Transparency International Papua New Guinea (TIPNG) held its Annual General Meeting yesterday where its 2024 annual report was presented to its members followed by the announcement of its new 2026 Board of Directors.
A core part of the AGM business was the election of the Board of Directors and Office Bearers. Mr. Peter Aitsi was re-elected as Chairperson by TIPNG’s financial members. Mr. James Lunge was elected as Board Secretary, and Ms. Michelle Hau’ofa was re-elected as Treasurer. Additionally, eight dedicated individuals were elected to serve on the board: Mary Udu, Richard Kassman, William Koregai, Christopher Elphick, Michael McWalter, Shane Kennedy, Paul Barker, and John Moore.
All TIPNG Director roles are voluntary and unpaid. The Board is responsible for setting the organization’s vision, articulating its purpose, and overseeing its financial performance, statutory compliance, and overall effectiveness.
In welcoming the 2026 TIPNG Board Directors, Chairman Peter Aitsi underscored his anticipation for their commitment, active engagement, and invaluable contribution in advancing TIPNG’s 5-year strategic plan.
“This plan focuses on bolstering campaign interventions, fostering impactful partnerships, guiding operational excellence, and building financial growth and resilience”, said Mr. Aitsi.
Chairman Aitsi emphasized the importance of this commitment, particularly amidst a growing sense of impunity for corruption, declining good governance, erosion of public confidence in state integrity institutions, and a shrinking civic space.
“The 2026 Board will prioritize key areas, including advocacy on electoral reform and the Freedom of Information law. We will also expand our civic engagement through the Youth Against Corruption Association and our ongoing partnerships with the Community Coalition Against Corruption, PNG Resource Governance Coalition, and the Open Government Partnership.”
“TIPNG has set a new course in its Strategic Plan 2024 – 2028, not only to empower like-minded individuals and organizations but to influence them, so we can realize meaningful, collective action in minimizing corruption and improving the governance in Papua New Guinea,” said Mr. Aitsi.