PNG Haus Bung

Over ten criminals were allegedly shot dead by police this morning in Kimbe, West New Britain province after a botched armed robbery by the criminal gang.It was alleged that the criminal gang attempted to rob at shop in Kimbe town when police pounced on them, killing all thirteen of them. The gang were in a vehicle and armed with mostly homemade guns, machetes and other form of weapons.It is understood that the provincial law and order committee, which includes the provincial police commander, is currently in a closed door meet deliberating on the incident and on further law and order measures to take.PNG Hausbung will provide more details to this story as more information is gathered.

From sending money to family and friends to managing everyday expenses, TISA Bank is making digital banking more accessible and convenient for Papua New Guineans through YumiPei, its innovative digital wallet platform.Designed around the everyday needs of customers, YumiPei provides a simple, secure, and convenient way for users to access financial services directly from their mobile devices, reducing reliance on cash and making banking available anytime, anywhere.As digital payments continue to gain momentum across Papua New Guinea, YumiPei is helping customers carry out everyday transactions with ease. Whether it is transferring funds, receiving money, making payments, or accessing banking services on the move, the platform is enabling users to manage their finances quickly and securely. YumiPei forms part of TISA Bank's broader strategy to drive financial inclusion by providing accessible banking solutions to communities across the country. By leveraging digital technology, the Bank is helping bridge the gap between traditional banking services and customers who require greater convenience and flexibility in managing their finances.TISA Bank Chief Executive Officer, Luke Kaul, said YumiPei was developed with the everyday banking needs of Papua New Guineans in mind."YumiPei was built around the way Papua New Guineans live, work and transact every day. Whether someone is sending money to a family member, managing their daily expenses, making payments, or accessing funds while on the move, YumiPei provides a simple, secure and convenient way to do it," said Mr. Kaul."Our goal is to make banking a seamless part of everyday life by providing digital solutions that are easy to use, accessible and relevant to the needs of our customers."Supporting YumiPei is TISA Bank's growing suite of digital banking solutions, including Online Account Opening, WhatsApp Banking, Internet Banking, USSD Banking, and Voice Banking. Together, these services provide customers with multiple channels to access banking services whenever and wherever they need them.One of the Bank's most significant innovations is its Online Account Opening capability, allowing customers to open an account remotely without visiting a branch. This complements the Bank's digital ecosystem and supports greater access to financial services for people living in rural and underserved communities.Mr. Kaul said digital innovation remains central to TISA Bank's commitment to delivering accessible and inclusive banking services."Our focus is not simply on introducing new technology. It is about delivering practical solutions that improve the daily lives of our customers and bring more people into the formal financial system."As Papua New Guinea's digital economy continues to evolve, TISA Bank remains committed to investing in innovative banking solutions that empower individuals, families, and businesses while contributing to the nation's financial inclusion agenda.Through YumiPei and its expanding range of digital banking services, TISA Bank is helping shape the future of banking by making financial services simpler, more accessible, and more relevant to everyday life.

Air Niugini is urging passengers to exercise heightened caution when using, charging, and traveling with lithium battery-powered electronics, including smartphones, laptops, tablets, and power banks.The notice comes after a minor electrical fire and smoke incident occurred on Saturday, October 24, at the Domestic Kumul Club Lounge at Jacksons International Airport in Port Moresby.The event was triggered by a power bank drawing excessive current while charging. Staff and lounge members contained the small fire quickly, ensuring no injuries or major damage occurred.Lithium batteries represent one of the most common hidden dangerous goods carried aboard flights, posing severe fire risks if damaged, swollen, exposed to extreme heat, or connected to incompatible and uncertified charging equipment.To prevent future hazards, the airline advises travelers to rely exclusively on manufacturer-approved chargers, refrain from using compromised devices, and never leave charging electronics unattended.Passengers are also urged to answer all dangerous goods screening questions accurately during check-in to assist airline staff in mitigating potential risks prior to boarding.Chief Executive Officer Alan Milne reaffirmed that passenger safety remains the airline’s primary focus across all ground and flight operations.“Lithium battery-powered devices have become an essential part of daily life, but they must be used and handled responsibly.”“We encourage our customers to take simple precautions when charging and travelling with these devices, as awareness and vigilance are key to preventing incidents and ensuring the safety of everyone.”Mr. Milne added that Air Niugini actively promotes dangerous goods awareness across the aviation sector to maintain compliance with international safety protocols.“The safe usage and transport of dangerous goods requires strict compliance with international aviation regulations.”“Through our training programmes and customer awareness initiatives, we continue to help reduce risks and strengthen safety across our operations and the wider aviation industry.”In addition to passenger guidelines, Air Niugini offers accredited dangerous goods training for its staff as well as external organizations handling regulated shipments.Qualified instructors deliver customized, on-site training sessions for large corporate groups.Organizations seeking further details or booking information can reach Air Niugini by phone at (675) 327 1481 / 73725101 or via email at mtugano@airniugini.com.pg.

Prime Minister James Marape has hailed the new solar street lighting set up at the Hope Institute in his electorate in the Hela province.The prime minister expressed his satisfaction when presiding over the official handover ceremony recently of the China-Aided Solar Street Light and Solar Storage Integrated Project at the Hope Institute in the Tari-Pori District of Hela Province, hailing the initiative as a transformative milestone for local education, sustainable development, and green energy innovation.Speaking to a delegation of local leaders, provincial officials, residents, and Chinese government representatives - led by the Chinese Ambassador, Yang Xiaoguang, Prime Minister Marape expressed deep gratitude to the Government and people of the People’s Republic of China for the project, valued between K15 million and K20 million.The solar initiative features a 1-megawatt power system (with 0.5 megawatts dedicated to the Hope Institute and nearby community infrastructure) designed to provide stable, clean energy to local classrooms, residential areas, and emerging vocational training centers.Prime Minister Marape emphasized that the solar and storage initiative represents true South-South cooperation between two developing nations without onerous conditions.The project originated from a 2023 bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on environmental cooperation signed in Beijing and witnessed by PM Marape and Chinese President Xi Jinping.Commending China as a global leader in renewable energy transitions, Prime Minister Marape noted that bringing solar power to Hela Province directly aligns with climate change mitigation efforts.Prime Minister Marape highlighted that the green project helps offset carbon footprints associated with resource extraction in the region, including the PNG LNG project.Speaking on the history of the Hope Institute, which was established in a swampy area in 2013 to offer second-chance education, Prime Minister Marape revealed that the institute has successfully graduated more than 1,529 Grade 12 students to date.He emphasized that reliable electricity is critical to supporting students."Without education, this power is useless. Power must go into the homes of children who are in school so that our future leaders are prepared."The imported solar energy will directly supply power to upcoming technical and vocational programs at the Hope Institute, including textile manufacturing, automotive repair, animal husbandry, poultry, and carpentry, aimed at equipping local youths with practical life and business skills.In a personal reflection, Prime Minister Marape noted the symbolic alignment of the project with his local heritage, referring to his ancestral roots as belonging to the "Tribe of the Sun."To further strengthen ties and improve local employment prospects with Chinese enterprises operating across Papua New Guinea, Prime Minister Marape announced ongoing efforts to station a Chinese language instructor at the institute.Prime Minister Marape confirmed he will personally convey Papua New Guinea’s appreciation to President Xi Jinping during their upcoming bilateral interactions at the APEC Summit next month in Shenzhen. Prime Minister Marape called on local leaders, councilors, and community members across Hela Province to take strong ownership of the facility and protect the critical infrastructure for future generations."From nothing, we can make it happen. Hope Institute will continue to incubate the next generation of Hela businessmen, businesswomen, tradesmen, and leaders who will meaningfully contribute to the growth of Papua New Guinea."

Prime Minister James Marape has issued a blunt directive to the country’s economic leadership, ordering state agencies to pivot from merely spending public money to actively driving revenue generation through a robust non-resource sector.Speaking at Melanesian House during the official rollout of the newly established Growth and Economic Reform National Coordinating Committee (GER-NCC), Prime Minister Marape warned senior bureaucrats that structural economic reforms must be accelerated to outpace Papua New Guinea's rapid demographic growth.The Prime Minister established strict economic milestones for the country's financial leadership, emphasizing that non-resource growth must anchor the national trajectory:• By 2030: Elevate the current K140 billion economy to K200 billion, supported by a K50 billion national budget.• By 2040: Achieve a K300 billion economy.• By 2050: Achieve a K500 billion economy."Everything else you hear today, if you forget, go away with these two numbers – K200 billion economy, K50 billion budget... minimum starting point," Prime Minister Marape stated.While major resource extraction ventures dominate headlines, Treasury Department data confirms that long-term national wealth lies in the everyday non-resource economy, including agriculture, retail, manufacturing, and transport.Treasury models reveal that lifting the nation's real non-resource growth rate by just 0.1 percent annually will inject K709 billion into the GDP by 2050. By comparison, the combined lifetime economic contribution of all seven planned mega-resource projects—including Papua LNG, Wafi-Golpu, and Pasca—is projected at K189 billion by the same year.The Prime Minister emphasized that these targets are an urgent economic necessity, underscored by 2024 national census data showing that 59 percent of Papua New Guinea's population is under the age of 25."If these statistics don't ring an alarm bell in your head, you're running around as a leper in our country – numb and not feeling anything," the Prime Minister warned. "A child at 25 today will be a father of three or four just 10 years from today. He must be employed to look after his children. Time flies, and we cannot waste time."Departments have been ordered to immediately fast-track land mobilization, upgrade infrastructure, and harmonize cross-agency policies to foster job creation for the incoming generation.To cut through bureaucratic red tape without creating an entirely new government department, the GER-NCC will function as a streamlined, centralized coordination mechanism:• Leadership: Chaired by Treasurer Hon. Ian Ling-Stuckey and modeled after the deadline-driven framework of the State's Financial Action Task Force.• Funding: Supported by a K10 million annual budget to fund a dedicated Secretariat housed within the Department of Treasury.• Composition: Comprises the chief executives of 22 State bodies, including the Bank of Papua New Guinea (BPNG), the Internal Revenue Commission (IRC), and the departments of Finance, Agriculture, and National Planning.• Private Sector Inclusion: The Business Council of PNG and the PNG Chamber of Commerce and Industry will participate as formal observers.The committee will operate under rigid operational timelines to prevent stagnation. Full committee sessions will take place monthly, supplemented by weekly technical working group meetings.Agency performance will be tracked via a single, transparent "Reform Matrix." Non-performance will be escalated directly up the chain of command, with mandatory progress updates delivered to the National Executive Council (NEC) every quarter.

The Trustee Board of Nambawan Super Limited (NSL) congratulates the PNG Chiefs on the recent launch of their official logo and jersey. In line with our unwavering commitment to transparency, the Board welcomes the opportunity to clarify the nature, governance, and specific commercial objectives behind our partnership with the franchise.NSL is now the Official Superannuation Partner for the PNG Chiefs. This commercial partnership is not an extra financial burden; it is a deliberate, measured allocation of our existing operational expenditure designed to deliver concrete commercial outcomes:• Driving Down Costs: Expanding our membership base increases the total pool of investments, driving down operational costs per individual Member and per Kina invested.• Expanding Membership: The partnership targets aggressive growth across private sector employers, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and self-employed Papua New Guineans.• Boosting Financial Literacy: Leveraging the high profile of PNG Chiefs players will drive national campaigns on financial literacy, fostering a stronger savings culture among young citizens.Public servants and the State remain the absolute foundation of Nambawan Super. The Board deeply values its long-standing partnership with the Government, including ongoing joint efforts regarding the State’s outstanding superannuation obligations.However, as a prudent Trustee, the Board must ensure the Fund’s long-term stability does not rely on any single employer group. Broadening our contribution base via the private and informal sectors strengthens resilience for all existing Members while supporting the national goal of extending retirement savings to more citizens.Recent public commentary has viewed this sponsorship in isolation. The Board reassures Members that this initiative is funded entirely within the existing, approved operating budget through a strategic reallocation of resources. No additional fees or costs have been introduced. The Board remains fiercely focused on driving internal cost efficiencies across all facets of the Fund.As a leading financial institution in Papua New Guinea, NSL takes governance and the protection of retirement savings with the utmost seriousness:• Independent Board Decision: This commercial partnership was approved via standard internal governance processes, based strictly on the best interests of our members.• Regulatory Alignment: The decision remains in strict compliance with the law and our obligations to the Bank of Papua New Guinea (BPNG) as the regulator.• Performance Accountability: The Board will rigorously review the partnership’s results against agreed membership growth and engagement metrics, reporting all outcomes directly to our members.Operating transparently and in the absolute best financial interest of our hard-working Members remains at the heart of everything we do.

Prime Minister Hon. James Marape on Wednesday, 21 October 2026, witnessed a major step forward for the long-awaited Frieda River copper-gold and infrastructure initiative as his government executed a new cooperation agreement with China’s state-owned enterprise, Guangdong Rising Holdings (GDRH).The agreement, titled the Joint Understanding on Further Advancing Cooperation Relating to the Sepik Integrated Development Project, was signed during a formal ceremony at the Sheraton Hotel by Minister for Mining Hon. Solen Loifa and GDRH Chairman LV Yongzhong. The partnership establishes an official framework for both entities to optimize the project's feasibility studies and prepare for formal state negotiations.Guangdong Rising Holdings, a major provincial state-owned enterprise from Guangdong, China, holds a full controlling stake in the Frieda River Project through its subsidiary, PanAust Limited.Located in the Telefomin District, the project stands as one of the most significant resource developments planned for Papua New Guinea, strategically combining a massive copper-gold mine with a large-scale hydroelectric power facility. GDRH and PanAust have spent years managing the exploratory phases and building vital community relations. Both parties are now refining the project's scope to integrate seamlessly with newly launched regional road networks.Prime Minister Marape warmly welcomed the Chinese delegation to Port Moresby, noting that the agreement marks tangible progress just ahead of his upcoming travel to Shenzhen, China, for the APEC Leaders Summit.“We welcome you, have faith in you, and we want to move this project forward," Prime Minister Marape said. "The people of Papua New Guinea must see Frieda as a flagship of the China-PNG partnership and mutual respect.”Speaking at the ceremony, GDRH Chairman LV Yongzhong reaffirmed the group's long-term commitment to Papua New Guinea."We have always regarded the Frieda River Project as a flagship overseas project, a project that benefits local communities, and a project of friendship," Chairman LV said. "It is both a key platform for cooperation between China and Papua New Guinea in the mineral resources sector and an important opportunity for us to demonstrate the responsibility of a Chinese enterprise while contributing to Papua New Guinea’s high-quality development."Chairman LV noted that local infrastructure improvements, such as active road construction between Vanimo Port and the project zone, have significantly bolstered investor confidence. He expressed optimism that technical working teams from both sides would establish an open dialogue mechanism to update the project's feasibility framework."Guangdong Rising Holdings will draw fully on its specialist capabilities and extensive experience in mine development and operations, mobilize its best resources, deploy leading teams, and apply advanced technologies to develop the Frieda River copper-gold mine into a safe, environmentally responsible, and efficient modern mining operation," Chairman LV added. "Compliance, integrity in fulfilling our commitments, and mutual benefit are fundamental to how we operate."Chinese Ambassador to PNG, H.E. Yang Xiaoguang, also addressed the gathering, reiterating the duty of Chinese corporate investors to adhere strictly to regulatory and environmental benchmarks."The Chinese government has always demanded that Chinese citizens and enterprises abroad abide by the laws and regulations of the hosting countries, and actually give back to the local community," Ambassador Yang said. "We hope the Frieda River project will follow PNG's laws and regulations, and implement them to the highest environmental standards. We hope it brings many benefits to PNG, including infrastructure, employment, and royalties."Prime Minister Marape reassured the visiting delegation that a dedicated State team, operating under the direct watch of Chief Secretary Ivan Pomaleu, will be on standby to ensure the project moves forward "earlier rather than later."A high-level Papua New Guinea delegation attended the signing, including:• Hon. Solen Loifa, Minister for Mining• Hon. Thomas Opa, Minister for Finance• Hon. John Kaupa, Minister for Environment, Conservation and Climate Change• Hon. Richard Maru, Minister for International Trade and Investment• Hon. Joe Sungi, Minister for Public Service• Hon. Tony Wowow, West Sepik Governor• Hon. Douglas Tomuriesa, Member for Kiriwina-Goodenough• Ambassador Ivan Pomaleu, Chief Secretary to GovernmentThe Chinese delegation included Ambassador Yang alongside senior officials from the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC), led by Deputy Director He Yu.

The Bougainville Arts, Culture and Tourism Authority (BACTA) has signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Papua New Guinea’s National Museum and Art Gallery (NMAG) to fortify cultural heritage protection, build local technical capacity, and pave the way for major international World War II recovery operations.Speaking at the official signing ceremony in Buka, Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) Minister for Commerce, Trade and Economic Services, Hon. Robin Wilson, said the MoU strategically addresses longstanding legislative gaps that had previously constrained BACTA’s operations.Minister Wilson explained that while BACTA had successfully drawn down powers from the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority and the National Cultural Commission, its initial framework lacked the jurisdiction of three crucial national laws: the National Museum and Art Gallery Act, the War Materials Act, and the National Cultural Property Preservation Act. This new agreement bridges that legislative divide.Minister Wilson emphasized that Bougainville’s turbulent history and deep-rooted cultural heritage are paramount to its economic and tourism development. He highlighted key world-class historical assets, including Admiral Yamamoto’s World War II crash site in Buin, the Little Tokyo military outpost, and historic wartime trails.“Tourism is central to economic development, but it cannot thrive without an authentic product,” Minister Wilson stated. “In Bougainville, our primary product is our history, our culture, and our heritage. This MoU will strengthen local expertise, robustly protect our cultural assets, and unlock sustainable economic opportunities.”BACTA Interim Chief Executive Officer and Director, Mrs. Lorena Nanei, stressed that the partnership's success hinges on a strict three-year implementation plan outlining priority activities, specific budgets, and clear performance indicators.“The success of this MoU will not be measured by the signing ceremony alone, but by the practical results we deliver together,” Mrs. Nanei said.Mrs. Nanei identified the restoration of Bougainville’s independent museum infrastructure as a vital long-term priority. "In earlier years, Bougainville had its own museum, which provided an important place for preserving and showcasing aspects of our cultural identity and history. I believe this partnership with NMAG provides an important pathway towards realizing that vision once again," she said.NMAG Director, Mr. Alois Kuaso, affirmed that the national institution is actively strengthening engagement with provincial and autonomous authorities to align heritage policies and provide direct technical support to ensure future generations understand their roots.Highlighting the institutional significance, NMAG Deputy Director, Dr. Gregory Bablis, noted clear parallels between Papua New Guinea’s state-building transitions in the years leading up to its 1975 independence and Bougainville’s current political transition.Crucially, Dr. Bablis revealed that the MoU establishes the required administrative pathway to safely resume international World War II recovery operations within Bougainville. This will allow specialized global partners—such as Japan’s Joint Accident Response and Recovery Working Committee (JARRWC), the United States Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA), and South Korean delegations—to legally resume their missions.The formal partnership will immediately facilitate technical exchanges, specialized staff attachments, and comprehensive capacity-building programs. These initiatives are designed to rapidly elevate BACTA’s structural ability to manage Bougainville’s cultural assets while remaining strictly respectful of customary ownership and local community protocols.The MoU was formally executed by Mrs. Nanei and Mr. Kuaso, with their respective deputies signing as witnesses. The landmark ceremony was witnessed by Minister Wilson, ABG heads of departments, corporate stakeholders, and officers from the Department of Commerce, Trade and Economic Services.

Runway upgrade works at Kieta (Aropa) Airport are progressing steadily, with 78 percent of the project now completed, the National Airports Corporation (NAC) announced today.Of the airport’s 1,525-meter runway, a total of 1,170 meters has been successfully completed, with the remaining 355 meters currently under active construction. The critical runway upgrade is on track to be finalized by the end of October 2026. Commercial airport operations are anticipated to resume in November, subject to favorable weather conditions.The airport remains temporarily closed under a published Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) to ensure construction activities proceed safely and efficiently. The NAC advises all airline operators, passengers, and industry stakeholders to comply with published NOTAMs and directly verify future flight availability with their respective airlines prior to travel.Simultaneously, construction of the airport's brand-new terminal building has advanced well, reaching 70 percent completion as of September 2026.The K58.2 million infrastructure modernization project is co-funded by the Government of Papua New Guinea and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) under the Civil Aviation Development Investment Project Phase II (CADIP II). The NAC is implementing these comprehensive upgrades to modernize the region’s aviation infrastructure, boost capacity, and uphold long-term international aviation safety and security standards.The NAC acknowledges the significant economic and logistical impact that these temporary travel restrictions have had on airline operators, passengers, and local businesses, and sincerely apologizes for the ongoing inconvenience.The corporation extends its gratitude to the people of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville and the wider Independent State of Papua New Guinea for their continued patience, cooperation, and support as these vital infrastructure works near completion.

Tonga recorded its second win at the Rugby League World Cup on Friday night, beating Lebanon 36-0 in Sydney.With over 10,000 fans in the 'Sea of Red', the side kept their hopes of securing a semi-final spot alive with the win.That came on the back of their first-round victory over England in the first round.Three first half tries gave them a 14-0 lead at half-time, before they added to that in the second half. They ended the game with seven tries to their name.But it was not their way all the time, with Lebanon showing strong resistance in the game, denying the Tongans early in the first half with some good defensive work.The Cedars were also unlucky not to have scored any point in the first 40, with some close saves by Tonga off their line.Co-captains Jason Taumalolo and Addin Fonua-Blake led the forward drives for Tonga, supported well by Salesi Foketi, Stefano Utoikamanu, Haumole Olakau'atu and Kulikefu Finefeuiaki.Their backline of Lehi Hopoate, Sione Katoa, Tolutau Koula, Paul Alamoti, Jojo Fifita, Tuimoala Lolohea and Latu Fainu ran the ball at every opportunity they had.Lebanon's attacks were led by winger Jason Saab, Khaled Rajab and Alex Conti at the back, while the forwards of Jaxson Rahme, Moustafa Dirani, James Roumanos, Tony Sukkar, Mikael Ibrahim and captain Alex Twal tried their best to gain territory with their runs.Tonga's defence, which stood out against England last weekend, proved to the difference again against Lebanon in the end.That told in the fact that they managed to stop Lebanon from crossing for tries.Reaction by captainsTongan co-captain Taumalolo said the win and the overall performance was great, especially with their fans backing them."To both Lebanese and Tongan fans tonight, despite the results, it's great to see two countries who love where they come from and what they have about come out here and celebrate tonight in rugby league," Taumalolo said."Obviously a lot to like about the performance."We still had our defence, obviously carrying on from last week. It's good to see the guys putting that on the line."Obviously a bit slow out there at the start but finally picked up towards the back end."Thank you to our Tongan fans who turned up in numbers tonight."He said the players love playing in front of the red flags and said they will rest and move their focus to Samoa, who they play next week.Lebanon captain Alex Twal said he was proud of his players, adding that the Tongan team was an all-star team who deserved the win."Couldn't be prouder of the boys," he said post-match."Our boys are all hard workers, boys who just wanna play for the jersey."I don't think the scoreline reflects how the game really went. I couldn't be prouder to be Lebanese tonight, and I couldn't be prouder of my Cedar brothers."Twal said he will back Tonga all the way now."Individually they are probably some of the best players in their clubs you know," he said."We came here with a lot of respect and the way you show respect to them is you play hard and play tough."I will be supporting Tonga all the way, they are a proud nation, and I think we see here today how the people get behind them, it's an amazing spectacle."How the game wentTonga started scoring with winger Katoa in the 13th minute, finishing off in the corner after he received a cut out pass from fullback Hopoate.Alamoti finished off another Tongan attack eight minutes later, with the ball travelling from left to right, before Lolohea drew the defence to him and letting the ball go wide. Alamoti jogged to the line with the ball in hand to claim Tonga's second try for the half.Koula then sprinted the full length of the field after he got the ball from Lebanese winger Saab, who had knocked it back after he climbed high on the Tongan line to collect Conti's high kick.Alamoti's conversion saw Tonga lead 14-0 at halftime. The second half started with Jojo Fifita claiming Tonga's fourth try in the 43rd minute.But Lebanon managed to get themselves back into the game and defended Tonga's attacks successfully, holding the island kingdom warriors at bay until the 70th minute when Lolohea's flat pass found replacement Leka Halasima, who beat the defensive line to touch down.Tonga led 24-0 heading into the last 10minutes with Lolohea's goal kick.In the 74th minute Hopoate claimed a high ball on the Tonga 10 metre and sliced his way through the Lebanese line, before he was taken in Conti's tackle. The ball went right and an overlap saw Fifita finishing off with his second try, which Lolohea converted for a 28-0 lead.Katoa got his name on the scoresheet for the second time with a minute to go, running on to a Lolohea grubber for the corner, catching the ball on the bounce and running in unchallenged for Tonga seventh try.Lolohea had the last say with his conversion, to take the 36-0 lead.Tonga made nine line-breaks against Lebanon's one in the game, while possession was almost equally shared.Tonga controlled the open play with 10 dummy passes, but they made 16 errors against Lebanon's eight.Source: RNZ 

The head of the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) has doubled down on its defiant stand over the name of the PNG Chiefs franchise.Commissioner Peter Beattie said they will not compromise in the face of attempts by New Zealand Rugby to prevent use of the name of the NR's incoming PNG Chiefs franchise.NZ Rugby has taken court action in New Zealand as it claims its trademarked brand for the Chiefs Super Rugby franchise is under threat from the new NRL team.While the High Court last week declined NZ Rugby's bid for an interim injunction on use of the PNG Chiefs name, the dispute is expected to go to a full hearing in February or March next year.Beattie made his comments as the PNG Chiefs this week officially launched their logo and jersey in Port Moresby.PNG news outlet The National reports Beattie saying the ARLC stands firm that the NRL will continue to use the name.He said the name of the franchise was decided by PNG in a competition that sought public input, and that it will remain the name.LEGAL WRESTLEJustice Karen Grau, the judge who declined NZ Rugby's bid for an interim injunction on the ARLC's use of the name, said her court could not prevent this week's launch because it was in a different jurisdiction.She said it would be "next to impossible" to rebrand the team at this stage, noting the critical juncture that the PNG Chiefs are at as they try and recruit players to build a good squad for their inaugural NRL season in 2028.Justice Grau also noted that it was clear the ALRC was "never going to back down and change the name of its new team in response to the NZRU's concerns".NZ Rugby indicated to the court that it was "taking active steps to monitor and, if necessary, oppose ARLC's application to register and use the PNG Chiefs mark in Australia".The CEO of the rugby Chiefs, Simon Graafhuis RNZ Pacific last week that since NZ Rugby holds the trademark for the Chiefs brand in Australia, legal action in Australia remained a possibility.Meanwhile, the judge also said that in order to avoid brand confusion, the ARLC and PNG Chiefs had undertaken to make efforts to ensure the team's full name is used.She also said they were willing to geo-block some of the PNG Chiefs digital media output as a good faith gesture to mitigate risks around use of the Chiefs moniker in the New Zealand market.Source:RNZ 

More than 1,000 pregnant women and children under five have registered for the Child Nutrition and Social Protection (CNSP) Project in Madang District, significantly expanding access to direct financial support for families in remote communities.The intensive two-week registration exercise, led by Component Management Unit 2 (CMU2) under the Department for Community Development and Religion (DFCDR), is expected to conclude this weekend. Future registrations will continue through the project’s ongoing Support and Coordination arrangements.To facilitate the direct cash grants, newly registered beneficiaries have opened personal Mi Bank accounts. The financial assistance is designed to empower families to directly meet the critical nutritional and healthcare needs of pregnant women, unborn babies, and young children during their most vulnerable developmental stages.Local leaders have highly welcomed the initiative, noting that geographical isolation presents a severe challenge to rural families.Ward 21 Councilor for the Ambenob Local Level Government (LLG), Libok Sawan, described the project as a breakthrough opportunity for mothers in his district to receive financial assistance directly into their accounts. He noted that families in remote areas face significant barriers to basic healthcare, including deteriorated roads and a lack of nearby health facilities.“These challenges make it incredibly difficult for pregnant women to attend antenatal appointments, give birth safely, or take sick children to clinics,” Mr. Sawan said. “On behalf of my people, I want to thank this project and request our government to continue funding it into the future.”Bou Village Court Magistrate Kem Yal echoed these sentiments, stating that geographical isolation and limited health service access continue to heavily impact mothers and children in remote villages, particularly during childbirth and medical emergencies. “The rollout of this CNSP Project will greatly help mothers, children, and the family as a whole,” Magistrate Yal said.For local mothers, the project represents a vital lifeline. Lina Manes, a mother of three with a three-month-old baby, expressed her gratitude that the project had finally reached her community after hearing about its success from mothers in other districts. She noted that the assistance would directly help her provide for her children and secure their long-term wellbeing.Existing beneficiary Elma Banabas, who registered for the programme in June 2023 when her son was just two months old, shared how the cash grants have sustained her family. Ms. Banabas used the funds to purchase nutritious food and secure clinic care when her son fell ill—support that became crucial after she separated from her husband.“The funds I receive through my Mi Bank account help me and my baby sustain our living,” Ms. Banabas said.Efu Village Ward 21 Recorder Johnathan Morris joined the call for continuity, urging the government to extend the programme due to its unmatched value as a direct financial buffer for mothers and young children.Beyond health outcomes, the CNSP Project is driving digital literacy and employment at the grassroots level. Speaking on behalf of 79 Community Development Workers (CDWs) in Madang District, Solomon Saw said the project has provided both sustainable income and practical technical training.Mr. Saw, who began implementing the programme across Wards 1 and 6 in 2024, highlighted that workers have gained invaluable experience utilizing tablets and laptops, accessing online enrollment systems, and managing digital registrations.“These skills have created unprecedented opportunities for local workers—including individuals who may not have completed formal education—to earn an income, gain digital literacy, and support their households,” Mr. Saw stated.The Child Nutrition and Social Protection (CNSP) Project aims to help families access nutritious food and healthcare, contributing to improved nutrition and overall wellbeing for mothers and young children across Papua New Guinea.Registration operations are actively continuing across Simbu, East New Britain, Madang, and Western provinces, supported by contracted implementing partners World Vision and Save the Children.