Cook Islands will increase its minimum wage by 50 cents to $10 per hour, a change welcomed by some workers and expats but considered insufficient by others and potentially impactful for small tourism businesses facing rising costs. The Cook Islands’ minimum wage will increase by 50 cents, from $9.50 to $10 per hour, effective 1 July 2025. While some welcome the change, others argue it’s insufficient given the rising cost of living, including soaring rental and food prices. The Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council notes that smaller businesses may feel the impact of this increase. The Employment Relations (Minimum Rate…
Author: Katrina ANGELI
Australia has announced that it will make an immediate contribution of $5 million (K12, 742, 500) to support Papua New Guinea to respond to the detection of vaccine-derived poliovirus. This funding, delivered through the World Health Organization (WHO), will support the integration of polio vaccines with other routine childhood immunizations. This will help protect an estimated three million children nationwide and reduce the risk of future polio outbreaks. Australia is also supporting a Technical Advisory Group, including two Australian experts in polio and child health. This will provide independent recommendations to guide PNG’s response. Australia is also a key contributor…
Utu Secondary School in New Ireland province, has suspended five grade nine students including four females and one male following a widespread circulation of a video on Facebook depicting these students, smoking marijuana and posting it online. The school administration was promptly alerted to the matter and conducted a thorough investigation. The school board in a recent statement, stated that the investigation identified these students as being responsible for their actions, including the creation of the video. These students were then immediately suspended and the School Disciplinary Committee convened on Friday May 16th to address the issue. The Disciplinary Committee…
The Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC) is proud to announce the appointment of Mrs. Iammo Gapi Launa, OBE, MBE, BEM, OLY as the Chef de Mission for Team PNG to the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in Senegal. A celebrated sporting icon, first PNG female Olympian, and long-time sports administrator and advocate for youth and women in sports, Mrs. Launa brings a wealth of experience, leadership, and passion to her new role. Her appointment marks a significant milestone for Team PNG as it prepares for its first Youth Olympic Games in the African continent. PNGOC President Emma Waiwai,…
Kina Bank was delighted to collaborate with RISE on “I Build My Pathway” Careers and Entrepreneurship workshop on Saturday 10th May 2025 to teach young girls entrepreneurial skills and offer them valuable opportunities to learn and serve. As part of its sponsorship, Kina Bank presented a business loan (with no interest) to schoolgirls from Tokarara Secondary School in NCD. Envelopes containing cash were given to five groups of girls to start their own business project. RISE Founder and Director, Michelle Pillay expressed her gratitude to Kina Bank for the support. “The inclusion of Kina Bank in the entrepreneurship project, particularly…
Three Chinese nationals residing in Madang have been arrested and charged by Madang police in relation to the incident that occurred on May 9th at the Yaho Supermarket, where a 45-year-old mother and her daughter were physically assaulted after being accused of theft. Madang Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Chief Inspector, Robert Baim confirmed that the Yaho Supermarket Manager, the Supreme Investment Cooperative Service Manager, and one other Chinese national were arrested and charged yesterday (Monday, the 19th) with two charges each of grievous bodily harm and deprivation of liberty concerning the mother and daughter. He said the three were allowed on K12,…
The East New Britain Provincial Government (ENBPG) recently launched a major initiative to distribute approximately one million cocoa hybrids and clones this year as part of the Cocoa Rehabilitation Program. This large-scale effort is being carried out in partnership with the PNG Cocoa Board and Agmark Group Limited. As part of the rollout, payments for the initial 700, 000 cocoa seedlings, covering the districts of Pomio, Rabaul, and Gazelle, have been made to the PNG Cocoa Board and Agmark Group Limited. The PNG Cocoa Board received a total of K350, 000 to support seedling distribution, while Agmark Group was granted…
The Olympic Values Education Programme (OVEP) is a fun and engaging way to teach young people about the Olympic values of Excellence, Respect, and Friendship. The program uses sport and physical activity to promote positive life skills, healthy living, and strong values that can help shape individuals and build better communities. It encourages young people to carry these values not only in sports but also in their daily lives. The Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC) is rolling out the OVEP program to inspire and educate children and communities across the country. Through this initiative, PNGOC aims to instill the…
Prime Minister James Marape congratulated the European Union (EU) on the occasion of Europe Day, recognizing the EU’s long-standing and expanding partnership with Papua New Guinea during a formal reception that was held last Friday the 9th of May at the APEC Haus, Port Moresby city. Speaking before a distinguished audience of diplomats, ministers, and development partners, PM Marape underscored the EU’s critical role in PNG’s development needs. “On behalf of my government and the people of Papua New Guinea, I congratulate the European Union on your Europe Day and acknowledge the deep and significant partnership we continue to share.”…
Prime Minister and a former Education Minister James Marape, recently conveyed the nation’s heartfelt appreciation to Mr. Fred Stolz, the founding principal of Balob Teachers College in Lae, Morobe province, and also congratulated the institution on reaching its remarkable 60th anniversary milestone. Mr. Stolz, an Australian educator who first came to Papua New Guinea in 1965, returned to Lae last Thursday for the anniversary celebrations, where he delivered an emotional speech that deeply moved the audience. In his address, he reflected on the college’s early beginnings, its pioneering role in teacher training, and its evolution into one of Papua New…