As part of Air Niugini’s digital transformation journey, the national airline has implemented and launched a new system, Oracle Fusion Cloud Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP). The ERP was launched early this week (08th April), across multiple departments providing more integrated and streamlined way to manage and report on the business. This system is designed to modernize business processes, improve efficiency and enhance decision making across the airline, with real-time reporting. Oracle Fusion ERP will provide a more efficient way to manage the airline’s human resources, payroll, finance and supply chain operations, replacing the current systems CHRIS21 and Epicor. Air Niugini Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Gary Seddon said the airline’s transformation program launched in early 2023 signifies a commitment to a robust future, developing our people, our systems and our fleet. Mr. Seddon said this comprehensive approach is aimed at ensuring Air Niugini’s sustainability in the aviation sector for another 50 years. He said Air Niugini is an essential service provider in PNG, and they must be capable of delivering competent, viable air transport services. “We recognize the critical need to measure our progress continuously by identifying areas for improvement to enhance our returns on investment and boost productivity and efficiency across all levels of operation. To effectively manage this transformation, having access to accurate and timely information is essential. It empowers our management team to make informed, data-driven decisions that align with our strategic goals. By focusing on measurable outcomes, we can better adapt to challenges, seize opportunities, and ultimately drive the success of Air Niugini into the future,” Mr. Seddon said. The CEO acknowledged the efforts of everyone involved, from Air Niugini Finance, HR and IT teams led by Ms. Judy Kuk, Chief Financial Officer and Project Lead Mr. Santhosh Krishnan to our implementation partners at Mastek, Ramco and Oracle. He said Oracle will deliver significant benefits including a more powerful and user-friendly platform for managing HR processes, payroll and employee data. “The system provides a comprehensive and integrated financial management system to improve accuracy, efficiency and reporting, and provides tools to streamline procurement, inventory management and overall supply chain operations. Oracle ERP is a cloud-based system and is used by airlines including Qantas, Air Asia, Qatar Airways and Virgin Australia,” Mr. Seddon said.

Prime Minister (PM) James Marape is pleased that the Papua New Guinea (PNG) Economic will remain steady at 4.2% in 2025. PM Marape said the Asian Development Bank’s Asian Development Outlook (ADO), April 2025 report notes that inflation dropped to just 0.7% in 2024. “The lowest level in recent memory — supported by falling global prices, improved telecommunications competition, and tighter monetary policy. The central bank’s shift toward a market-based exchange rate system significantly reduced foreign exchange shortages, allowing faster clearance of import orders and restoring investor confidence. “We are creating a more stable and predictable economy for businesses and consumers. This is critical for long-term growth,” PM Marape said. PM Marape said while progress is clear, the ADB report points to key structural issues that continue to hold back growth, including power blackouts, law and order challenges, high business costs, and limited access to credit. PM Marape acknowledged these concerns and reiterated the Government’s determination to address them head-on through targeted investments in infrastructure, law enforcement, and economic reform. “We are investing in electricity, roads, and rural development. We are also strengthening law and order so businesses and families can operate in a safer environment,” he said. He said the ADB highlighted the urgency of expanding financial inclusion, noting that only one-third of Papua New Guineans have access to formal banking services, and that women remain significantly underserved. PM Marape said digital financial services, mobile banking, and a stronger national ID system would be key pillars of his government’s strategy to bring financial services to the grassroots. “Digital inclusion is economic inclusion. We want every citizen to have access to financial tools, savings, credit, and payments — whether they live in a city or a remote village.” Economic growth is forecast to remain steady at 4.2% in 2025 and 3.8% in 2026. Public debt is expected to decline further, and key reforms — including new tax measures and improved governance of state-owned enterprises — are projected to support continued fiscal stability. Future investments, including the anticipated Papua LNG project, are expected to drive further economic momentum. However, the report also warns of risks, including law and order issues, climate-related disruptions, and financial sector vulnerabilities. “As we approach 50 years of independence, we are laying the foundation for a stronger, more inclusive economy that will support our people for generations to come,” PM Marape concluded.

In a historic moment on Friday 4th April, the National Judiciary Staff Services (NJSS) and the Yangoru-Saussia District Development Authority (DDA) in the East Sepik province signed an Agreement to partner to build a National Court House in the district headquarters. This will make Yangoru-Saussia the first district in Papua New Guinea (PNG) to have a National Court House with a Resident Judge to be based in there. Both parties have agreed to partner and improve judicial services in Yangoru-Saussia District and to extend the services to other districts in the Greater Sepik Region including Maprik, Wosera-Gawi, Angoram, Ambunti-Drekikir, and Lumi and Nuku in Weat Sepik province. The project including the National Court House and the houses for the Judge, Magistrate and other judicial staff will be delivered at the cost of K10 million – counter funding of K5 million each by both parties. The Minister for International Trade and Investment and Yangoru-Saussia MP Richard Maru said this is a very historic achievement and partnership. “I am pleased to announce that K5 million counterpart funding from the Yangoru-Saussia DDA is ready and will be immediately released as soon as Accounts are open next week. One of the biggest issues that has been raised in this country by the Law Society and the public is the lack of respect for the rule of law. This is because criminals are not brought to justice. To improve access to judicial services in our district, the Yangoru-Saussia DDA is investing K5 million. We are very keen to have a residential Judge to ensure that justice is dispensed to the Greater Sepik Region. These services will complement the Mobile (police) Barracks which is about to be completed and the District Court, which is already established in Yangoru Station,” Minister Maru said. He said this is a great step and he thanked the Chief Justice and his management for this historic partnership. “We are extremely thankful that we have been trusted to be granted the first district in PNG’s history to have a Resident National Court Judge. It is even more historical when this partnership is announced in the 50th year of our Independence Anniversary. I want to assure the Chief Justice and his team and the Secretary for NJSS and his team that my DDA will go all out to support this very important project, not only with funding but we will allocate land to build the houses for the Judge, Magistrate and all the judiciary staff who will be based in the district. With the funding to be immediately made available, we expect NJSS to finalize the design and we want to go out on tender as soon as practical for the entire project,” added Minister Maru. The Secretary for NJSS, Mr. Nicodemus Mosoro, on behalf of the NJSS and the Magisterial Service gave assurance to support the people of Yangoru-Saussia District with counter funding of K5 million for this project.

The Heads of Missions of the Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Church are meeting this week at the National Agricultural Research Institute’s (NARI) Quartermain Hall in Lae city for the Church Strategic Planning. The meeting is to discuss the strategic partnership of the church with the government to deliver the Medium-Term Development Program (MTDP) IV economic and social targets. The Director-General for NARI, Dr. Nelson Simbiken, in his welcome remarks, challenged the Heads of Missions of the SDA Church to partner with the agriculture sector and reposition themselves to engage more in the social development than being just spiritual. “Where can the church position itself to partner the government? Church can provide solutions to improve livelihoods, security, employment, health, and education and to empower economic and social development. The government and the churches must partner to address the youth bulge, unemployment problem, and to create conducive enabling environment by addressing law-and-order to attract investments in the rural economy,” said Dr. Simbiken. The Guest of Honor at the gathering, Mr. Koney Samuel, the Secretary for National Planning and Monitoring, encouraged the Heads of Missions of the SDA Church to partner with the government to accelerate the delivery of MTDP IV targets and economic outcomes. The strategic planning meeting which began on Monday April 7th, ends today.

Prime Minister James Marape has welcomed the findings of the Asian Development Bank’s Asian Development Outlook (ADO), April 2025 report, which confirms that Papua New Guinea’s economy is on a firm path toward recovery and resilience. The ADB report released shows the economy grew by 4.3% in 2024, driven by solid performance across both resource and non-resource sectors. This result is one of the strongest in the Pacific region and reflects the positive impact of ongoing reforms under the Marape-Rosso Government. “The latest ADB report confirms what we have been working hard to achieve — a more stable and inclusive economy. We are now seeing tangible outcomes from our reform agenda, especially in mining, agriculture, revenue collection, and inflation control. Strong economic momentum through reform and recovery, the report highlights significant gains in the resource sector, particularly the reopening of the Porgera gold mine, alongside strong output from coffee, copra, and fish exports in the non-resource sector,” PM Marape said. He said despite challenges in LNG production and adverse weather affecting palm oil and cocoa, overall output rose. “Average growth in the non-resource sector more than doubled over the last three years compared to the previous decade, underscoring the Government’s commitment to economic diversification. We are working to ensure that economic growth is not just driven by the resource sector, but supported by agriculture, fisheries, and small businesses,” said PM Marape. He said they want inclusive growth that reaches every part of the country. “Fiscal consolidation on track, the ADB commended the Government’s progress in fiscal consolidation. Domestic revenue rose to 18% of GDP in 2024, up from 14% in 2020, while the fiscal deficit narrowed to 3.9% — significantly lower than previous years. Public debt stabilized at 53.9% of GDP and is projected to decline from 2025 onward, supported by prudent borrowing strategies and a continued focus on concessional financing. We are managing our finances responsibly. Our focus is on investing in development while reducing waste and avoiding unsustainable debt,” he said.

"The people want change, hear their call," was the bold statement made by Member for Ialibu-Pangia and former prime minister, Peter O'Neill, at press conference this afternoon at the Crown Hotel, Port Moresby city. Mr. O'Neill said in 2019, he thought as Prime Minister he was steering the government he led in the right direction for the betterment of Papua New Guineans. "Whether it was keyboard warriors or whether it was politics from within my own Government or whether it was just time for change, the people of PNG told me clearly, they wanted me to step aside and hand over to another Prime Minister. It was not an easy decision to resign, not the least because the Party I lead, the Peoples National Congress (PNC) had fairly won 29 seats in the 2017 National General Elections. The PNC MPs would undoubtedly also be impacted by my decision to resign. But I did it anyway knowing the MPs I stood with in PNC also understood that we could only govern if the people we represented wanted us to. I and PNC had lost the social license to operate, and it was clear the people of PNG wanted me to stand down," Mr. O'Neill said. Mr. O'Neill with support from the Opposition and the alternate Prime Minister Nominee Sir Peter Ipatas said that it is clear times have changed and after six years, the current Prime Minister, James Marape, needs to hear the cries of the people of Papua New Guinea. "Our country and democracy are in dire straits and the people are convinced that under the current PM we are not going to repair. Time for new PM to lead at least until the 2027 election," Mr. O'Neill said. He added that the Prime Minister has much more to contribute to the country but for now he has lost the confidence of the people and staying in the top job is doing more harm than good. "I am sure this is not his intention, but it is the undeniable case," he said. Mr. O'Neill said there is no shame in resigning, it takes strength and courage to know when to step down and be humbled. "The winds of change are upon us. Time to listen to the People and act. Not listening to the winds of change will only make them stronger," he said.

The Papua New Guinea (PNG) economy is expected to further improve in 2025 driven by strong activity in the mineral and non-mineral sectors and higher government spending. Bank of Papua New Guinea (BPNG) said this will also be supported by projected growth in the global economy of 3.3 percent mainly driven by expected expansion in most advanced economies, according to the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) January 2025 World Economic Outlook (WEO) report. “This is expected to increase demand for PNG’s export commodities. Global growth is projected to remain around 3.3 percent in 2026. The Bank projects real GDP to grow by 4.0 percent in 2025, following an estimated 3.0 percent growth rate in 2024, mainly driven by higher production in the mineral and the Agriculture/Fisheries/Forestry (AFF) sectors. The increase in production in the mineral sector is due to operational improvements, high ore grades, and expansion of processing plants of existing mines. In addition, production capacity of the Porgera gold mine is expected to reach 60 percent with fewer disruptions, from 45 percent in 2024. The PNG LNG Project is expected to increase production, reflecting improvements in production capacity. Moreover, the early works for the Papua LNG Project is anticipated to scale-up as it moves towards the Final Investment Decision (FID) in the last quarter of 2025,” BPNG said. BPNG added that in the AFF sector, higher production of coffee, palm oil, cocoa, copra oil, tea, rubber, logs, and fisheries are further expected to support the growth. “Although international prices of most of PNG’s export commodities are expected to moderate in 2025, the depreciation of the kina should increase the value of export earnings in kina terms, creating incentives to boost production. Additionally, increased activities in the non-mineral sector including the finance and insurance sectors, information and communication, construction, transportation, and accommodation and food services are also expected to contribute positively to the growth in 2025,” BPNG said. The PNG Central Bank said these will be supported by higher government spending on essential services and infrastructure projects, improvements in the foreign exchange market, and the stability in the energy (fuel) supply. “Over the medium term, the Bank projects the economy to grow at around 5.0 to 6.0 percent, supported by near-full production capacity at Porgera gold mine and growth in the non-mineral sector, combined with government spending, and the expected commencement of construction of the Papua LNG project in 2026. The agricultural sector is expected to grow strongly, driven by higher production of palm oil from new and existing plantations, and cocoa and coffee by smallholders. The favorable international prices for PNG’s agricultural exports combined with the exchange rate reform through the depreciation of the kina is benefiting the sector. Therefore, to complement this reform, it is important that the Government considers re-establishing the rural-based Agriculture Extension Services to assist farmers to increase production,” BPNG said. BPNG said additionally, Government’s investments in infrastructure, and improved market accessibility will help lower costs, support production and promote downstream processing. “Downside risks to the growth forecasts for 2025 and the medium term would stem from a slowdown in the world economy, fall in commodity prices, natural disasters, geopolitical tensions, and prolonged disruptions to Porgera gold mine. The main upside risk to these projections would be higher than expected activity relating to the construction phase of Papua LNG project and other resource projects,” BPNG added.

In a heartwarming gesture, NCSL Savings and Loan donated household items worth close to K25,000 to Haus Ruth, a sanctuary for survivors of domestic violence and abuse. NCSL stated the donation that was presented by Evelove Farapo, Team Leader Marketing and Communications, and Joshua Isimel, Team Leader Projects on behalf of NCSL, aims to support the ongoing operations of Haus Ruth. Esther John, who received the items on behalf of the Manager, Mrs. Monica Richards, expressed sincere gratitude, noting that the contribution would significantly aid their efforts in providing refuge and support to women and children. Ms. Farapo commended Haus Ruth for their unwavering dedication to serving vulnerable individuals, emphasizing the importance of their work in the community. NCSL added that the donation reinforces NCSL's commitment to social responsibility and its support for organizations as such that make a tangible difference in people's lives.

The Papua New Guinea (PNG) economy remains resilient, with growth projected to be higher in 2025, compared to 2024. According to Bank of Papua New Guinea’s (BPNG) March Monetary Policy Growth is expected to be driven by strong activity in both the mineral and non-mineral sectors, supported by high Government expenditure. “Over the medium term, economic growth is expected to increase significantly, mainly reflecting the anticipated construction of the Papua Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Project, and other resource project developments. Global growth is also expected to support domestic activity. Annual headline inflation of 0.7 percent in the December quarter of 2024 was lower than expected, mainly due to a significant decline in the price of betelnut. Although subsiding, inflationary pressures are evident, as indicated by core inflation outcomes. In the medium term, inflationary pressures are expected to moderate as foreign exchange inflows improve and the kina exchange rate stabilizes,” the report stated. BPNG stated that in the foreign exchange market, increased mineral sector inflows, and the Central Bank’s weekly foreign exchange intervention, continue to improve foreign exchange liquidity and promote stability in the foreign exchange market. “The Bank will continue to implement the IMF reforms and align its monetary and exchange rate policy frameworks to improve monetary policy transmission, correct the imbalance in the foreign exchange market and restore kina convertibility. This entails the alignment of the monetary policy rate with the exchange rate through the implementation of the crawl-like arrangement for the kina to reach its market value, which is critical to improve competitiveness of the economy and attract foreign investment,” BPNG said. BPNG said that the MPC remains mindful of potential inflationary pressures, particularly those arising from exchange rate reforms and continues to maintain its tightening monetary policy stance adopted last year. “The recent decision to reduce the CRR to 11% was aimed at addressing the uneven distribution of liquidity within the financial system and does not indicate any change to the current monetary policy stance. The MPC will closely monitor these developments and stands ready to adjust monetary policy as needed to counter any emerging inflationary pressure,” BPNG added.

Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited (KPHL), the national petroleum and energy company, has just finished its seismic programme on the Kimu and Barikewa licenses where it is the operator. Kumul Petroleum Managing Director, Wapu Sonk said they shot the last hole on a seismic line in the Kimu license and camp demobilization has begun. “This is the culmination of a seismic programme we have been undertaking in our two petroleum retention licenses. “The purpose of this seismic work is to gather additional geological information on the petroleum resources already discovered in these two licenses, to increase the volumes of oil and gas reserves. The second objective is to identify and firm up the sitting of some delineation wells and exploration targets,” he said. Mr. Sonk expressed great satisfaction given the safety standards and records that have been achieved which he attributed to the experience of the Operator, O.M. Holdings Limited (Oilmin) as well as KPHL’s staff who have managed the operations. “This is the first exploration work done by KPHL since its inception in 2010 to where it is today. “We have come a long way, looking forward to the results and the planning for the next phase of development,” Mr. Sonk said. Mr. Sonk outlined that the seismic campaign carried out by Oilmin had taken approximately six months. He noted that seismic line cutting is a labour intensive activity and the six seismic lines required the employment of 477 local people in remote areas of Gulf and Western provinces. “Kumul Petroleum and Oilmin have worked closely with locally impacted communities and although seismic work only requires company presence in an area for a relatively short time, assistance has been provided to local primary schools at Kaiam and Kumusi. Without community support this field work would not have been possible,” Mr. Sonk said. He said Kumul Petroleum is expending a considerable sum in the offshore and onshore petroleum retention licenses that it holds in order to delineate the oil and gas resources they contain and formulate a development concept that is economically feasible. “Kumul Petroleum Holdings is now directly involved in upstream petroleum exploration and the possibility of further commercialization of PNG’s gas resources, in licenses where these discoveries had previously been considered uneconomic and stranded fields.” Mr. Sonk said. Mr. Sonk said it would take 6 months for the seismic data to be interpreted and integrated into existing geological models.

Netball PNG Staff led by President/Board Chairperson, Mrs. Ulato Avei-Kwara were in Boera Village in the Hiri-Koiari District of Central province recently to witness the launching of the Hiri Koiari Netball Tournament - Members Cup 2025. Netball PNG Federation Inc. as a token of appreciation to President of Hiri Koiari Netball Association (HKNA) Mrs. Hoi Koani and her Executive for hosting such tournament, presented balls, whistles and bibs to mark the launching of the tournament as an affiliate of Netball PNG. President Ulato highly commended them for a job well done. According to President Hoi, Member for Hiri Koiari Keith Iduhu was behind the successful launching and hosting of the Tournament in Boera Village. “The Association was blessed with overwhelming support from reputable stakeholders such as Gas Resources PNG Limited, Niu Power, Vodaphone and the District office of Hiri Koiari. A total of 17 Netball Associations within the Hiri Koiari Electorate converged to compete in the spirit of sportsmanship. The divisions taking part are only Under- 21 and A Grade/Open. These Netball Associations are from; Boera, Porebada East and West, ReaRea East and West, Gaire, Kouderika, Tubuseria, Vanapa Brown, Barakau, Upper Koiari, Roku, Kido, Manumanu and Lower Koiari villages,” PNG Netball stated. The three (3) objectives of the HKMN Cup 2025 are as follows. participants from all over the district to celebrate and commemorate the spirit of the 50th PNG Independence Anniversary. Upskill young girls and women in sports administration, coaching and umpiring, which aligns with the District Development Plans and. Talent ID, scout and select HKNA District teams for the upcoming National Championship. The launch was graced by various esteemed guests including Senior stateman, Sir Moi Avei and his good wife, Councilor, Daure Lohia, Association Patron, Mrs. Nelly Iduhu, Hiri Koiari District Administrator, Church Reps and other invited guests. Games commenced on Wednesday and will end with the final series on Friday 11th April.

The Waigani District Court has dismissed Criminal charges of identity theft against ACT NOW Champaign Manager, Eddie Tanago. The Criminal Charges against Mr. Tanago was dismissed by presiding Magistrate Paul Puri Nii due to lack of evidence provided. Mr. Tanago said he was arrested and charged by police in December 2024 following a complaint made by the Managing Director of the PNG Forest Authority. “The arrest came after ACT NOW had published a number of case study reports demonstrating the abuse of Forest Clearing Authorities by foreign-owned logging companies who use the licenses as a cover for large-scale illegal logging. We also hosted a public seminar in November on the abuse of the FCA licenses that attracted a lot of media attention. The charge against me alleged that I had committed identity theft by reposting on social media an advertisement for an FM100 talk-back show where the Managing Director was due to appear to answer the allegations of FCA abuse and illegal logging and which included his photograph. The charge against me and the court result further reinforces my determination to speak out against corruption, widespread illegal logging and the abuse of FCA licenses and other issues of national importance, like the lack of transparency and accountability in District Development Authorities (DDAs),” Mr. Tanago said. Mr. Tanago said that it was a relief having the case struck out as it eases all the stress personally and on his family.