A Dunedin chocolate factory is looking to expand its operations and put South Pacific cacao beans on the map. Only one percent of the worlds cacao is grown in the Pacific region, something craft chocolate brand Ocho has taken full advantage of. It sourced all its beans directly from farmers in Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea and paid fair wages, Cacao, koko or kokoa as it is commonly known in the islands, has contributed to the Pacific's economic resilience. The cacao industry in the Pacific has experienced decades of both successes and challenges, including natural disasters, under-investment and more recently, trade route disruption due to Covid-19. [caption id="attachment_45373" align="aligncenter" width="1073"] Maori Chocolatier Tipene Ngāpaki Photo: RNZ Pacific / Eleisha Foon[/caption] Chocolate makers in New Zealand and Australia are increasingly choosing Samoan, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands for ethical, sustainable and bespoke production of the cacao bean. Reports by Pacific Trade Invest, showed Cocao continues to be an integral export earner for many Pacific countries, including Vanuatu, where 25 percent of rural households are involved in cocoa production. Cocao is also one of the Solomon Islands' biggest agricultural export earners, generating around $US15 million per year. Maori Chocolatier Tipene Ngāpaki said he valued working for a place that is local, sustainable and ethical. "For us it's important that there is no slavery in our chocolate. It is incredibly important that indigenous people are empowered to determine their own future and get paid a fair amount." Cacao beans sourced from the Pacific have a unique taste thanks to "beautiful climates and soils in the Pacific," he said. "I like working with our Vanuatu beans which have a nice fruity quality to them, PNG beans are a lot more robust and the flavour matches their jungle environments." Ocho planned to take its chocolate to new heights if selected by Air New Zealand to become a new in-flight snack for the international and Koru hour flights. The underdog company had pitched a 24g bar in the milk, the horopito and kawakawa, and the 70 percent Vanuatu ranges to Air New Zealand and their proposal was in the running alongside Whittakers chocolate. Historically slavery has played a major role in the illustrious chocolate industry.... it's been "built off the back of slaves," Ngāpaki said. He encouraged chocolate lovers to understand the journey from bean to bar and choose chocolate free from slavery and child-labour. "Be a bit more mindful about where your luxury and commodity items come from and be aware of food miles by choosing food that's sourced and made closer to home." With chocolate you can buy on supermarket shelves, the cacao has been grown in Africa and South America, sent to Europe for processing and then sent back again. By supporting brands that use cacao beans from the South Pacific - you're choosing to "support local" and "lower your carbon footprint," Ngāpaki said. Brands supporting Pacific farmers include: She Universe, Solomon's Gold, Ocho, Whittakers, Raglan Bean to Bar Chocolate. Source: rnz.com

Funds for Independence Day Celebrations were transparently distributed across all the wards in the Nawaeb District in the Morobe District. Nawaeb MP Theo Pelgen provided that a total of K130 000 was distributed to the 47 Wards in the Wain/Erap, Nabak, Labuta and Ahi Urban. MP Pelgen said these funds were made available under his discretion, as social support for the district activities. “We encourage the community as a whole to discuss on the usage of funds, for assistance to the school, church or any other required infrastructure within their ward.” He said such transparency and equal participation by every member of the community is needed in all development within the wards and ensures peace and harmony within the people. Nawaeb District Development Authority (DDA) representative, Mr. Eric Mantaung, responsible for Wain/Erap Local Level Government (LLG) Wards, acted as a watchdog in the distribution of the funds. “We began distributing at Erap side from Sibi, Tinibe, Guenmbung, Rabisap and finsihing at Lowai on Friday.” “The next day we covered the Wain side where we began at Posa, then Gaing, then onto Bandong, Wana, Popof, Gwambot, Peter Ryan, Boana Station and Gaing Primary School.” He ensured all ward councilors and ward committees had signed documents at each location before we handed the money over. “A total of K2500 was distributed to each respective wards in Nawaeb District.” Mr Mantaung said, most of the Independence Day Celebrations in the LLG were held at schools where children and family took part in sporting activities and Independence Day flag rising. “We took this approach because previously the funds earmarked for Independence Day were not given down to the people on the ground. Only few wards came back with acquittal reports.” Meanwhile, MP Pelgen emphasized his aspiration to lead with transparency and accountability of all public funds and the need for proper acquittals of all funds, from this year onwards.

All sectors of society must rally their support in a national effort against corruption in the country. This was the call to action by the Transparency International Papua New Guinea (TIPNG) following the appointment of Commissioners for Papua New Guinea’s Independent Commission against Corruption (ICAC). The appointment of the Andrew Forbes as the ICAC Commission and Daniel Baulch & Graham Gill as Deputy Commissioner, are in line with the Organic Law on the ICAC (OLICAC), which provides the constitutional basis for ICAC as enacted by Parliament in 2019. TIPNG Board Chair Peter Aitsi said the commencement of the terms of the PNG ICAC Commissioners should be rightfully celebrated as an achievement of the country in taking a positive step forward in combating the scourge of corruption. “Now the Commissioners have taken office, the Government must ensure adequate funding is provided to the ICAC in the preparation of the forthcoming national budget." "ICAC under its constitutional mandate must remain free from influence and interference from political or special interest groups.' "Additionally, its mandate must be strengthened through active partnership with existing law enforcement agencies and for the public to clearly understand their role in reporting corruption to ICAC.” Since its establishment in 1997, TIPNG has continued to advocate with successive governments for the need for an independent constitutional office to promote national integrity and address corruption. This advocacy has included support for the Government to ratify the United Nations Convention Against Corruption in 2010, and to develop a National Anti-Corruption Strategy which provides an implementation framework for ICAC and other anti-corruption measures.

The PNG Rugby Deaf Rugby Union Association will be competing for the first time in the Pacific Deaf Rugby 7s tournament to be held in Sydney from the 23rd to the 26th of February 2024, after being invited by the Australian Deaf Rugby Union. According to Aguna Frank, Coordinator of the PNG Deaf Rugby, since its establishment in 2018, the organization has not been getting the amount of exposure it needed to grow as an association. Apart from taking part in the 2020 Rookie 7s where they formed two teams and played each other and again in the 2022 provincial union 7s tournament against the East Sepik deaf rugby union association, they never had outside exposure. Frank said that this was a great opportunity for the association to work towards its aims to break barriers and showcase the skills and talents of the PNG Deaf Rugby team at an international level. “We’ve missed out on the past 7s competitions overseas because of the lack of funding but we’re determined to make sure we attend this 7s tournament in Sydney.” The PNG Deaf Rugby Association consists of men and women with impaired hearing and even though they are working on building a women’s team, the men’s teams have already been off to a great start. In terms of barriers, apart from the lack of funding, communication was and still is a significant barrier in the growth of the union as it was a challenge to learn and interpret sign language; therefore, the association hopes that more people sign up to help out. “We need more interpreters to get involved, not only in Moresby, but in other provinces also so we can try and establish deaf rugby inside the provinces to allow a fair selection of players for national and international tournaments like this.” As the players look forward to their tournament, they appeal to potentially interested business houses and corporate sponsors, and the support of their families and communities, to help them raise enough funds to cover their travel and uniform expenses. “We haven’t secured any sponsors yet, but we are trying our best. We are looking forward to business houses and corporate entities who are willing to help us with funding our journey.”

The Kainantu District in the Eastern Highlands Province (EHP) now has a District Development Plan to guide and implement its development aspirations after the district launched its 5- Year Development Plan over the long independence weekend. This latest Development Plan is the first one to be drafted for Kainantu in over one decade, capturing the dreams and aspirations of the District and the Local Level Governments (LLGs) therein. The plan was launched by the Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso, who was accompanied by Eastern Highlands Governor, Simon Sia. Local MPs William Hagahuno- Kainantu MP, Saki Soloma- Okapa MP, John Boito- Okapa MP, Robert Atiyafa- Henganofi MP, Ekime Gorosahu- Daulo MP and Kinoka Hotune Feo- Ungai-Bena MP were also present at the launching of the Kainantu District 5 Year Development Plan. A new fleet of machineries were also launched during the event that will enable roadworks and constructions in the district and the township. DPM Ross during his remarks as the guest speaker during the launching, thanked the local MP and Kainantu elites who were instrumental in putting together the Development Plan. “The Marape-Rosso government is committed to ensure development agendas for the district are captured under the National Development Goals and Medium-Term Development Goals of the nation,” said Rosso. “I commend the unity and astute leadership shown by the MPs of Eastern Highlands regardless of political affiliations, to stand and work together for the common good of Kainantu and the province as a whole." “The Marape PANGU-led government is committed to ensure services are delivered to all our districts regardless of which side of the house our MPs sit,” he added. DPM Rosso also urged the people to work in partnership with the leaders to ensure services are delivered for the people's benefit. "It is the government's role to build better classrooms, health facilities, roads etc. and it is the people's responsibility to look after these services for the benefit of our children and everyone." Meanwhile, a brand-new vehicle was presented by the Obura-Wonenara MP John Boito, to the Kainantu Police to aid logistics in addressing law and order in Kainantu, Yonki and neighboring districts.

While many around the country look forward to commemorating independence, authorities in West New Britain are working towards ascertaining the amount of damage done following the reported eruption of Mt. Ulawun in the early hours of this morning. This is according to PNG HAUSBUNG reporter on the ground in West New Britain observation report this morning. “Around 3am-4am this morning, villages in the Mera Mera Constituency, in the East Nakanai LLG were awoken by 6.5 magnitude tremors in the aftermath of the eruption where it is believed to have been categorized as a category 2 eruption.” “The WNB Provincial Disaster office this morning advised all villagers in the surrounding areas to vacate immediately in the event the Volcano erupts again.” At the moment, it is is being reported that villagers have already fled the area, whilst Provincial Disaster Officers officers are monitoring the volcano. “Villagers from Ulamona have fled to Bialla, whilst villagers from Noau, Voluvol and other villagers in the surrounding area have fled east of the volcano.” Meanwhile, attempts to get a confirmation on the extent of the damage by the volcano from the Rabaul Volcanic Observatory have been unsuccessful thus far.

The hardworking medical staff of St Johns Ambulance celebrated the Pre- Independence on the 14th of September for the Nation’s 48th Independence to prepare for duty on 16th September. Last year St Johns Ambulance responded to 290 emergency cases and hopes to be more prepared but at a lesser rate. St Johns Ambulance establishment for 66 years since 1975 has maintained its obligation to provide the high quality of medical attention to those who require it most, tirelessly working with experienced professional paramedics, doctors, nurses, and operations centre and support staff. Papua New Guinea St John Ambulance Chief Executive officer Mr. Matt Cannon stressed on the significant milestone in PNG history symbolizing our unity, diversity, and resilience as a nation. Canon stressed the importance of responsible celebration for all. “While celebrating, please don’t drink and drive, prepare for emergencies including keeping hydrated with water, respect others and the environment from destroying or littering and try to keep a look out for fellow vulnerable citizens.” “On behalf of the St Johns Ambulance and its men and women I would like to congratulate the PNG Government and the proud people of Papua New Guinea on our 48th anniversary of Independence.” St Johns Ambulance reaffirms their committed obligation to performing the highest quality of medical emergency treatment that they can for any challenging circumstances. “If you need or witness your fellow citizen in any medical emergency crisis, don’t hesitate to contact St Johns Ambulance emergency Service on the toll-free 111. Your initiative can save lives.”

Trukai Industries has renewed its sponsorship for the Rabaul Frangipani Festival with a cash funding of K10, 000 that will go towards the two-day event which will include cultural dances, float parades and canoe racing from the 15th-16th September in Rabaul, East New Britain. Trukai Industries’ support as the Gold Sponsors for the 29th Frangipani Festival demonstrates the rice company’s support for the community, education, and the preservation of the PNG culture. Frangipani Festival event coordinator, Susie McGrade thanked Trukai Industries for its Gold Sponsorship and commended the company for its commitment to support local events in PNG. “Trukai’s support went towards the staging and management of the Rabaul school children’s participation in the festival’s program.” “More than 1,200 students from not only Rabaul, but from all over East New Britain performed the raising of the flag, competed in public speaking, and performed their traditional dances, showcasing their unique cultural heritage.” Initially, the Rabaul Frangipani Festival was held after the 1994 volcanic eruption to commemorate the residents of Rabaul and to bring the country together to remember the community spirit involved in rebuilding Rabaul town which had been reduced to ashes. Trukai’s Marketing Manager, Maryanne Tom has assured the festival organizers of the company’s continuous support to the preservation of PNG’s rich traditions through cultural festivals. “This year marks our seventh consecutive year of sponsorship towards the Frangipani Festival.” “This festival reminds us of the spirit of unity during this Independence celebration. “ “It brings together businesses like Trukai, local and international tourists, and SMEs to support local economies demonstrating the strong sense of community.” Trukai Industries will have booths set up at the festival grounds and will be conducting fun games which include rice sampling, a bouncing castle, parade their bright yellow Trukai Float and the crowd favorite-rice eating competition during the two days which the event will be held.

“Papua New Guinea needs public servants who can work hard and extra hours to achieve it's long-term vision.” That’s from Prime minister Hon. James Marape who said this as the country is preparing to turn into 48 years of gaining independence. "Don't ask for pay. Work for your country," "Politicians have five years term to deliver services and they leave after their terms are up." "The country needs public servants who can work like politicians 18 hours a day during weekdays." "Don't just relax in the office or do nothing and get pay." "48 years and on wards, the country needs public servants who can work beyond their working hours to serve." Marape added, "Don't just perform your duties and responsibilities within your job descriptions. Work beyond your roles and work extra hours." "Go out into remote areas where there are lack of services and serve.” He applauded those public servants who have dedicated their lives over the years by contributing in some years of developments and requested that they should continue to show this culture for others to follow. A ward councillor, Warren Takon from ward three in Wain Erap Local Level Government (LLG) in Nawaeb District backed the PM. Warren said public servants should also actively reach out into remote places like health and education are doing. "Only then through all these sectors contributions would shift the standard of our people's living and that's where we should shift this country," Warren said.

A Producing high quality football players in an association is a dream of a young president. Wau Football Association president Otto Kusanan has a dream of one day having good number of players to represent the area and the country. He said when good number of players have exposure to the national and the international games, they turn to have major impact on local players, and this will shift the standard of the sporting code in the country. "Some of my eras are Tommy Sammy, Emmanuel Simon, Vagi Koniel, Nigel Dabinyaba, Jamal Seeto and others.” “We were selected at the age of secondary school and went through the PNG Football Association development program under Besta FC and made our own ways out to other semi professional clubs,” Kusanan said. He said the option to produce high quality players would possibly done through organization of junior soccer development with primary and secondary schools. "Me and other young players of my era came through this school soccer development program and became National Soccer League, NSL now the Premier Soccer League players and I know Wau FA can do it through this program." Currently Kusanan is spearheading executives as the new president to register the association with Investment Promotion Authority (IPA), Internal Revenue Commission (IRC) and to open the associations bank account to run the association in a formal manner. “Once when the in-house matters are arranged then we will start rolling the school development program into schools in Wau Waria district.” Kusanan said the school development program should commence by mid next year.

Follow rules of law is the message for Papua New Guinea 48th independence delivered by Prime Minister Hon. James Marape this week at Boana station in Nawaeb District, Morobe. Marape urged citizens to observe the country's rules of law as the free contributions to help the government advance the country. "As the country is turning 48th years of gaining independence, I want you all the youths who involve in unwanted activities to turn away from your past bad doings," "If you want to see change then start observing the country's rules of law.” “It's the greatest contribution towards the development of the country which doesn't cost anything," "As the country is turning another year older, your government under my leadership, we are preparing to invest more in education and other support programs to give hope for our children who have been left out." "Provincial Education advisors are urged to utilize high and secondary schools including technical college campus to allow Flexible Open Distance Education Centres operate." "The government has already introduced free education system at the tertiary institution level therefore we must work together to get all our children occupied in education." Marape added that the government was finding ways to occupy children and youths through second chance of education. He said very soon the national government through the national planning ministry will announce a compulsory call Youth Mobilization program for youths, to prepare and connect them to higher institutions. Marape delivered this key statement during the launching of Nawaeb District's five years development plan and the groundbreaking ceremony of double story building development. He was accompanied by Works Minister Hon. Solan Mirisim, Finance Minister Hon. Rainbo Paita, Middle Jimi MP Hon. Benjamin Mul, Wau Waria MP Marsh Narawec and Morobe governor Hon. Luther Wenge.

The Don Bosco Technological Institute celebrated PNG's 48th Independence with a mini cultural show on Thursday in the school campus at East Boroko. With the theme "Strengthen Unity through Cultural Diversity" Vice President for Academic and Technical Affairs Dr. Catherine Nongkas stated that the young people of this nation needed to know what is important in these celebrations. “While we may come from different parts of the country, with all our dancing and singing and customs and traditions, we belong to one country and that’s what we want to get across.” “Not everything is happening the way we want it to go but still as the people of this nation we must be grateful for the traditions that we have.” Finding the time in between their academic program get together and practice their songs and dances was tough for the students but they’ve been up to the task and are proud to be presenting. Dr. Nongkas stressed that our cultural barriers can be both negative and positive and they need to be broken down to show our unity as one country. “Negative in the sense that it can divide us because we can only promote one way of thinking, but it is really a source of strength for us and positive in the sense that we are unique.” “Twenty-two provinces but we are one country.” Dr. Nongkas appealed to the public minority that think the country shouldn’t be celebrating as it has not achieved anything that is worth celebrating and has urged that there are a lot of things that we should be grateful for in our country because other parts of the world are not as fortunate to experience these things. “The beauty, fresh air and the freedom that we experience is something we need to thank the Lord and be grateful for.” Along with the cultural performances from our 22 provinces, the school had invited the Philippines and Solomon Island Staff to perform their traditional dances also to join in the Mini Independence Celebrations. The Solomon Island staff will be performing dances from Temotu and Izabell provinces while the Philippines Staff will also be performing the Bulaklakan and Tinikling dances. Meanwhile the mini cultural show doubled as a celebration and a fundraiser as the ticket proceeds will go towards the Graduating students’ end of year formal. Committee spearhead Edmond Defensor stated that the students aim to raise K5000 from the 500 tickets that will be sold. He added that the celebration was delivered after careful planning done with the restrictions in the school and from the Vadavada youths and the students to help the students create a safe space for their celebrations.