NEW IRELAND PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT PASSES A RECORD BUDGET FOR 2026

The New Ireland Provincial Government has passed a record-breaking budget of K381, 023,388 for 2026, marking a 25% increase from last year’s revised budget.

New Ireland Governor Walter Schnaubelt stated that the budget passed will strengthen the province’s finances, drive development, and secure the future for generations.

The increase is driven by outstanding Infrastructure Development Grants (IDG) and high gold prices, with expected IDG funds of K60m and K159.4m in unpaid Special Support Grants (SSGs).

The budget allocates 84% (K322m) to capital development and 16% (K59m) to recurrent expenses.

Key focus areas include:

• K213.3m for infrastructure development

• K45.3m for economic sector

• K35.9m for social sector (includes Tertiary Education Subsidy program and boarding school rations)

• K10m for agricultural ventures

• K5m for WASH program

• K1m for Council of Elders meeting

Law and Order is a top priority for the province, with K5m allocated to partner with police to establish a dedicated Police Reserve Force, and K2.7m for law enforcement infrastructure.

Healthcare gets a boost:

• K15m for Kavieng Hospital refurbishment

• K3m for Namatanai Hospital refurbishment

• K6m for Tinkoris Hospital (K5m funding + K1m water supply)

• K1m for floating clinic (Outer Islands)

• K1m for mobile clinic (mainland)

Other highlights:

• K10m for Rural Electricity

• K5m for ICT

• K2.5m in District Support Grants

• K3m in LLG Grants

• K5m for LLG staff houses