The Resistance Dance Company (TRDC) is preparing to host its inaugural Resistance Intensive workshop on Saturday, 27 June 2026 at the Moresby Arts Theatre. Supported by Credit Bank PNG, the event aims to provide valuable industry insights to dancers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned professionals.Established in 2024 as a dance crew, TRDC has since expanded into a full company that now houses four distinct crews. The upcoming workshop represents a major step forward for the organization, shifting the focus toward professional capacity building for the local creative community. Founder and Director Nelson “Nello” Kokoa, along with Operations Manager Lana Monagi, explained that the event aims to connect dancers with experts from both the dance community and related creative industries. “On the day itself we’re going to have experts in social media, marketing, music production and in dance competition, sharing a little bit about what they do and what to expect as dancers in PNG; how to build a personal brand, how to cut tracks for a national dance competition. Those are the different types of sessions that we will be having on the day, with a fun Afro-Dance Hall workshop that will be run by myself and one of my senior dancers, Dylan Miskaram,” Kokoa explained.Monagi highlighted the importance of securing a collaborative venue for the weekend event. “Moresby Arts Theatre has always been a safe space for us. Having Moresby Arts Theatre as one of our options to provide this intensive workshop opens up opportunities for not only our dancers but for everyone that’s going to attend,“ Monagi explains.The workshop will feature a lineup of prominent speakers from the industry including Wan Squad PNG’s Co-Directors and Co-Captains David Chee and Pyan Ng, as well as senior dancer for TRDC Dylan “Dynamo” Miskaram.Additionally, Britney Aitsi will lead a session focused on personal branding to help participants market themselves effectively.Following the educational sessions, the event will conclude with a practical Afro-Dancehall workshop.Registration for the workshop is K50, with 10% of the proceeds being donated directly to the Port Moresby General Hospital’s Children’s Ward. This fundraising effort is part of TRDC’s annual Christmas initiative to purchase essential items for pediatric patients. 

The National Capital District Provincial Health Authority (NCD PHA) is moving away from reactive measures to focus on long-term planning as it finalizes its Strategic Health Services Development Plan 2027–2036. To map out the next decade of healthcare, the authority held a final consultation meeting with local District Development Authorities at the Gateway Hotel on Friday, June 19, 2026. The meeting wrapped up a year of planning that included four major conferences with development partners.NCD Governor Powes Parkop attended the meeting and spoke candidly about past failures in public service, calling for an end to uncoordinated projects. “Up to now, we have been operating on an ad hoc basis. All the MPs are doing their own thing; they’re coming up with plans that are not based on proper analysis, but just for good political outcomes. To make us look good, feel good, and sound good. That’s not a good way of planning. We must know what the challenges, in terms of health, that we face, with the population that we face and think about the projection into the future,” Parkop stated.The Governor explained that the city's fast-growing population requires a health system that can handle current shortages while preparing for future needs. Pointing to current struggles with water and electricity, he noted how easily public services can fall behind when planning stagnates.“Yes, the plan must be able to meet our needs now and our reality but importantly, it must be able to test the times and be able to meet the needs of the future,” he said.Parkop challenged his colleagues to plan ahead to avoid a major breakdown in services later.“We are taking things for granted. We are sleepwalking to 2050. By the time we arrive in 2050, we’ll be faced with multiple crises of enormous proportion. Unless we bite the bullet now and start to plan for the future,” he warned. 

The Department of Education is making steady progress with its Standard-Based Curriculum, focusing on a major goal, getting a textbook into the hands of every student. While the department is currently developing these books, officials know that printing and delivering physical copies across Papua New Guinea is both difficult and expensive. To solve this, the department is introducing a digital system called the Learning Management System. This platform will launch first in the country's National Schools of Excellence, and the lessons learned there will help the department roll it out to all other levels of education. At the same time, the department is working to put the curriculum directly onto its website. This allows teachers and students who already have internet access to download the books immediately, saving the state the high cost of printing and shipping. According to Ms. Sabati Mero, the Acting Deputy Secretary for the Policy and Provincial Services Directorate, moving toward an e-curriculum is a practical step forward that balances physical books with smart digital solutions to modernize PNG's education system.

The National Education Department has officially sworn in the new members of the National Education Board today, June 18, 2026. Speaking at the event, Education Secretary Dr. Uke Kombra noted that previous boards successfully established crucial policies and spearheaded major reforms. He stated that he expects the incoming board to maintain this momentum and continue driving key initiatives across the sector.Dr. Kombra acknowledged the diverse sectors represented on the board, emphasizing that local collaboration is essential to addressing the challenges ahead. “The board is as strong as the diversity and active participation and contribution of its purpose. We rely heavily on our state representatives, our regional representatives, our partners from the church and our business and civil leaders; the academic and also teacher representatives, to bring local solutions to this board,” he said. He reminded the new members of the weight of their responsibilities, adding, “The legacy of the system that you will create will be very important for our future.”The transition comes amidst sweeping changes under the current National Education Plan (2020–2029). Dr. Kombra pointed out that the new board will be directly responsible for guiding several critical ongoing initiatives. “There are many changes and reforms that have taken place in our current education plan. Some of these, as you are aware, will be in the space of the schools’ curriculum and teacher development, as we continue to implement the Standard-Based curriculum, the national teaching in-service policy. These are some critical policies that you will work through with the education agencies.”In addition, the department is prioritizing school infrastructure modernization and the rollout of the 1-6-6 structure. Dr. Kombra highlighted that past reforms have already boosted student enrollment from 30,000 to 100,000, particularly by giving second-chance learners the opportunity to complete their education. Also, while expanding access is a major milestone, he stressed that improving educational quality is equally vital.He noted that this structural overhaul aims to streamline the academic pipeline. 

When Sabati Mero took her oath of office today, June 18, 2026, she secured a vital voice for women in Papua New Guinea’s education sector.Sworn in as the Acting Deputy Secretary for Policy and Provincial Services, Mero is now one of just two women on the National Education Board (NEB). Her transition to a full board member gives her a direct hand in shaping the country's upcoming policy landscape.Reflecting on the appointment, Mero emphasized the importance of having women in the room where major decisions are made.“It’s an honor and privilege to be a full member. In the last NEB, I was an alternate member, so I thank the Department of Education for recognizing me as one of the only female deputy secretaries to be a full member on the National Education Board. For me, it’s a great opportunity because not only will I represent the State, but I’ll be representing the womenfolk out there.""As you can see, there’s only two of us. Ms. Pricilla Kare will be representing the civil society organization and especially the women. Having both of us in the National Education Board gives that voice to women, especially, when it comes to decision-making; it’s important to also have women to sit around the table to make those decisions."With her seat secured, Mero is focused on steering the board through a massive structural overhaul of the school system, aiming to align curriculum changes with institutional restructuring.“In terms of policy change, we’re implementing the 1-6-6 school structure reforms and also the Standard-Based Curriculum reform and these two reforms go hand in hand and overall, what this board will see through is to ensure that these two reforms take place.”Over her three-year term, Mero and the board will manage a heavy slate of initiatives. These include expanding early childhood education, integrating Flexible Open and Distance Education (FODE) into secondary schools, and connecting technical and vocational training with academic pathways.The board will also oversee the department's flagship STEM program, which sends top students to study overseas, alongside handling routine national teacher appointments. It is an ambitious agenda, made more urgent by the upcoming 2027 National General Elections, requiring the board to anchor these reforms today while preparing for future government policies.

Port Moresby General Hospital’s labor ward is famously packed, but across town, in Hanuabada village, a beautiful, modern maternity facility offers an alternative for expectant mothers. To help ease the heavy burden at PMGH, the hospital has joined forces with the National Capital District Provincial Health Authority to station a dedicated team of midwives at the Metoreia Urban Health Centre. Today, the two health teams officially came together to highlight this collaborative effort, which provides local families with excellent care while taking the pressure off the city's main hospital.While Metoreia currently spaces out its daily deliveries, the facility has the modern infrastructure and capacity to easily accommodate up to eleven births a day. The entire ward is bright, calm, and exceptionally clean, thoughtfully designed to prioritize a mother’s privacy and dignity. Inside the three spacious, air-conditioned delivery suites, mothers have access to a private ensuite bathroom, excellent lighting, a specialized birthing bed, and a separate bed to rest on post-delivery. There is even a comfortable couch in the room, ensuring fathers and other family members can remain close by throughout the journey.The rooms are fully prepared to deliver seamless, uninterrupted care. Each room is independently equipped with its own CTG machine to monitor the baby’s heartbeat, a responsive Nurse Call system, a medical refrigerator, and a tall supply rack stocked with all necessary medical consumables. Because everything from syringes to gloves is kept directly at hand, midwives won’t have to leave a mother's side during labor. This setup offers a safe, sterile, and cozy environment where women can feel completely secure.With skilled midwife teams from both PMGH and NCDC PHA ready to assist, Metoreia stands as a premium, stress-free option for families looking for excellent maternity services away from the usual hospital crowds.

Kick Entertainment has officially announced its acquisition of the franchising rights to the iconic Wan Fire brand, marking a significant milestone for the Papua New Guinean entertainment industry. The local SME, founded by Ruth Kedea and Anisi Douna, has spent a decade refining its craft in the event space. After five years of providing essential sound services to others, they took a bold leap into hosting their own events, successfully bringing over 20 parties to life across all four regions of PNG. From the nostalgic rhythms of old school parties to the modern pulse of afro beats and dancehall, their journey has been supported by consistent partners, with Kedea noting that, “Niugini Ice has been our ‘Day 1’ since we started.”The transition into the Wan Fire fold was a natural progression for a company that prides itself on deliberate growth. Reflecting on their path, Kedea shared, “Everything we’ve done is very intentional in terms of trying to see what we can do differently, in the entertainment space here in the city.” This path eventually led them to Spinning Village, a multimedia production and event management company based in Suva, founded by Fijian couple Tikiki and Mere Korocowiri, the masterminds behind the Wan Fire brand. It all started with a plan to bring the Fijian group VT1S back to Port Moresby, following their sold-out show at The Gold Club in 2024. As they talked, one thing led to another. Since Kick Entertainment was eager to showcase a wider range of Melanesian talent, Spinning Village offered them the Wan Fire platform, and what started as a single concert plan quickly snowballed into a major regional partnership.By securing the exclusive franchising rights for Wan Fire in PNG, Kick Entertainment now has full access to the Wan Fire platform and its operational resources, including dedicated support from the brand’s existing marketing and social media teams in Fiji. “It’s an interesting collaboration. The beauty of it is that we understand each other; we understand our markets. It doesn’t matter how big or small the market is. There’s an understanding of how things work and how well people react,” Kedea explained. At its core, it’s a homecoming for Melanesian music.As Kedea simply put it, “The intention of Wan Fire is to bring all Melanesian artists onto one stage. It’s a celebration of our culture through music.”

Kick Entertainment held a press conference at the Gateway Hotel today to share details about its upcoming Wan Fire event, which will feature two different shows in Port Moresby on June 20.The daytime show will take place at the Sir John Guise Indoor Complex, while the night show will be held at the Cosmopolitan.At the conference, Kick Entertainment owner Ruth Kedea shared the full lineup of artists, revealing that Jaro Local will headline the event, joined by Liz Vamarasi, Kali Tui, Jay Tauleka, Tonton Malele, Jnr Vigi, Mereani Masani, Kronos, Jarahn, DJ Pakx, DJ Dirty Fingers, and DJ Rich.Supported by Niugini Ice and Air Niugini, the event is set to bring in fans from all over the Pacific, many of whom have already bought tickets and are traveling to Port Moresby city for the music experience.Kedea explained that the double show is designed to include everyone, noting that an important part of hosting the day show is to provide opportunities for families to enjoy a fun time together.“We have a lot of tax paying citizens in the city that would like to take their children somewhere.” She added, “Our events have always been in the clubs, and hosting the 50th independence event with the Governor, made us realize that we are forgetting the mass market; young people.”To enhance the daytime experience, Kedea also mentioned plans to bring in local businesses to sell food, non-alcoholic drinks, and merchandise.For those looking to attend, daytime tickets can be purchased at Fone Haus outlets in Vision City and Rangeview Plaza, as well as online through TicketMax.For the night show, tickets are available directly at the Cosmopolitan and will also be sold at selected pop-up stalls across the city on weekends.

To commemorate World Environment Day today, the Port Moresby Nature Park officially launched its month-long Trash to Treasure Sculpture Festival this morning. During the opening ceremony, Nature Park Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Johnpaul Houston expressed his deep gratitude to the BSP Financial Group Limited (BSP) for their generous support, specifically acknowledging a donation cheque worth K50,000. The event also welcomed a group of university students from the neighboring University of Papua New Guinea. These students are currently collaborating on various art pieces designed to transform discarded materials into valuable art. As an example of their work, a massive fish sculpture crafted entirely from empty Pepsi cans, which was created by students during last year's festival, captivated the audience's attention. Throughout the coming month, these university students will continue to showcase their creative talents through a series of unique sculptures. “Today’s event is about transforming the way we think; to see opportunities where others see waste. It’s about demonstrating creativity and innovation and how that can help us address environmental challenges,” Houston said. Among the attendees were 325 students from Bavaroko Primary School, which included 92 kindergarteners and 233 prep students, all accompanied by a dedicated group of 11 teachers. Highlighting the corporate support for the initiative, Ms. Hari Rabura Fenech, BSP's Group General Manager for Corporate Affairs & Community, formally presented the K50,000 cheque. “It is a pleasure to be here at the Port Moresby Nature Park for the launch of the 2026 Trash to Treasure Sculpture Festival; an event that has grown into one for the most creative and purposeful community gathering in our annual calendar.” 

Papua New Guinea’s local artist Mereani Masani, popularly known as ‘Mama Masalai’, has confirmed she will be performing alongside fellow Melanesian artists at the upcoming Wan Fire Festival. Organized by Kick Entertainment, the event aims to bring together musical talent from across the region. Masani commended the organizers for their efforts stating, “I think they are doing a fantastic job, giving us a platform to share with other Melanesian artists.” “I have performed on some big stages especially in Australia but it’s different because it’s now on home soil.” The festival also holds personal significance for Masani, who hopes to collaborate with some of the other artists, particularly from Fiji, drawing in on her Fijian roots. “I am excited to meet the girls I must say and I am really excited about that part. Because I am half Fijian and half PNG, I cannot wait to meet these other Fijian girls, and it would be wonderful to do a song together one day.” In addition to her Wan Fire appearance, Masani is releasing her brand-new single today, titled “Mi go.” The track explores the heavy emotional toll of a breakup, focusing on how hard it is to actually move forward. Rather than embracing and celebrating a new chapter after a relationship ends, people often get stuck in a painful place of uncertainty, sadness, and depression. The song captures that difficult transition into an unfamiliar, new normal where memories linger heavily, making it a raw, honest anthem about the true struggle of learning to let go for one’s own well-being. Fans will get to hear the track live for the first time at the Wan Fire Festival on 20 June. 

The Grade 10 National Written Expression Examination (WEX) commenced smoothly at Gordon Secondary School this morning, with all 386 registered students present and prepared.Logistics for the exam went according to plan, with examination papers arriving on schedule and the exam starting on time. Both school leadership and external oversight expressed high confidence in the students' performance. Mr. Bonzak Nomsing, the external invigilator and Deputy Principal of New Erima Junior High School, confirmed that the cohort appeared well-prepared for the exam. Gordon Secondary Principal Mr. George Kenega noted that the students' readiness was backed by solid results from two recent mock exams. "At our school, English is a strong subject," Mr. Kenega said. "When it comes to English, our students do very well. Even up to fifty students can score 20 out of 20." However, the examination period has highlighted an ongoing infrastructure challenge for the school. To accommodate the 386 exam sitters under proper spacing and supervision guidelines, the administration had to advise its Grade 9 students to remain at home today to free up classroom space. The spatial constraint stems from a three-year delay regarding the school’s assembly hall. The school board had previously engaged a contractor to demolish and rebuild the facility, but operations were halted three years ago by the National Capital District (NCD) Building Board due to a lack of specific clearances. Principal Kenega stated that despite the school promptly presenting all required paperwork to the building board, final approval has still not been granted. "It’s a school hall and the school need it," Kenega explained. "Every time I follow up, they say ‘it’s with the governor, it’s with the city manager.’ I have a school to look after, and I can't be there all the time to check on all these things." The school has had to use multiple individual classrooms over the last three years to ensure proper spacing for Grade 10 and 12 examinations. While the adjustments ensure that national examinations are conducted fairly and securely, the practice continues to cause temporary disruptions to the learning schedules of non-examination grades. School officials hope the NCD Building Board will soon finalize the pending approvals so construction on the hall can resume.

The National Capital District Provincial Health Authority (NCDPHA) has acknowledged legitimate public concerns regarding the overcrowding of the labor ward at the Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH) and the limited capacity for maternity services across the region.The shortage of birthing suites and beds is a long-standing structural challenge rather than a new problem; the authority is actively working with stakeholders to upgrade infrastructure that has stagnated since the 1970s. To bridge the gap until the infrastructure catches up with population growth, NCDPHA has deployed short, medium, and long-term strategies. In the short term, the operationalized Metoreia Urban Clinic, the 24/7 Six-Mile Polyclinic, and a partnership with the Nazarene Church at Gereka are successfully diverting thousands of primary care and maternity patients away from PMGH. Medium-term relief is on the horizon with the nearing completion of a new four-bed birthing suite and operating theatre at Gerehu Hospital, alongside the construction of the Moresby South District Hospital. Additionally, a funded expansion program is in motion to install more birthing suites across various regional clinics, while a new 20-bed Tuberculosis Ward at Six-Mile Polyclinic will soon free up an entire ward at PMGH. Looking to the future, the construction of a new Level 5 Provincial Specialist Hospital will fundamentally decentralize specialist and maternity care, ending the historic over-reliance on a single referral hospital. Addressing the community directly, NCDPHA stated, "No mother in Port Moresby — or anywhere in Papua New Guinea — should have to deliver her baby on the floor of a hospital ward. We accept it." While acknowledging that progress must accelerate, the authority credited its staff and ongoing projects for absorbing the current burden and pledged continuous updates as these healthcare expansions advance.