu-Koita Assembly and the people of Motu-Koita, I extend our sincere gratitude to BSP for your continuous support towards the 2026 Hiri Moale Festival,” said Mr. Wavik.He further reiterated that the Hiri Moale Festival is more than just an annual event. It is a celebration of the people’s identity and cultural heritage and the legacy of our ancestors, who with their courage and spirit, gave life and meaning to the Hiri Trade. “This sponsorship is more than just financial support. It is an investment in promoting and preserving our culture, empowering our people supporting local businesses, promoting tourism and strengthening national unity, Cultural unity and customary unity, as we combine everything to make this year’s event a memorable festival,” said the MKA Chairman in his concluding remark. According to Ms. Rabura, today’s event was just an announcement, as the actual K100,000 was already deposited into MKA’s account last week Friday. BSP becomes the second Corporate sponsors for the 2026 Hiri Moale Festival and joints the Constantinou Group of Companies as the Gold Sponsors of the Festival.

Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape and Timor-Leste President Dr. José Ramos-Horta has held high-level talks aimed at strengthening regional security cooperation and expanding higher education opportunities between the two countries.The meeting took place on the sidelines of Vanuatu's 46th Independence celebrations, where the leaders discussed a proposal for Timor-Leste to contribute 200 defence personnel to support security during Papua New Guinea's 2027 National General Election. The proposal forms part of PNG's plan to establish a 1,000-member multinational election security and observation force, with 200 personnel each from Timor-Leste, Vanuatu, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Australia and New Zealand. Prime Minister Marape said the Solomon Islands had already agreed to participate, adding that external support would help extend polling periods and provide a peaceful environment for citizens to cast their votes. He said a Cabinet submission would soon be finalised before formal requests are sent to participating countries.The two leaders also discussed closer cooperation in higher education through a proposed joint scholarship programme. Under the initiative, Papua New Guinea would match Timor-Leste's funding on a dollar-for-dollar basis, allowing more Timorese students to study at PNG universities and technical institutions in fields such as law, mining engineering and tropical medicine. Prime Minister Marape said he hopes the discussions will lead to the signing of Memorandums of Understanding during his planned reciprocal visit to Timor-Leste, reaffirming PNG's commitment to supporting the country's future leaders through education.The talks also covered regional political issues, including Bougainville and West Papua, while reaffirming the strong cultural and historical ties between the two nations. Prime Minister Marape said the growing partnership is underpinned by their shared Melanesian heritage, noting that an estimated 20 to 25 per cent of Timor-Leste's population has direct Melanesian-Papuan ancestry.

National Department of Education’s (NDoE) Officers from Curriculum Design and Development Unit and the Centre for Excellence in Financial Inclusion (CEFI) Capacity Development Team, met recently to finalize resource documents for the Financial Education Curriculum.The week-long workshop was to confirm and finalize the templates to ensure age appropriation and grade relevant content for the different curriculum documents. Ensure logical sequencing of content per grade (from preparatory to Grade 12) and prepare documents for the final consultation workshop in preparation for production.Following the workshop, the production of the Financial Education Curriculum is at stage three of the curriculum development cycle, which are, Editorial, Formatting and Designing, Camera Ready Copy (CRC) – for printing and Digital.The successful outcome saw the team completing the Grade 3 Financial Education Curriculum sample package, that comprises: Grade 3 Syllabus,Teacher Guide,Teacher Resource Book,Student Resource Books andStudent Activity Book. The team has also drafted the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) renewal which will be also presented in the proposed 2-week consultation workshop, later this month. Acting Executive Director of CEFI – Mr. Peter Samuel said for what started as a concept note after careful deliberation over the type of financial programs offered by CEFI; it has come this far. He is pleased that this financial Education Curriculum will contribute towards the country’s sound financial growth.

East New Britain Provincial Police Commander, Superintendent Amanda Kates, has extended the deepest condolences and sympathies to the families of those who perished in the boat tragedy of 18 July, and expressed her heartfelt appreciation for all who participated in the search for the 27 victims.Superintendent Kates further provided an update on the next steps in support for the family through this period of loss and mourning, and the coronial investigation that is underway.“This terrible human catastrophe has touched so many lives, and now with the period of time that has passed we must move forward with the next steps with the families,” Superintendent Kates confirmed.“Over the current weekend the specialist Forensic Pathologist addressed family members at the Kokopo Fire Station.“He informed the families that he has completed all 13 autopsies at the Nonga Morgue, and that he is currently preparing preliminary reports will be finished promptly.“The preliminary reports will be presented to Investigating Officers who will then give the report to the Coroner on Monday, 3 August.“From each of the preliminary reports the Coroner will issue Death Certificates and release of the body certificate to Police.“Police will then contact family members and give them those documents. This will be a harrowing time for families, and they have the full support of our communities in East New Britain and Police.“At this point, it is important to make public, for the families, the provincial community and the country, that the Coroner has confirmed that all those who perished were the victims of drowning and there was no foul play involved.”In relation to the coronial investigation by Police into the capsize of the boats and loss of life, Superintendent Kates said the process is ongoing and thorough.“Vessels are to being used to recreate the journey taken by the families to better understand direction, wave patterns and currents. “Police are taking statements from residents of Pidgen Island and will progress to Baai Village to again take further statements from the residents of the village.Police will travel to New Ireland to take statements from those community members who searched diligently for and found the bodies on their islands.“Information will be made public as soon as it can be released, and I again appeal to people not to believe speculation and rumour that is quite often untrue.“Finally, I want to restate that we remain forever thankful that East New Britain and New Ireland communities who supported each other in these sad times.“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who have suffered this terrible loss.”

The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) advises that search coordination for the missing Nissan–Buka vessel has been significantly expanded through strengthened national and international partnerships, led by the Directorate of Disaster and Emergency under the Department of Community Government (DCG). Efforts remain focused on locating the three persons who departed Nissan Island for Buka on Saturday, 18 July 2026.Over recent days, the Directorate has intensified operational coordination, broadened the search network, and ensured that all credible information is rapidly verified through established provincial, national, and regional channels.To enhance coverage across Bougainville and neighboring maritime areas, the Directorate has worked closely with the New Ireland Provincial Disaster Office and TANIR Local Level Government, utilising local communication networks to monitor coastal waters. A formal request has also been submitted to the National Disaster Centre for additional maritime assets to support ongoing search and rescue operations.The Directorate has expanded the search beyond Papua New Guinea’s immediate waters.In partnership with the New Ireland Provincial Government, information regarding possible sightings around Mussau Island was assessed. The Directorate also followed up on reports from Manus Province, which—after verification with the Manus Provincial Disaster Office—were confirmed as untrue. The ABG acknowledges the swift cooperation of Manus authorities and confirms that all reported sightings will continue to be thoroughly investigated before official updates are issued.Through coordination with the PNG Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC), the United States Coast Guard Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in Honolulu and the Honiara MRCC have been notified. The regional broadcast alert issued by PNG MRCC and JRCC remains active, requesting all mariners to maintain vigilance and report any potential sightings immediately.Alerts have also been disseminated through the Indo Pacific Regional Information Sharing Platform, enabling neighbouring countries and maritime operators to support expanded search coverage across wider ocean areas.Despite these strengthened partnerships, search operations continue to be constrained by persistent strong wind warnings across Bougainville, New Ireland and New Britain. These conditions pose significant risks to small craft and limit sea-based search activities.The Directorate again appeals to commercial vessels, fishing operators and coastal communities throughout Bougainville, New Ireland, the Atolls and neighbouring maritime areas to remain alert and report any credible information through the appropriate authorities. The previously issued description of the vessel and the three persons on board remain current.The ABG acknowledges the continued support of the National Disaster Centre, PNG MRCC, Provincial Disaster Centres in New Ireland, East New Britain and Manus, and all partner agencies contributing to the search effort.The ABG extends its thoughts and prayers to the families of those on board and urges the public to refrain from circulating unverified information on social media. Official updates will continue to be issued as new information is confirmed. 

Team PNG will bring its Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games campaign to a close today, Saturday 01st August 2026, with three final athletics events scheduled at Scotstoun Stadium.On Friday, the team of Daniel Baul, Isila Apkup, Adolf Kauba and Scholastica Herman finished sixth in a time of 3:38.25 in the heats of the Mixed 4x400m.Three athletics events remain on the schedule for Team PNG on Day 10Saturday, August 1 (Glasgow Time / PNG Time):10:05am (7:05pm PGT) Men's F57 Para Shot Put (Jerome Bunge)12:35pm (9:35pm PGT) Women's 4x100m Relay (Adrine Monagi, Hephzibah Romalus, Denlyne Kinbangi, Isila Apkup)12:55pm (9:55pm PGT) Men's 4x100m Relay (Pais Wisil, Timothy Tuna, Leroy Kamau, Johnny Bai).Athletes and officials from Swimming, Weightlifting and Women's 3x3 Basketball have already departed Scotland following the completion of their events.The Games will culminate with the Closing Ceremony at the OVO Hydro on Sunday, August 2, beginning at 9:00pm Glasgow time (6:00am PGT on Monday, August 3). 

After the successful completion of stages 1-3 on the Kagamuga Airport, the National Airports Corporation (NAC) is advising the traveling public, airlines and stakeholders that runway works at the Mt Hagen (Kagamuga) Airport will now proceed to Stage 4 of works on Tuesday 4th August 2026. After successful completion of stages 1 to 3 this week, the stage 4 work will take approximately 15 days to complete, dependending on the weather mostly.NAC also advises that the available runway length during stage 4, will be 1380 meters, therefore it will not be able to accommodate jet aircraft such as the Fokker 100 and Fokker 70. However, it will be available for Q400, ATR, and smaller aircraft.These essential works are necessary to ensure that this important national project is progressing as planned, to enable the A220 / B737 operations into Mt. Hagen (Kagamuga) Airport by December 2026.The upgrade of the Mt Hagen Airport runway to asphalt concrete overlay, is among the top priorities driven by the NAC Board to create sustainable airports that meet the growing demand for air travel in the highlands region and the country while supporting economic growth.NAC Acting Managing Director and CEO, Dominic Kaumu said that the works will be implemented in accordance with the required standards whilst ensuring that the safety and security of operations at the airport during the period of works, are maintained.The asphalt overlay and associated works at the Mt Hagen Airport are currently being carried out in 13 stages, under an approved Method of Work Plan (MOWP).The general public and stakeholders are advised to take note of the schedule of works and plan your travel accordingly as the runway length will be further shortened in the coming weeks between August and October 2026 leading to further downsizing of aircrafts operating into Kagamuga Airport.NAC apologizes for any inconvenience that will be caused during this period, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we work with all key stakeholders to complete this important project at Mt. Hagen (Kagamuga) airport.The Mount Hagen Asphalt overlay, and associated works project valued at K39.4 million was launched in April 2026 and is funded by the NAC and fully supported by the Government of PNG.

Mariners Women wrapped up their campaign in the Boroko Motors ISUZU Women's 50-Over Tournament with a convincing six-wicket win over Black Bass Women at Amini Park on Friday 31 July 2026.After winning the toss and electing field, Mariners produced a disciplined bowling performance to dismiss Black Bass for 65 runs in 23.3 overs.Duna Alex led the bowling attack with 2 wickets for 16 runs from three overs, while captain Henao Jean Thomas claimed 2 for 20. Pauke Siaka also bowled economically, conceding just nine runs from four overs.Chasing a modest target of 66, Mariners recovered from an early wobble at 13 for 4 to comfortably reach 66 for 4 in 14 overs, securing victory with six wickets in hand.Player of the Match, Konio Oala anchored the successful chase with an unbeaten 33 off 32 deliveries, striking three fours and three sixes.Brenda Elly provided valuable support, remaining unbeaten on 9, as the pair guided Mariners to the target.Black Bass captain Henao Jean Thomas fought hard with the ball, taking 2 wickets, but Mariners' middle order remained composed to seal the win.The result concludes Round one of the Boroko Motors ISUZU Women's 50-Over Tournament, which featured Black Bass, Mariners and Cassowaries in a three-match competition aimed at providing valuable match experience for Cricket PNG's female athletes as they continue preparations for upcoming international commitments, including the PNG Lewas' future campaigns.Cricket PNG congratulates all players, coaches, match officials, volunteers, Major Sponsors Boroko Motors, and supporters for contributing to another successful women's domestic tournament, highlighting the continued growth and development of women's cricket in PNG.

Police in Enga have launched a recapture operation for the Twenty-five remandees who escaped from the Wabag Police station cell this week. Enga Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Chief Superintendent Steven Harris stated that 25 suspects were captured and locked up at Wabag Police Station and nine out of these twenty- five (25) were on no bail no fine, awaiting court appearance when all 25 remandees escaped from the cell in the early hours of Wednesday 29, July 2026. Chief Superintendent Harris said the priority is to recover the escapees, and to get to the bottom of the incident.“A coordinated recapture operation is underway across the districts,” the PPC stated.“The escape remandees have limited options to hide, as we know their villages and their associates, so it is just a matter of time, and when we bring them back, they will face additional charges.""I call upon the leaders of their tribes and villages to assist in the recapture.”PPC Harris further added that if the escapees voluntarily surrender, then they are more likely to face less penalties.“If the escapees surrender, they will be served lesser penalties compared to police recapturing them. Our priority is always the safety and security of the public."Communities are urged to assist police in recapturing these escapees.Chief Superintendent Harris also highlighted that in light of the event there was a related public disturbance on the premises of Wabag police station, the disturbance was on claims of police misconduct, one person was arrested and charged with refusal to leave police premises and obstruction of police.PPC Harris confirmed this was and assured the public that there will be thorough investigation into claims of police misconduct which was laid by the public.“If there was any misconduct by any Police officers they will be dealt with as the law requires, an independent investigation has been ordered, the matter is now being referred to the Internal Affairs Division.“I make it my commitment to the people of Enga, that we will do all in our power to re capture the escapees, without fear or favor, get to the bottom of those involved.”

The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) this week presented its 2026 Second Quarter Budget Review Report to the National Government at the Treasury Building in Port Moresby, reaffirming its commitment to fiscal accountability, performance reporting and compliance. Led by Deputy Secretary for Planning Dr Steven Kolova and Caretaker Secretary for Finance and Treasury Petrina Hasunn, the ABG delegation met with representatives from the National Departments of Treasury, Finance, Planning and Monitoring, Personnel Management and Administrative Services, and the National Economic and Fiscal Commission (NEFC).Speaking at the opening of the review, Deputy Secretary Dr Kolova said the quarterly consultations reflected the principles of joint commitment and joint implementation under the Bougainville Peace Agreement. “This consultation reinforces our shared accountability. ABG must present evidence-based development priorities and account for the use of public resources, while the National Government must support the timely allocation and release of those resources,” Dr Kolova said. Dr Kolova also acknowledged the recently launched NEFC Cost of Services Study, describing it as an important framework for understanding the resources required to support Bougainville's redevelopment and service delivery. The national agencies welcomed ABG's consistent submission of quarterly reports and its strengthened reporting framework.Discussions also focused on several key fiscal and service delivery issues, including the slow release of grants to ABG, funding for nurses' award obligations, outstanding teachers' liabilities, underfunding of Buka General Hospital, and the need for clearer guidelines on Restoration and Development Grants and Prime Minister's Commitments.Caretaker Secretary for Finance and Treasury Petrina Hasunn said ABG continued to strengthen its financial management systems.“The ABG continues to strengthen its commitment to compliance and accountability by ensuring that public funds are properly accounted for and reported against their intended purposes. This process also allows us to identify implementation challenges early and engage the relevant national agencies on practical solutions,” Ms Hasunn said.The Second Quarter Budget Review will inform preparations for the 2027 Budget and the Third Quarter Budget Review. 

United Church mission in Kieta celebrated100 years of Gospel in Kieta, Bougainville this week and Autonomous Region of Bougainville President Ishmael Toroama joined the United Church members to commemorate the centenary of the arrival of the Gospel in Kieta during celebrations held at Roreinang on Sunday and Kongara One on Monday this week. The gospel was first introduced to the Mountains of Kongara (Moru Village) by a missionary who came from Rataiku in Siwai. The missionaries brought the word of God and also brought education and health services to the people of Kieta, as they did in other parts of Bougainville. The United Church is the first revived Church in Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, formed by members of the Papuan London Missionary Society based in the Papuan Region, and the Methodist Church based in the New Guinea Islands Region. His Excellency, who is from Roreinang, a mission station of the United Church, encouraged the people on Sunday to look after the assets that the missionaries set up in the villages.“When you look at the buildings, the missionaries did not just build the church; they built it with schools. To the teachers who are teaching in church-run institutions, either United Church, Catholic, or Seventh Day Adventist, you will see that these are the institutions they set up to educate us, and our job is to protect them.” In Konngara One (1), Dunara Primary School, Honorable Thomas Pataaku, ABG Member for Ramu and Minister responsible for Education, and ABG Member for Kongara Constituency, Earnestly Peter Tedu, joined the community speech day and ground-breaking ceremony for a new Community Hall. “I want to thank every one of you for coming today, ending the first one hundred years of the church in Kongara and bridging it to the next one hundred years," said Minister Pataaku. "Leaders of Kongara, pastors of Kongara, and everyone, this is the bridge you are building into a prosperous Kongara. This journey will take time, but we will get there.”Education is one of the most important sectors that echoed through his speech, as he encouraged the younger generation to take their education seriously to be the human resources of Kongara and Bougainville.  “You must learn, do not leave school, and always act in your best interest because in the next 30 years you will be leaders of this place.”Minister Pataaku reinforced the President's message by committing to the construction of a four-in-one classroom at Dunara Primary School.He expressed his views on how education must be valued not only in the classroom but in each home. He said that children learn not only from reading and writing but also from seeing the actions of adults; therefore, the parents must put effort into being the best role models for their children. “We want the best for you (students); that is why everything that we are going to do in Bougainville is because we want this place to change,” Minister Pataaku said.With the vast evolving technologies slowly being introduced into the rural villages, like Artificial Intelligence, he encouraged the students to use their God-given brains and talents and not solely rely on technology. “I believe that we should not allow AI to take over the brains God has given us; we can use those facilities but let us not allow such technical facilities to override how we use our brains.” As the government continues to move towards self-governance and independence, the churches, chiefs and local NGOs continue to commit themselves to providing services to the people of Bougainville.