Breakout playmaker Ezra Mam has become the latest Brisbane Bronco to commit long-term to the club, signing a five-year contract extension to the end of the 2029 season. The 21-year-old set the NRL alight during 2023 in his first full season in the top grade, making the Broncos’ No.6 jersey his own with a string of standout performances. A Broncos Academy graduate who started in the club’s talent pathways aged 13, Mam made his NRL debut in Round 11, 2022 against the Knights and now has 38 appearances under his belt including 24 tries and 16 try assists. His 2023 season – capped by a three-try performance in the Grand Final – saw him make 25 NRL appearances for 18 tries, 9 try assists, 10 line break assists, 56 tackle breaks, 9 offloads and 98 running metres per game. Mam joins a host of teammates to commit to the club's future until at least the end of 2025 including Payne Haas, Pat Carrigan, Reece Walsh, Jordan Riki, Brendan Piakura, Kotoni Staggs, Selwyn Cobbo, Kobe Hetherington, Jesse Arthars, Tyson Smoothy, Corey Jensen, Deine Mariner, Xavier Willison, Tristan Sailor and Blake Mozer. Broncos Coach Kev Walters said Mam’s retention was fantastic for the Club and another key player locked in for the long-term. “Ezra is a born-and-bred Bronco and it's great that he is staying where he belongs,” said Walters. “He is an exciting player but he also likes to get in there and do the tough stuff and to do what needs to be done for his team. “We have only scratched the surface on what Ez can do – we’ll keep on working with him to improve his game and I can’t wait to see what we can achieve together over the years ahead.” Source: Broncos.com.au

Prior to the start of the 2024 academic year, teachers in West New Britain (WNB) province were instructed to find out about their newly appointed teaching positions at the education office, unless they have appealed against their appointments or were not given any appointments at all. This occurred after the education office in Kimbe saw teachers in masses querying about their appointments. Some teachers were reluctant to take up teaching posts especially in remote areas due to bad weather conditions. Under these circumstances the WNB Provincial Education Board acknowledged that these reasons are valid and proceeded to instructing these teachers to come with necessary documents to present to the Provincial Education Board in Kimbe town. Meanwhile, a Board of Management representative at that Sasavoru Primary School in East Kove, Kove-Kaliai Rural Local Level Government (LLG), Mr. Raymond Justin, told PNG HAUSBUNG that he does not see any reason why teachers, especially newly graduates not wanting to teach in rural areas and has publicly announced that he is willing to assist teachers with transportation and housing, to help them settle in and teach in rural communities. In the meantime, the Provincial Education Board has said that teachers who fail to resume duties at their appointed positions will be put off payroll by the end of March 2024.

The Miss Pacific Islands Pageant 2024 crowning over the weekend saw Miss Papua New Guinea (PNG) came up as First Runner Up to Miss Samoa, who was crowned Miss Pacific Islands 2024 at the Civic Centre in the Republic of Nauru. The Miss Pacific Islands Pageant 2024 started on January 28th through to February 4rd in the beautiful islands of the Republic of Nauru that hosted the event this year with the Government of Nauru and Digicel as major sponsors. The Pageant started on February 2nd with the Pre-pageant Interview for the contestants on the topic: ‘Sustainable Beauty Beyond the Reef’, followed by the Best Talent category and then with the Crowning night which consisted of the Best Sarong, Best Traditional Wear and Interview at the Civic Centre, Aiwo, Nauru. Miss Samoa, Moemoana Schwenke won the Best Interview, Best Talent and the Best Traditional Wear Categories and was the newly crowned Miss Pacific Islands 2024 taking the crown from Former Miss PNG, Josie Nicholas. Miss Bird Of Paradise Papua New Guinea, Tyla Singirok received an award in the Best Sarong Category as well as the 1st Runner up for the Miss Pacific Islands crown. She stated that she was humbled by this achievement that has made the people of PNG proud of the Bird of Paradise, which was her elegant and humble representation of the country in the pageant. “There are a lot of things and people to be grateful for in this journey. People that put a lot of thought and effort behind the scenes into producing what I am seen in or stage presentations.” “The experiences of the past two months have been a blessing as I have come into contact with and learned from many people who have so much passion in the work they do.” “From the Miss Bird of Paradise PNG Pageant to the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant, a lot of work was put into making sure I was pageant-ready.” She also thanked her dress designers and made an appreciation post for her sarong wear and traditional wear dress designers. “Ms. Nadya Parascos of Dare2Create who is the brains behind my Sarong wear, which won the best “sarong” category. Not only was she my Sarong Designer but also my Choreographer.” “I would like to sincerely thank Mr. William Maba Bray of MABS Collection for some of the beautiful dresses I wore during the Pageant Week in Nauru, and especially for his amazing Traditionally Inspired Design. She said William is a talented local Designer who has stepped up to produce the spectacular Bird of Paradise inspired dress that she proudly wore for the TID category as Miss Papua New Guinea in the regional MPIP pageant. The following awardees of the different categories in the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant 2024 are as follows: · 𝐖𝐈𝐍𝐍𝐄𝐑: Miss Samoa · 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐑𝐮𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐔𝐩: Miss Papua New Guinea · 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐮𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐔𝐩: Miss Nauru · 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐝 𝐑𝐮𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐔𝐩: Miss Marshall Islands · 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐑𝐮𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐔𝐩: Miss American Samoa 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 · Miss Samoa, Moemoana Schwenke 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭 · Miss Samoa, Moemoana Schwenke 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐒𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠 · Miss Papua New Guinea, Tayla Singirok 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐞𝐚𝐫 · Miss Samoa, Moemoana Schwenke 𝑴𝒊𝒔𝒔 𝑷𝒉𝒐𝒕𝒐𝒈𝒆𝒏𝒊𝒄 · Miss Nauru, Rosita Rokobuli 𝑷𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆’𝒔 𝑪𝒉𝒐𝒊𝒄𝒆 𝑨𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒅 · Miss Samoa, Moemoana Schwenke 𝑵𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐n𝒂𝒍 𝑻𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒎 · Miss American Samoa, Judy Taunu’u 𝑴𝒊𝒔𝒔 𝑷𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒚 · Miss Tonga, Sitita Va’enuku

Papua New Guinea (PNG) and the Solomon Islands (SI) both have made commitments to working closely moving forward in strengthening the bilateral relationship between the two pacific island nations. Solomon Islands High Commissioner to PNG, H.E. William Soaki while paying an official visit on Minister Tkatchenko recently, offered his congratulations for his reinstatement and committed to move the outstanding bilateral agreements between the two countries. “We noticed that during your previous tenure in this role, we achieved a lot in the short period of time and we look forward to working with you to continue this relationship,” H.E Soaki expressed in the meeting. Tkatchenko stated that while PNG is aware that its Pacific Island neighbour will be voting in two months, PNG is determined to finalize the outstanding bilateral agreements by the end of February. These include the basic agreement between the two governments on Border Arrangements, a Treaty of Sovereignty on Maritime and Seabed Boundaries, the Administration of Special Areas, and a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Combined Surveillance and Common Marine Border. They also include the ongoing negotiations on an Air Services Agreement, where point of entry is under review considering the opening of major airports include Lae and Mt Hagen. Another progressive MOU under review and had taken two (2) years, was also on the agenda. SI High Commissioner was assured by Minister Tkatchenko that parties will work towards having this agreement signed by May after the new Solomon Islands government is formed.

Prime Minister (PM) James Marape is set to significantly bolster the longstanding relationship between Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Australia during his visit to Australia this week, which will include him addressing the Australian National Parliament. As a guest of the Australian Government, his visit will commence on February 7th leading to a series of diplomatic engagements aimed at reinforcing bilateral ties. The PM will be accompanied by a delegation that will include former politicians Yano Belo, Nambuka Mara, the Minister for Foreign Affairs Justin Tkatchenko, Minister for National Planning, Ano Pala, the Minister Assisting Prime Minister on Treasury, Ian Ling-Stuckey and Chief Secretary Ivan Pomaleu, because the PM’s itinerary is packed with significant engagements. Upon his arrival in Canberra, Marape will be formally welcomed by Australian Foreign Minister, Penny Wong, followed by a traditional ‘Welcome to Country Ceremony’, symbolizing the deep respect and connection between the two nations. Highlighting the visit, on February 8th, the PM will receive a ceremonial reception at Australia, hosted by his counterpart Anthony Albanese. This will include a 19-gun salute, a guard of honour inspection, and the rendition of both nations’ national anthem by the Military College Band. In a historic first for PNG-Australian relations since PNG’s independence 48 years ago, Marape will address the Australian Parliament, signifying the enduring partnership and mutual commitment to peace and prosperity in the Pacific Region. Furthermore, the visit also include bilateral discussions with PM Albanese, an Annual Leader’s Dialogue, a meeting with the Leader of Opposition, Peter Dutton, and an engagement with the Australian Federal Police’s Forensics Facility to reinforce security cooperation. To conclude the visit, PM Marape alongside his spouse Madam Rachel, will honour the shared history at the Australian War Memorial and meet with the Governor-General of Australia. PM Marape and his delegation will returns to Port Moresby on Friday, February 09th.

The Department of Treasury has approved the Manus Provincial Government Budget of over K180 million that was presented recently to Prime Minister (PM) James Marape. The Manus budget of K180, 594, 462 million was presented last week by the Manus Governor Mr. Charlie Benjamin, which include the Manus District Development Authority Budget for the 12 local level Government (LLG) to the PM to comply with the Section 105A of the organic Law on Provincial and LLG. PM Marape was also pleased to announce that the Manus Provincial Budget and the Budgets for Enga, New Ireland Province and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville have been approved as well. Governor Benjamin expressed gratitude to the PM and the National Government for the budget allocation of the Service Improvement Program (SIP) and functional grants to his province, which include the infrastructure funding under the Connect PNG Program for the Manus Highway. The budget earmarked forty (40) percent for development of infrastructure and related program as stimulus for economic growth of the island province. The overall budget will be distributed according to expenditure with Infrastructure getting K54.4 million, Economic- K17.2 million, Education- K35.4 million, Health- K5.5 million and Personnel Emolument and Administration together totaled just over K52 million. Education takes the biggest slice of K3 million in the 2024 PSIP plan, economic programs at K2.7 million, infrastructure at K2 million and Administration at K1 million. Education holds the lead again at K6 million in the 2024 DSIP, and everything else like Administration, Health, Law and Order, and Church Projects at K1 million each. The 2024 Special Grant is as follows with economic sector getting K4 million, education and transport each at K2 million and infrastructure and Law and Order each at K1 million. Manus is focused on increasing revenue by focusing on diversifying its sources of income and establishing a Special Economic Zone.

The Rabaul Urban Local Level Government (LLG) in Rabaul District of East New Britain province is currently in the process of rolling out financial literacy trainings for its 11 wards to equip residents with essential financial management skills to empower them in making informed financial decisions and improving their overall economic well-being. According to a statement from the District Administration, training for wards 8 and 9 kicked off with a total of 69 participants respectively and was officially opened by acting Deputy District Administrator for Operations, Mr. Petrus Maninga on Wednesday, January 31st in Rabaul town. In his remarks, Maninga emphasized the importance of financial literacy in building a more economically resilient community. "We believe that by putting our people first and providing them with the necessary knowledge and tools for financial management, we can contribute to their long-term financial stability and ultimately enhance the economic prosperity of our community," stated Maninga. He assured that the Rabaul District Administration will continue to support the Financial Literacy program in the four LLGs of Rabaul Urban, Kombiu, Balanataman and Watom. “We have to be faithful in the little things in order to prosper in the big things.” Rabaul Urban LLG Business Development Officer, Alice Guere said the training covers savings and budgeting. “It is designed to be accessible and relevant to individuals at all levels of financial understanding.” She further added that there is a total of 325 participants from the 11 wards of Rabaul Urban LLG and that there would be 11 trainings conducted per ward. Meanwhile, Guere stated that the initiative is part of the ongoing efforts of the Rabaul Urban LLG to promote financial inclusion and empowerment among its residents. “The training program is expected to have a positive impact on the economic well-being of the community and contribute to its overall development.”

PNG Palais representative Cynthia Peters has nothing but encouragement for the young upcoming girls in rugby and wants to see them excel in the sport like she has. “It's all about being patient, being committed, working hard and disciplining yourself on and off the field as well,” she said. In an interview with PNG HAUSBUNG, the 25-year old PNG Palais 7s representative said coming from humble beginnings can make a great impact in one’s life. Growing up in the small village in East New Britain Province called Ratung, Cynthia Peters has proven herself to be someone who is passionate and has always worked hard to be where she is now-as a part of the PNG Palais 7s team. Ms. Peters stated that she started playing in 2014 when rugby union was introduced to her primary school through the Pacific in Union program (now the Get-Into-Rugby program) and immediately fell in love with the sport. “I represented team East New Britain in the 2014 PNG Games in Lae, Morobe province,” said stated. “I was really eager to play because the tackling motivated me to play and I knew that if I could do the tackling then I could do whatever a man playing rugby can do too. It's all about strength and power.” “I completed my grade 8 at Pilapila primary school in the Rabaul district, and continued my grade 9 at Malaguna Technical Secondary (Maltech).” Despite having school fee problems in 2017 and withdrawing from secondary, Unfortunately, she could not complete school in 2017 due to school issues. She withdrew from secondary education, but she continued to play rugby and that helped to develop her talents and skills as a rugby player. She highlighted that it felt like a dream come true to be a part of the squad and make the final Palais team for Oceania, the Pacific Games and the challenger series in Dubai. “I'm working hard to making the team again for the Uruguay 7s, which I know it will not come easy.” “I’m looking forward to training hard and working on having the game knowledge, talent and skills to secure my spot.” Meanwhile, Peters stated that she hopes to be a good role model and leader to the young ones coming up in rugby union. “To the young ones who have started playing, my advice is that don't give up yet. Because there is a time for everything and your turn will come.”

The New Ireland Development Corporation (NIDC) and its Subsidiary New Ireland Solar (NI Solar) on the behalf of the New Ireland Provincial Government, will negotiate its new K2.5 million solar Power management to the Central LLG at Konos. “The Provincial Government’s investment of K2.5 million is a substantial amount to light up Konos,” said Mr. Tarkap. The Chairman for NIDC Christian Tarkap mentioned that the Namatanai solar power plant, which NI Solar had invested K6.5 million on, would have likewise provided significant benefit to the Namatanai people for the previous three years. Nevertheless, their member for parliament, Walter Schnaubelt, chose to demolish it. “This implies that government management duties for Operation the Konos power facility will fall under the purview of the local government. Making sure they generate a profit while billing businesses, government buildings, and the general public for electricity,” said Mr. Tarkap. This will position the Sentral LLG to become more Autonomous in income generation, if it is run as a business. Mr. Tarkop stressed that the system for monthly payments is working but consumers’ payment of their bills are slow and urges customers to pay on time. The new payment system implemented by the NI Solar would calculate power usage bill per month to be passed on the consumers. The Konos Solar Power Plant was officially opened on the 18th of March, 2021 but has been serving the Konos community since 2020. The Solar Power plant generates 0.11 megawatts of vitality, fueling the complete Konos Township, including the Sentral Niu Ailan Lakman Board Chamber, whereas working at a fetched of K20, 000 per year. New Ireland Governor Sir Julius Chan said, “It’s vital for the people to care for this government benefit. To guarantee it works easily and maintenance for a long time to come. Konos has got a great bargain from the Provincial Government. It must now learn to stand on its own feet.”

After releasing their latest album ‘Long Way Home’ in 2022, the Door Man’s Project aka DMP group is back here in the nation’s capital with Jamaican reggae singer, Da’Ville to give their fans in Papua New Guinea (PNG) a taste of their ‘Long Way Home’ Tour. DMP will be performing their hit songs from the Long Way Home album like ‘Balinda’, ‘Listen To Mi Heart’, ‘She Wanna Go’ and Da’ville will be performing ‘Always on My Mind’ as well as ‘Queen Of My Heart’ and ‘I’m Still Falling’- the songs they recorded together from the ‘Long Way Home’ Album. The Allbum was recorded under Ineffable Records which is Billboard's top independent reggae label in the world that helps artists from Solomon Islands to Jamaica release their music while allowing them to maintain ownership and creative control over their music. This is the first time that Da’ville has been in PNG and he has stated that he is finding the experience wonderful. “It’s been amazing, come out to play and feel the beauty and the energy of the people and I’m looking forward to these two events to find the common sync in the wonderful performance and presentation of what I have to offer.” “On behalf of my Jamaican heritage and the music we call reggae, we want give you guys, something special. We want to make it and even more special event so I’m looking forward to seeing you guys on the 2nd and the 3rd of February. Speaking for the group, Victor Lopez mentioned that the group was touring their new album with Da’Ville as he has played a special role in the album making. “We’re touring our new album LONG way Home. We have Da’Ville here because we started the album with the two songs that we featured him and the chemistry there is what gave us the motivation to complete the full album in 2020. “I don’t want to say too much because we really wanted to announce it at the shows that DMP is moving forward and we’ve got some big plans as well. We’ve got a US tour after here but before we went to the US, we wanted to have one here in PNG first because our biggest fan base is here.” “What you’re seeing right now is not just happening, moving forward, this is going to be the new era , the next step of DMP. The world is going to know DMP and PNG is going to be in that as well.” “That’s all I’m going to say right now because we really wanted to make it a big surprise and announce it on the night of the shows so that our fans that come to the show will walk away knowing a little bit more and will have the first glimpse of what DMP is going to be for the future.” “I want everybody to come out to the shows and witness history in the making.” Meanwhile, the band is excited not only for the show but also for Blad P2A who will be performing his hit single, Ukulele for the first time in PNG. “We work with a lot of artists in PNG so we’re so happy to come back here and give some good island vibes to our people.” The group will be performing on two shows back to back on the nights of the 2nd-3rd of February in Port Moresby at the Cosmopolitan. Tickets prices are as follows: • K90- General Admission • K120- VIP • K250- Meet and Greet (Comes with a band package as well) For more information about where to get your tickets, check out the Cosmopolitan Facebook and Instagram pages for more information.  

Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko has urged former Prime Minister and Member for Ialibu-Pangia, Peter O’neill MP, to consider the greater good of the nation before making ridiculous statements about Papua New Guinea’s International partners and relations especially on Security, for the sake only of political objection and mileage. “Firstly, Mr. O’Neill’s insinuations that the Government has chosen to, and signed a supposed PNG-China Security deal is completely untrue and pathetic. Papua New Guinea has not signed such a deal.” In a statement, Minister Tkatchenko clarifies that China offered to assist in the Policing Sector-in Training and for the Supply of Equipment to our Internal Security Sector. “This offer is being carefully assessed, as we do not want to duplicate or compromise agreements already in place with our traditional security partners, Australia and the United States of America.” “For Clarity, a Policing proposal like all other Bilateral propositions from our Partners in the various sectors for Cooperation, are tested and assessed against existing arrangements for complimentary and value adding within the Department of Foreign Affairs.” Minister Tkatchenko expressed that O’Neill’s comments recently has totally contradicted his own intentions and actions as Prime Minister in 2013, seeking Defence Force assistance from China. “With all due respect, the good member for Ialibu-Pangia must appreciate that Papua New Guinea has a carefully structured foreign policy with all our international partners. This is the same position we held when Grand Chief, Sir Michael Somare was our first Prime Minister in 1975, through to Mr. O’Neill’s tenure as PM, through to today.” “That policy is that Papua New Guinea is a friend to all and enemy to none, and that is how we manage our foreign relations. Each of our partners bring something unique to the security table and we work together.” “This includes our partners in Australia, New Zealand, the United States, China, Indonesia and other countries depending on the partnership and co-operation that is required.” Meanwhile, Tkatchenko stated that, when it comes to security in particular, the global community has a massive challenge to combatting international organized criminal networks. “All countries in the region were working together to undermine the movement of guns and drugs, and the trafficking of women and girls in the sick trade that amounts to modern-day slavery.” “So I do take offence at the pathetic attempted politicization of our bilateral relationship with China, and any other country for that matter.”

In a recent statement by the Morobe Provincial Program Advisor for Education, it was highlighted that the academic performance of schools in the region witnessed a significant improvement in 2023. This positive trend was attributed to the successful transition from the previous outcome-based curriculum to the newly introduced standard-based curriculum. The year 2023 marked the inaugural implementation of the standard-based curriculum, replacing the outcome-based system. Although the shift required some time for the development of corresponding examinations, the results were commendable, especially for Grade 8 students in Morobe province. A considerable number of students surpassed the 80 percent pass mark. However, with a substantial influx of students qualifying for Junior High Schools and Secondary Schools, Morobe province is facing a challenge of accommodating this larger student population. Consequently, a substantial number of students have been allocated to prominent institutions such as Lae Secondary School, Busu Secondary School, Bumayong, and Bugandi, among others. This surge in students transitioning to the secondary sector underscores the importance of collaborative efforts from parents, school principals, and head teachers, elected leaders, council presidents, local Members of Parliament, and the Governor of Morobe province. In light of this, it has been emphasized that many primary schools in the province need to elevate their status to Junior High Schools to accommodate the growing student population. However, challenges have emerged for the year 2024, as there is a shortage of teachers and essential curriculum materials, including the grade 10 syllabus, teachers' guide, and grade 9 syllabus. Despite the urgency to implement these changes this year, the lack of crucial resources poses a significant obstacle. The Provincial Program Advisor urged the Department to expedite the provision of necessary curriculum materials to facilitate a smooth transition. Acknowledging the unavoidable circumstances, the Provincial Program Advisor asserted that all principals in the province must admit continuing Grade 9 students who have met the national cutoff mark. Approximately 70 percent of Grade 8 students from the previous year performed exceptionally well and were selected to proceed to Grade 9 this year. The Provincial Program Advisor expressed confidence that the government's commitment to the standard-based curriculum, spanning from elementary to primary and secondary levels, is steering education in the right direction. However, the challenges faced in the implementation of the curriculum in 2024 underscore the need for prompt and effective solutions to ensure a seamless education transition for the students in Morobe province.