The grade ten and twelve students of Maprik Secondary school in East Sepik province recently successfully concluded two weeks of the National Examinations that took place nationwide. The grade ten students who sat for their exams on the scheduled dates from the 7th to the 10th of October 2024 and the grade twelves from the 14th to the 18th of October, have each ended their exam week on a high note. This is according to Principal of Maprik Secondary, Mr. Alfred Akai, who told PNGHAUSBUNG how pleased he was with how the students carried themselves before, during and after the exams with no issues faced. “The students in both grades did well in terms of preparations and remedial classes so during the exam weeks, we didn’t have any issues at all with the students.” A total of 193 grade ten students and a total of 230 grade twelve students sat for the exams. Mr. Akai also confirmed that all students from both grades sat for the exams with no one absent and with that, he was happy with the turnout from the students. Students and staff will now await the marking of exams which will take place in the month of November for grades eight, ten and twelve. Meanwhile, the grade eight National Exams are currently taking place nationwide this week and will end tomorrow with the final paper, English Paper 2.

In another successful show, it was certainly one’s dream to deliver a wow factor to the audience and to all who attended on the night. Entrepreneur and Owner of Maku Gifts, Ms. Annette Sete, yet again delivered her second Lavagirl Xplosion Show or LGX Fashion Show at the APEC Haus in Port Moresby city on the Saturday 19th of October. The event showcased a total of ten collections in honor of celebrating the 10th Anniversary of both Lavagirl and Maku Gifts. Each collection displayed on the night, each telling a story of the journey of Lavagirl and most importantly, portraying a cultural journey representing both provinces of East New Britian and East Sepik provinces of which Ms. Sete originates from. Cultural identity is something Sete creates her fabric styles from and that is exactly what she showcased in her culturally inspired collections. A special highlight on the night was the ten winners who won the recent Lavagirl competition to design a unique stylish piece of garment with a Lavagirl fabric design. Each winning designer displayed a piece each showcasing their designs paraded on the runway. Warlapang, Origins, Tabu, Kokonas, Recognition, Croc and Leather, Showtime, Xtra, Collabs (with Barata PNG) and Big City Lights were the different inspired collections that were showcased on the night. The collection, Tabu, which means shell money in Kuanua language, is a huge inspiration to Lavagirl which is used by the ‘tolai’ people of East new Britian province and plays a very significant role in their culture. “We developed the tabu print so tonight for that collection we wanted to show the culture of the tabu shells. With this collection, we predominantly want to make the tabu shine and we have showed that in our fabrics and the garment that we’ve sold.” “The story itself on the other hand, is about how this culture in Papua New Guinea has not died out like others. It is very strong, very vibrant and rich in the tolai culture. For us using the tabu shells itself and incorporating them into our brand, is a piece of identity for us at Lavagirl.” Ms. Sete later thanked all sponsors for their support in making this year’s 2nd LGX fashion show a success and thanked everyone including her team in making this an exciting show and to give everyone who attended the event, an opportunity to see how each collection telling a story and representing the significance of the culture in both provinces and regions.

Teams from the government, church, civil society and private sector are now developing new ways to solve policy problems using an innovative approach that was developed at Harvard University and brought to PNG by The Voice Inc (TVI). The teams gathered this week for a check-in session as they near completion of their 12-week course, called Problem Driven Iterative Adaptation (PDIA), offered as part of TVI’s Local Leadership for Collective Action Program (LLCAP) supported by the Australian Government. Teams include the Department for Community Development and Religion (DfCDR), the National Youth Development Authority (NYDA), the National Gender Based Violence Secretariat, the Department of Justice and Attorney General, the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), the Simbu provincial government, civil society and Catholic Diocese of Kundiawa. Each team works with TVI and Harvard Kennedy School’s Building State Capability program to analyse and strategize on how best to act on a complex policy problem including youth opportunity, corruption and sorcery accusation related violence. The check-in session allowed teams to share key learnings from the last 10 weeks of their participation in the PDIA course. The session allowed them to further engage with other members of their cohort and government authorizers. Also present during the session was Department of Community Development and Religion Secretary, Jerry Ubase commended TVI on offering PDIA as a tool for developmental leaders to critically look at the root causes of problems affecting Papua New Guinea. “The PDIA has also allowed me to assess how my department operates and encouraged me to empower my team to effectively carry out their responsibilities.” “As an authorizer who has participated in the course, I hope that TVI can offer this program to more government agencies within the country.” Director of the National Gender Based Violence Secretariat, Diane Kambanei and Director General of NYDA, Joe Itaki are also leading teams in their areas of Gender Based Violence strategy implementation and youth policy reform. The PDIA program is delivered by Professor, Matt Andrews of Harvard Kennedy School, who has seen the approach work in more than 150 countries around the world, all facing similar challenges to PNG. The teams will complete the PDIA course in two weeks, the third cohort to join TVI’s Local Leadership and Collective Action Network, a growing group of reform minded leaders supporting policy reform on ten critical issues in seven provinces across PNG.

Cocoa farmers along the Teo-Buin to Sipotavai feeder roads in Tinputz area of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB) will soon travel in comfort with their cocoa bags and other agriculture produce to the markets. Road infrastructures are one of the top priority services linking people and basic essential goods and services and with good roads anything is possible. The Teo-Buin Sipotavai 5.80km upgrade and sealing project is under the World Bank funding the Papua New Guinea Agriculture Commercialization and Diversification (PACD) Project Management Unit - Cocoa Component (Cocoa PMU), which operates under the Cocoa Board of PNG. The official awarding and signing of the contract were signed on the 16th of October 2024 at the Technical Services Conference in Tinputz. The K6.9 million road project was awarded to Raibro Construction Limited through tender by the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) Tendering Board. A contract was then signed between the Cocoa Board of PNG through the PACD Project Management Unit and contractor Raibro Construction Limited. Representing ABG was Chief Secretary, Keanerth Nanai, Ralito Mitra on behalf of Raibro Construction Limited and PACD PMU-Cocoa Project Manager, Roland Kerina. Speaking during the signing event was, Cocoa PMU Project Manager, Mr. Kerina, who spoke on the Agriculture Feeder Roads as one of the components under the PACD project that aims to improve access to value chains and markets for farmers through rehabilitation and maintenance of priority feeder roads, paths, or other small transport infrastructure. "Apart from the road project, there are three cocoa partnerships in AROB that involved a total of 1, 500 farmers and that the Bank will fund cocoa seedlings, tools, trainings to the farmers to plant cocoa and when the cocoa is ready, will then take it to the market.” “This will improve their lives that is the main object of the PACD project, and the roads are attached to that so the farmers can have access to the market.” “We are happy today that in the long run in the process of awarding the contract, we say thank you to the Bougainville Tenders Board the process is now complete with the signing.” “Today signifies that it is a win-win situation for the more than 800 farmers or people in Tinputz.” Meanwhile, on behalf of the ABG Government, ABG Chief Secretary, Mr Nanai thanked the World Bank, the PACD PMU and the Cocoa Board of PNG as well as the technical services to have been nominated to have this important road project. He expressed that this is a very significant occasion especially when tapping into this program where the government is not reaching in terms of rehabilitating feeder roads throughout AROB. “We are so grateful that the World Bank has seen our needs as a priority in terms of our farmers and this road will greatly help them in bringing their commodities to the outside world.” “This will be a real benefit for the communities, the government infrastructure and facilities and most importantly, the farmers.” He added that in AROB cocoa is a very important cash crop for them and this year alone the people have received so much from cocoa alone and putting a feeder road through the World Bank funded is a bonus in terms of complementing the cocoa farmers. Furthermore, Nanai congratulated Raibro for having successfully being awarded the contract commenting that Raibro has been doing a very good job throughout AROB and they are qualified and has brilliant performance record delivering quality work.

Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC) has officially suspended the membership of the Papua New Guinea Rugby Union (PNGRU) with immediate effect, following a board meeting that was held in October of this month. This decision comes as a response to significant administration, governance and compliance issues, including the recent suspension of PNGRU by Oceania Rugby. The suspension has been enacted due to the PNGRU's failure to address concerns highlighted in a show cause notice issued by PNGOC on July 15, 2024, relating to their withdrawal from the Monaco Olympic Qualifiers. The PNGOC did not receive a response by the requested deadline of July 22, 2024. Additionally, Oceania Rugby's decision on September 5, 2024, to suspend PNGRU further underscored the non-compliance concerns. As a result of this suspension, PNGRU loses its rights and privileges as a member of PNGOC, including voting rights, access to funding, and participation in Team PNG and PNGOC sanctioned activities and multi-sport events. To regain membership, PNGRU must resolve the compliance issues with Oceania Rugby and adhere to their directives, achieve reinstatement as a member of both Oceania Rugby and World Rugby, develop and submit an action plan addressing administrative and governance shortcomings and submit to the annual audit of compliance requirements for the years 2023 and 2024. President of PNGOC, Emma Waiwai, emphasized the importance of good governance and effective administration as vital components for sporting success. "The recurring administrative and governance failures within PNGRU represent a significant deviation from these principles. We urge the federation to take immediate corrective action to restore its reputation and trust with all stakeholders," she stated. PNGOC remains committed to supporting the development of sports in Papua New Guinea and calls on PNGRU to implement necessary reforms swiftly to secure their reinstatement with their world and regional body for the betterment of the code and its athletes.

Pepsi PNG under Pacific Industries Limited, yesterday launched its “Thirsty For Merch” National Consumer Promotion at the Rangeview Plaza shopping mall in Port Moresby. The promotion will go on for a total of nine weeks and will be carried out nationwide in participating shops and outlets. According to National Marketing Manager of Pacific Industries, Nathaniel Lepani, the purpose is to basically branch the promotion out to the public as well as highlighting a certain aspect of this country in which he is proud about. During launching saw the presence of a number of local influencers, including Wild Child, who is also known as Jenny Tan, DJ Kainzy, and well-known local music artist, Mal Meninga Kuri Lepani stated that Pepsi PNG are proud to involve these local talents and local influencers in this campaign in which helps to introduce and showcase what this promotion is about and how easy it is for Papua New Guinea consumers to take part in this campaign. “This is a nationwide wide promotion, so everyone is welcome to take part." "Not forgetting, this is one of our major promotions for Pacific Industries and for Pepsi as well.” In months leading up to the launching of this promotion, Pepsi PNG have released some exciting teasers running online and on TV in which this campaign is all about showcasing local talent and engaging proud Papua New Guineans in a fun and rewarding way. Pepsi has now given everyone a fantastic opportunity to win merchandise packs valued at K2,500 each with over 400 merch packs up for grabs and that is more than one million worth of prizes to be won nationwide in PNG. Upon entering the draw, just purchase two or more cans of Pepsi or any of the Pepsi range, including Mountain Dew, 7Up, Mirinda, or Pepsi Max. Write your name and contact details at the back of the receipt and place it in the entry boxes in any participating shops. In addition to this, for every fortnight throughout the promotion period, Pepsi will be drawing more winners to be able to win themselves a merch pack. As for merch packs, each pack contains seventeen items from sunglasses and socks to a tote bag, cap, t-shirt, and even a varsity jacket. To kick start the launching, Pepsi PNG had a special opportunity at Rangeview for anyone who shopped at Rangeview Grocer yesterday 14 October, to buy two cans of Pepsi and bring back to the promo team to win themselves an instant prize after being given a chance to spin the wheel. Furthermore, Pepsi, as well as Pacific Industries, gave a special thank you to the Rangeview Mall management and Rangeview Grocer for allowing the opportunity to host this exciting event. The promotion which started on the 14th of October, will end on the 20th of December 2024.

Prime Minister James Marape has praised the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) for their diligent efforts in policing operations across the country. He acknowledged the significant results achieved, particularly in the continuous confiscation of illegal drugs and other substances, both locally and transnationally, despite the limited resources and challenges faced by the force. His comments came after news of a major PNG police operation that resulted in the seizure of K200 million worth of cocaine, marking the country's largest drug bust to date. “This demonstrates that despite criticism and limited capacity in terms of personnel and equipment, our police are working very hard to get the job done. There is enormous potential to enhance effectiveness and protect our nation from threats and illegal transnational activities occurring near our borders.” “The National Government is committed to supporting and building up our police force. Training has resumed at Bomana, which is a positive step forward. From the current 5,000 police personnel, we aim to double that number to a 10,000-strong force soon.” PM Marape further noted that his government is now prioritizing improvements in several areas, including community policing, rapid response, investigative capacity, anti-terrorism operations, prosecution capabilities, and the overall functionality of the police force. “When we assumed Government in 2019, we inherited an aging police force. For a population of over 10 million, we had only about 4, 500 officers, which is inadequate by today’s standards. We are now modernizing and equipping our police force and working closely with bilateral partners such as Australia and Indonesia to bolster our capacity and effectiveness." In addition, there is now an urgent need to address issues such as guns, drugs, and transnational crimes, which pose a serious threat to national security. With that, he stressed the importance of strengthening the capacity to combat money laundering, drug trafficking, and other significant transnational crimes. In a stern warning to those involved in drug-related activities, he stated that, if one is caught, the law will deal with that individual accordingly, and the courts will convict as required. This he said applies equally to foreigners living in PNG who are involved in such illegal activities as well. While welcoming foreigners who come to invest, live, work, or study in PNG, the Prime Minister stated that those found engaging in transnational crimes would face full legal consequences within PNG borders, including potential imprisonment. “I want to commend the Police Commissioner for the excellent job he is doing, managing the force well despite the many challenges. Our police, with limited capacity, continue to perform. As we approach our nation’s 50th Anniversary celebrations next year, we are determined to have a police force that reflects the future of our country.” Furthermore, he addressed the rising concern of drug-related crimes in Papua New Guinea, calling for tougher laws and harsher penalties. “Drug peddlers will now be dealt with more seriously, and the Government is considering life imprisonment for those convicted of serious drug-related crimes.” “We will increase police efforts in dealing with drug-related cases and expand our prison capacities to accommodate drug convicts. We are also working to ensure that serious drug offenses, including those involving transnational crime and foreigners, may result in life imprisonment as the maximum sentence. Our laws will be toughened to combat these offenses.” A warning too was issued to young people to stay away from drugs and stressed for a peaceful society for all. He concluded by urging all citizens and residents to be law-abiding. “One of the greatest contributions you can make to this country is to respect the law and help maintain peace.”

The Somare Institute of Leadership and Governance (SILAG) and the Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signifying the start of a partnership in delivering public service training programs to the staff of PMGH. This partnership aims to enhance, promote and develop a mutual dialogue and cooperation between both parties and to deliver the best training for the staff of PMGH and for the staff to be fully equipped with the knowledge they will now acquire through this training programs. The cooperation between both sides will also strengthen in the areas of capacity-building interventions, innovative learning design and delivery, collaborative civil service-learning programs, research and development, technical and financial resource sharing, workshops and seminars hosted at the national and sub-national levels in the common pursuit of the social and economic development of Papua New Guinea. Chief Executive Officer of Port Moresby General Hospital, Dr Paki Molumi, stated that this MOU partnership is important for a Level six (6) National Tertiary, Referral, Research and Teaching hospital as they now progress towards expanding most of their services. The partnership will enable SILAG to provide skill-gap training to the staff of the hospital, especially the middle management. He made mention that the hospital has a five-year corporate plan 2025-2030 that needs to be aligned well with the government’s plan and implemented properly; however, the senior executive staff at the hospital need proper skill gap training to fully implement the corporate plan. “This is the first corporate plan we have had for this hospital, which means over the years we haven’t had a plan put in place and we have been performing without knowing where the job for the day is leading to.” “Therefore, today’s occasion is important; signing up with the key agency, SILAG, who is involved with training public servants, so that we understand that bigger government plans and how that leads to the activities we do each day.” The middle managers of the hospital are doctors who only know how to treat patients, and it is a challenge for them individually when it comes to the management part of the job which includes, project proposals, reports, appraisals and working within the Public Service Management Act 1995. Dr. Molumi also said that the end result of this partnership is to make sure all the managers of the hospital are trained and prepared to contribute effectively and meaningfully to the development of the next five-year corporate plan 2025-2030. Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer of SILAG, Michael Barobe, acknowledged the CEO and the hospital management for having the confidence and trust in SILAG to deliver the public service training programs to the hospital staff. “SILAG’s sole responsibility is to assist with capacity building in the public service and making sure that public servants who undergo training at SILAG are competent when they go back to their jobs.” He said the decision for PMGH to partner with SILAG at this time is crucial and important, as it is now a government policy for those who wish to join the public service to first have a certificate from SILAG. The Institute is training public servants from entry level to executive level. In addition, he stated that SILAG understands that the staff from PMGH are experts in the medical field; however, they need skill-gap training to up-skill them to implement policies and manage the hospital and staff within the public service guidelines, and that is where SILAG will step in to assist. He assured the Port Moresby General Hospital Management that SILAG stands ready to deliver training programs that will be beneficial to the daily operation of the hospital. “The institute will work closely with other government agencies and training partners, with particular emphasis on improving public sector performance at all levels of the government. The institute will competently manage our people, resources, and affairs within robust governance frameworks.” The rejuvenation of PILAG to SILAG will contribute immensely towards the government achieving its strategic priorities under both the PNG Vision 2050 and the Medium-Term Development Strategy. He added that SILAG is ready to deliver training at the workplace.

The Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC) is now making a final call for nominations for the 2024 Papua New Guinea Sports Hall of Fame. This prestigious event that was first initiated in 2011, honors the legacy of individuals who have excelled in sports, recognizing their contributions to the development of sports in Papua New Guinea. This year marks the 8th edition of the Hall of Fame, which currently features a total of 23 distinguished inductees: 1. Sir John Kaputin (Athletics) 2. Edward Laboran (Athletics) 3. Nigel Cluer (Swimming) 4. Salita Pitpit (Athletics) 5. Tumat Sogolik (Boxing) 6. Jackson Seeto (Weightlifting) 7. David Seeto (Weightlifting) 8. Oe Ivaharia (Athletics) 9. John Kokinai (Athletics) 10. Raki Leka (Athletics) 11. Naomi Polum (Athletics) 12. Kenneth Hopkins (Boxing) 13. Kea Kapulu Schwarz (Netball) 14. Charles Martin (Swimming) 15. Iammo Gapi Launa (Athletics) 16. Geua Tau (Lawn Bowls) 17. Sibona Oka (Weightlifting) 18. Tau John Tokwepota (Athletics) 19. Joseph Turia (Soccer) 20. Veitu Diro (Basketball & Netball) 21. Robert Stewart (Rifle Shooting) 22. Takale Tuna (Athletics) 23. Wavala Kali (Athletics) PNGOC has announced that if you know someone who deserves to be inducted into this year’s Hall of Fame, then nominations must be submitted by this Friday, September 27th, 2024. As for the Nomination Criteria, nominees must meet the following requirements: first is the Retirement Status, must be retired from competition for five years or more. Next is the Record of Achievement; must have made significant accomplishments, including medals and records. Followed by Representation; must have represented Papua New Guinea at various international levels. And lastly, is Influence and Contribution; has made notable contributions to sports and communities. Furthermore, for those who wish to nominate, they can be from the National federations, individuals, and the general public. All are welcome to submit nominations. In order to nominate, a nomination form must be downloaded from the PNG Olympic Committee website at pngolympic.org. The completed forms can then be emailed to the PNGOC events team at events@pngoc.org.pg or dropped off at the Olympic Haus, Lahara Avenue, 4 Mile, Port Moresby. For more details, visit the PNG Olympic Committee’s social media pages for instructions on online nominations. Don’t miss this chance to honor those who have made significant contributions to sports in Papua New Guinea.

Lavagirl will be showcasing its second LGX Fashion show on October 19th, 2024, at the APEC Haus, Port Moresby. The runway show, which is also known as Lavagirl's Xplosion Fashion show, will be returning bigger and better with now more expectations from the audience who came to witness the first show that was showcased last year, 2023. Preparations have so far been slow according to Entrepreneur and owner of Maku Gifts, Annette Sete. The show which was initially supposed to take place in May a week before Mother’s Day (since Lavagirl’s products are basically to do with women), has now been postponed to October due to a number of events that popped up causing the show to be moved. However, Sete told PNG HAUSBUNG that preparations are going quite well despite certain factors and since Maku Gifts and Lavagirl are both marking their 10th anniversary, there will be ten collections, and each collection will have ten pieces each on the runway. “Lavagirl, which is the brand and Maku Gifts which is the shop, are celebrating ten years of surviving the hush business environment in PNG. Just like my first fashion show, this year I am yet again collaborating with Barata PNG who does street wear for men and boys.” “We’re both collaborating, being that Barata PNG’s brand compliments what Lavagirl puts out. So, we are collaborating again this year and founder of Barata, Christopher Lam, will be producing my show.” Most of the production are done in-house so Sete and the team are producing in both branches of Kokopo and Port Moresby for the show, and with an eye opener and a wow factor that they have produced last year during her first show, they now have to top it up making it better than last year. The show is set to showcase some of her unique designs throughout her journey as well as showcasing new ones on the runway. This she hopes to maintain that standard that she had set at her first fashion show last year. “There is a lot of new print to expect and new items for the show and so for those who are regular customers or who follow us closely would recognize some of our new items coming out. The show is also our avenue to actually showcase new items that are going to come out in the next few months as well.” Meanwhile, a model call is to be made to all those interested to join in this year’s fashion show. Sete stated that they will be expecting many entries just like the previous year and the entries are to be done online. It will open this Thursday, 26th of September. “Based on the entries, we will then screen all applications and will narrow down to 300 for our Saturday Walk in Auditions.” “For those screened successfully, will then come in for the auditions at APEC Haus and from there will then trim down to sixty models and that is the total number of models who will take part for the fashion show.” “Since Lavagirl brand is every woman, I am looking for every shape and size. We’re not looking for a specific type; as my brand is for everyone." "Whether thick or thin, we want a mixture of people who will represent what we put out and what we sell. We are also looking for attitude and vibe so if you fit the bill, then why not. So, this model call out will be open for anyone to attend.” Furthermore, tickets for the show will be E- tickets, which are to be purchased online and are now available at the Maku Gifts shops. After purchasing, contact details are to be provided so that the tickets will be emailed to those who have purchased and from there must then be downloaded so that their tickets can be scanned on the night before entering the show. “Tickets are K400 per person and for corporate clients, K4, 000 for ten. They will have their own row of seats with free access to bar.”

The Civil Society Organization led coalition for the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women has made an urgent call to the government to address the escalating humanitarian crisis in Porgera, Enga province. The recent outbreak of violence has caused a widespread of displacement especially among children and women and has left a number of essential government services such as healthcare, education and security, absent. The call on the government came from a number of human rights defenders and NGOs including Magna Carta PNG, Advancing PNG and Business Coalition for Women whom some of them currently have their own workers on the ground in Porgera, desperately needing the help from the government and relevant authorities. According to President and Board Chair of Advancing PNG Women’s Leaders Network, Ruth Kissam, she particularly stressed the urgent need for female representatives in the Community Development Agreement signing made yesterday. “We urge the Mineral Resources Authority, the Enga Provincial Government and other relevant government agencies to prioritize women’s rights and perspective to secure a just and equitable future for all in Porgera. The time for action is action!” “The majority of the men that are sitting on the board at the signing are men and not women; how can men be able to represent the voice of women especially in the extractive areas when a lot of conflict that are happening, are affecting women and children.” She further stated that Porgera alone has the highest number when it comes to weaponization of sexual violence against women. She then stated that there are rape cases happening whereas men are using rape as a form of war and that is happening mostly in places of conflicts. Meanwhile, though there are not enough essential government services such as health services working effectively in the area, Kissam said that there are other services that work quite effectively; church services and human rights defenders on ground. In addition to this, Executive Director of Papua Native Landowner Association, stated that they have number of human rights defenders that work on ground in Porgera in which a few of them have also been injured. “We have one of our female workers who has been attacked whilst trying to help other individuals to move. She has now requested for a chopper to go in bring out some of the victims out but it’s not a good time when a woman is in that situation thinking of her child, her health and its within a conflict area.” “Matters like these we need support from airline companies and we mostly need to support those who are handicapped and living with disabilities too.” Furthermore, Kissman stated that accessibility is an issue; therefore, Churches have always been the ones who have been at the forefront, however, even churches need help too. “Churches are not a law enforcement agency yet they have filled in the gap that could have been filled by the state or other partners we have. So our call primarily is to the government. At the moment all churches are refugee homes for all victims and that is why we need support to save our women and children.” “We stand with our women and children in Porgera to make sure women’s voices are heard especially in making sure they have a seat at the table of the Community Development Agreement.”

First time fashion designer for the PNG Fashion Week Runway show 2024, Stephanie Tukavai was all smiles as she expressed excitement showcasing some of her unique pieces that she is bringing to the runway tonight in Port Moresby city. Tukavai is among three emerging designers who were selected by PNG Fashion Week to take part in this year’s runway show and with that, shared with PNG HAUSBUNG an insight into her collection. “My collection is called Kuma Ri Kai, which in Kuanua tokples (language) means, ‘arise.’” Tukavai, who comes from a mixed parentage of Madang and East New Britain provinces and lives in Lae city, has always had an interest in fashion and now in reality can share that tonight with others to see, especially the guests international designers. “Mostly, my collection is more casual. I am into up- cycling and recycling sustainable fashion and that’s something I haven’t seen any other designers do yet and so I’m both nervous and excited at the same time to bring in something new to the runway.” “My pieces are more to do with off cut fabrics in the dresses that I make. So right now, I am mostly focusing on women’s wear and later in the future, hopefully get into creating men’s wear as well.” In addition, Tukavai hopes to grow and nurture from here in this area of fashion and to bring something unique and wearable for all ages to wear. Meanwhile, the show will start at 6pm this evening at the APEC Haus. For those who have not had a chance to purchase tickets, they can still purchase them at the venue entrance.