The Papua New Guinea (PNG) National Weather Service (NWS) this morning issued out a tropical cyclone warning to people in the Milne Bay province as the category 3 tropical cyclone Maila crosses over the islands. The NWS’s warning is current for the Milne Bay province especially the coastal and island communities of Woodlark, Sudest, Misima, Rossel islands, and Bougainville- the Autonomous Region of Bougainville. People are advised to stay away from the edge of the sea and seek higher ground until the cyclone threat eventually goes away. “Tropical cyclone Maila will cause very heavy rain and flooding, storm surge, coastal inundation, gale force winds and storm force winds,” the NWS stated. Looking at the current location of tropical cyclone Maila, it is about 180 kilometers Northeast of Rossel Island and 250 kilometers Northeast of Misima and 240 kilometers southeast of Woodlark Island. The tropical cyclone has caused damages on ground already with pictures and videos uploaded to social platforms showing the devastation of infrastructures like high voltage transmission lines, bridges, and vegetation, food gardens and buildings like homes, businesses and government facilities. The NWS will be providing further updates on the movement of tropical cyclone Maila as the day progresses.

PNG Power Limited (PPL) staff are working continuously to restore electricity supply across provinces affected by the developing Tropical Cyclone Maila. The weather system is tracking south, with Oro Province and Milne Bay Province expected to experience strong winds in the coming days. Chief Technical Officer Tony Koiri confirmed that over the past 24 to 48 hours, strong winds have brought down power lines in Gazelle District, while flooding at Warangoi, Lake Hargy, and Ru Creek hydro stations forced temporary shutdowns. He said work crews are actively restoring damaged power lines and clearing debris caused by flooding to maintain electricity supply. Reports have also been received from Madang Province, Morobe Province, Kimbe, and East New Britain Province, where strong winds and heavy rainfall have caused widespread damage to power infrastructure. Mr. Koiri stated that PPL teams in these affected areas are working tirelessly to reconnect communities despite challenging and hazardous conditions. He added that operations are being maintained at critical facilities such as the Warangoi Dam, while crews continue to repair fallen lines and remove storm debris. He emphasized that safety remains the highest priority, urging the public to stay clear of fallen powerlines and allow technical teams to carry out restoration work without interference. Mr. Koiri further noted that many customers in East New Britain are expected to remain without electricity for an indefinite period, as transmission and distribution networks have been severely impacted by heavy rainfall and other contributing factors. He said assessment teams are currently on the ground, with a full damage report expected to be compiled by tomorrow.

State-Owned Enterprises are working collaboratively to restore essential services following disruptions caused by the developing Tropical Cyclone Maila in the Solomon Sea. Engineers and crews from PNG Power and Water PNG are on the ground responding to widespread storm damage, particularly in East New Britain. Restoration efforts are ongoing as teams work to reconnect electricity and water services affected by strong winds and heavy rain. Air Niugini is also working closely with the National Airports Corporation to restore airport operations impacted by adverse weather conditions, while continuously monitoring the evolving cyclone system. Chief Executive Officers of the State-Owned Enterprises have confirmed through their respective boards, and to Kumul Consolidated Holdings, that recovery and restoration of critical services are actively underway. Coordination with Provincial Administrations, Police, and other government agencies is supporting a rapid response to the storm and strengthening preparedness for other regions along the cyclone’s projected path. Electricity Supply PNG Power’s Chief Technical Officer, Tony Koiri said teams are currently on the ground reconnecting affected communities. He noted that despite hazardous conditions, staff are maintaining operations at critical infrastructure such as the Warangoi Dam while also repairing fallen power lines and clearing storm debris. He emphasized that safety remains the top priority, urging the public to stay clear of fallen powerlines and allow crews to carry out their work safely. Mr. Koiri explained that some areas will continue to experience extended outages due to damaged poles and lines, with restoration timelines depending on the severity of the damage. In locations where infrastructure remains intact, power is being progressively restored. He added that where power lines have been brought down, repairs may take several days as new poles are installed once weather conditions improve. PNG Power teams are also assessing damage across impacted areas and pre-positioning resources in regions that may be affected by the cyclone in the coming days. Water Supply Water PNG Chief Executive Officer James Young confirmed that flooding at pumping facilities has led to temporary shutdowns, which are currently being addressed by response teams. He said water supply in Rabaul and Kokopo has been disrupted due to damage at several facilities, with Rabaul experiencing more significant impacts, while only areas in Kokopo are affected. Mr. Young stated that the interruption is expected to be short-term, with pumping facilities likely to resume operations within the next 24 hours as conditions improve. He also warned that as the storm system moves south, areas such as Alotau and up the coast toward Port Moresby may face increased impacts. He further noted that extreme weather can affect tap water quality and supply due to turbidity entering the system and potential pipe bursts caused by overflowing groundwater. Water PNG crews are monitoring vulnerable sites and remain on standby to respond to any further disruptions. Mr. Young advised the public to prepare by storing clean drinking water in bottles or containers in case of interruptions to the water network. Air Travel Air Niugini Chief Executive Officer Alan Milne reassured the public that the airline is closely monitoring Tropical Cyclone Maila and other weather systems that may affect its operations. He said that weather monitoring is a standard part of airline operations, and the current cyclone is being tracked continuously to assess any potential impacts on flight schedules. Mr. Milne confirmed that Tokua Airport experienced a temporary closure on Sunday but operations were quickly restored through the efforts of the National Airports Corporation, highlighting its strong recovery capability. He added that Air Niugini’s operational teams will continue to monitor the cyclone on an hourly basis and provide updates to the public on any changes affecting flight operations. Further updates will be issued by State-Owned Enterprises and Kumul Consolidated Holdings as more information becomes available.

The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) has put additional personnel and resources on standby to respond to a tropical cyclone developing in the Solomon Sea. Commissioner of Police David Manning said the cyclone poses risks of heavy rain and strong winds, particularly in coastal and island areas from Milne Bay to Port Moresby. Authorities are urging residents and businesses to prepare for adverse weather and exercise caution around fallen power lines. “The exact movement of cyclones can be unpredictable, but we can see this system is moving southwest,” Manning said. Extra police teams are ready to deploy to the areas expected to face particularly challenging conditions. Manning also issued a warning to anyone seeking to exploit the storm for criminal activity, saying such behaviour would be met with the full force of the law. Despite the challenges posed by the cyclone, Manning emphasized the importance of community cooperation. “From people in villages to government agencies, we are all members of the community together who will do our part to help each other and keep our friends and family safe,” he added. The Constabulary continues to monitor the situation closely, ensuring both preparedness and public safety are priority as the storm approaches.

The Internal Revenue Commission (IRC) of Papua New Guinea (PNG) is advising employers, businesses, and the public that the transitional period for implementation of the income Tax Act 2025 and the Tax Administration Act 2017 has been extended to the 30th of June, 2026. According to the IRC, the is due to the consideration and passage of the relevant amendment bills during the May sitting of parliament, and the issuance of the Income Tax Regulation and the Tax Administration Regulation. During the extended transition period, the IRC will continue to apply a fair, practical, and reasonable compliance approach. Employers and taxpayers who act in good faith and make genuine efforts comply with the new legislation will not be unfairly penalize.  “The IRC will continue to issue guidance and engage with business chambers, professional bodies, and payroll providers to support readiness and address implementation issues,” the IRC stated.  Further updates will be communicated through the IRC circulars, guidance notes, and the IRC website.

Air Niugini recently held a two-day National Sales Leaders Conference at the Gateway Hotel, bringing together regional sales managers, supervisors and key stakeholders from across the airline. Held under the theme “Transformation – Stepping Up,” the conference provided a platform for staff from both domestic and international sales networks to reflect, exchange ideas and strengthen collaboration. Taking place from March 19 to 20, the event featured discussions on market growth, sales performance and customer engagement, while also highlighting progress in areas such as technology, revenue management, cargo, loyalty programs, and e-commerce. The gathering also helped reinforce teamwork across departments to support the airline’s continued growth. Chief Executive Officer Alan Milne officially opened the conference, stressing the importance of unity and a shared vision in driving transformation. He reaffirmed the airline’s focus on delivering high-quality service and expanding its regional and international presence through new aircraft and routes. “Our sales team is the engine room of the airline,” he said, adding that reliable, safe and timely operations are key to meeting customer expectations and strengthening connections between Papua New Guinea and the world. Chief Commercial Officer David Glover also acknowledged the team’s strong performance, commending their resilience and consistent delivery in passenger sales over the past two years despite challenges. During the conference, the Highlands Region was recognized as the top-performing sales team for meeting revenue targets, followed by Port Moresby, Momase, New Guinea and the Southern Region. Participants actively contributed throughout the event, sharing achievements, addressing challenges and working together on strategies to further improve sales performance.

Police Commissioner David Manning has praised police investigators and the Public Prosecutor for securing the conviction of three men involved in the torture and murder of a school teacher in Eastern Highlands Province. The three offenders, all from the province, were sentenced by the National Court to 48 years in prison. Commissioner Manning commended the professionalism and dedication of those involved in the case, describing the crime as a disgraceful act of violence. He said the lengthy sentence sends a strong message that sorcery accusation-related violence has no place in the country. He added that police are focusing on individuals who carry out violence in their communities, as well as those who use cultural beliefs to justify such acts. Manning also warned that so-called “glassmen” and “glassmeris,” who incite violence for personal gain, are a key target for investigators. He directed officers nationwide to intensify efforts to arrest those responsible for sorcery-related attacks. He stressed that the justice system, from police investigations to court proceedings, will continue to impose tough penalties on offenders, with the aim of eliminating this type of crime. The Commissioner reaffirmed the government’s directive to strengthen the police force in cracking down on criminal activity while protecting law-abiding citizens, adding that all officers have a duty to uphold these goals and ensure justice is served.

Police Minister Sir John Pundari has commended a recent traffic awareness initiative carried out across the National Capital District and Central Province, describing it as a timely effort to improve road safety and protect lives. The initiative, led by Chief Superintendent Benjamin Turi, Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police for NCD/Central Command, brought together multiple agencies to educate the public on traffic laws and promote responsible driving. Sir Pundari acknowledged the efforts of police officers and partner agencies, including the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary, Road Traffic Authority, Motor Vehicle Insurance Limited, NCDC, and the Central Province Transport Authority. He said the collaboration reflects the type of coordinated approach needed to address road safety challenges across the country. The Minister also raised concern over the increasing number of traffic accidents, many linked to poor vehicle maintenance and failure to follow traffic regulations. He stressed that non-compliance continues to put lives at risk. “I urge every vehicle owner and driver to take full responsibility and adhere strictly to the law, or face the consequences of enforcement,” he said. Sir Pundari encouraged other provinces to adopt similar awareness programs, noting that the initiative could serve as a model for improving road safety nationwide. The Government, he added, remains committed to supporting programs that promote safety and protect the lives of Papua New Guineans.

BSP customers nationwide will soon be using a new modern chip card to do their financial transactions. The BSP Financial Group Limited has announced that modern chip cards will replace all magnetic stripe cards, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen fraud prevention and improve its card services. The phased transition to BSP’s more secure proprietary Kundu chip-enabled cards has been underway since August, 2025 with final deactivation of all magnetic strip cards to be completed by 30th of June 2026. BSP Group GM Retail – Ronesh Dayal says the move to modern chip-enabled Kundu cards will significantly reduce customers’ exposure to card cloning, enhance card protection, and improve the overall banking experience—removing withdrawal restrictions that currently apply to the older magnetic stripe cards. “To support customers during this transition, we have established dedicated card replacement centres to facilitate the issuance of new chip-enabled cards at Waigani Central with Lae and Mt Hagen to open Card Centres later this month. Customers outside these locations are able to visit any BSP branch for assistance, “Mr. Dayal added. Effective 10th April 2026, all Kundu magnetic stripe cards, including Sumatin Cards with no transaction activity for more than six (6) months will be deactivated. The Kids Savings Account cards will also see changes. All Kundu magnetic stripe cards linked to Kids Saver accounts will be deactivated. Parents and guardians are advised to replace cards as soon as practical ahead of the December–January usage period. Meanwhile, a final transition date of 30th June 2026 has been set for all remaining magnetic stripe Kundu Cards to be permanently disabled.   

Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) Navy vessel the HMPNGS Francis Agwi, was recently part of naval fleet in the International Fleet Review as part of exercise Kakadu in Sydney, Australia marking the 125th anniversary of Australia’s Navy. HMPNGS Francis Agwi, commanded by LEUT Ziegfried Bartley, is one of the four Guardian-class Patrol Boats in the PNGDF Maritime element fleet, and was gifted by the Australian Government in 2021 through the Pacific Maritime Security Program. HMPNGS Francis Agwi sailed in formation into Sydney Harbour alongside the other participating vessels, accompanied by a Royal Australian Air Force aerial display and ceremonial gun salute.Chief of the PNGDF, Rear Admiral Polewara, was in Sydney to witness HMPNGS Francis Agwi’s contribution, joining the Australian Chief of Defence Force Admiral Johnston and Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Hammond, as well as other dignitaries on board HMAS Leeuwin to view the official sail past.Since the 19th century, Fleet Reviews have been held for commemorative events and celebrations, including inviting other national navies to participate by sending vessels. This year, thirty-one ships from nineteen nations participated in the Royal Australian Navy’s International Fleet Review, including Papua New Guinea.HMPNGS Francis Agwi is due to arrive back in Papua New Guinea soon.

The National Airports Corporation (NAC) wishes to formally advise the traveling public, valued airline partners, and all relevant stakeholders that Tokua Airport in East New Britain province, has officially resumed normal flight operations. This reopening follows a comprehensive and rigorous technical inspection conducted by dedicated safety team of NAC earlier this afternoon. During this assessment, both the runway and taxiway were meticulously evaluated and confirmed to meet all required safety protocols for aircraft movement. As a result of these findings, the Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued during the morning hours has been formally cancelled, allowing scheduled flight services to recommence effective as of 1:30 PM today. NAC stated that they understand that these temporary closures can be disruptive, and would like to extend their sincere gratitude to all passengers and the wider community for their continued patience and cooperation. At the National Airports Corporation, they remain steadfast in their commitment to upholding the highest international standards of security and operational integrity, as the safety of all passengers and crew remains their absolute priority.

The Rabaul District Administration in East New Britain province, marked a significant achievement in its rehabilitation efforts with the successful completion of a Financial Literacy Training by 60 inmates and warders at Kerevat Correctional Services. The four-day training which took place from March 30th to April 2nd, was conducted by the District’s Social Development sector and aimed to equip inmates with vital financial management skills to support their transition back into their respective communities. Participants comprised of inmates and few warders were trained on key areas including budgeting, savings, and responsible financial decision-making to better prepare them for life after release. Speaking at the closing ceremony April 2, Deputy District Administrator for Operations, Mr. Petrus Maninga, told participants that without money management skills, everything else fails. “You must have a change of mind set and make a difference in your communities, upon release.” “The certificates you receive today carry value and can be used to approach financial institutions for opportunities.” Mr. Maninga reaffirmed the district administration’s commitment to delivering inclusive development programs that support and elevate all members of the community- including those within correctional institutions. “We do not see you only as offenders. We are committed to rehabilitating and empowering you to become better citizens.” Meanwhile, Commanding Officer Superintendent John Poris, said this is a unique program and commended Rabaul District for pioneering financial literacy training within a Correctional Services institution. Supt. Poris said that such initiatives are important to transform lives and reduce reoffending and inmates must embrace positive change. On the other hand, Provincial Industrial Officer for Commerce, Mr. Allan Jubilee, encouraged participants to apply the knowledge gained to build sustainable livelihoods. Inmates Amanda Ray from ward 11 in Rabaul Urban Local Level Government (LLG) and Francis Detalit from Napapar, both expressed gratitude for the training, describing it as an eye-opener and life-changing. They said it has given them valuable skills in money management as well as hope and confidence to rebuild their lives and make better choices upon release. A similar training will be conducted for a second batch in the near future.