PNG Haus Bung

The Papua New Guinea (PNG) Lewas held their nerve in a thrilling finish to defeat Thailand by five wickets in their T20 International at Amini Park in Port Moresby city today.Thailand won the toss and elected to bat first, posting 109 runs for five wickets from their allotted 20 overs.The Lewas produced an outstanding bowling and fielding performance to restrict Thailand to a modest total and give themselves a strong chance of chasing down the target.PNG made an explosive start to their run chase with the opener by Konio Oala, smashing a six from only the second ball she faced.Oala continued her aggressive approach, scoring a quick-fire 26 runs from 18 balls, including three sixes and a boundary.However, following the dismissals of Oala and fellow opener Hollan Doriga, the PNG innings began to lose momentum.Thailand introduced its spin attack, which proved highly effective in containing the Lewas batters and slowing the scoring rate. PNG struggled to find the boundaries as the required run rate increased.With the match going down to the final stages, Pauke Siaka stepped up to steady the innings and keep PNG's hopes of victory alive.The game came down to the final ball, with the Lewas requiring two runs to win.Siaka kept her composure and delivered when it mattered most, scoring the two runs needed to seal a dramatic victory for PNG.She finished unbeaten on 25 runs from just 15 balls, guiding the Lewas across the line in a tense finish.Match Result:PNG Lewas — 5/110 (20 overs)Thailand — 5/109 (20 overs)PNG Lewas won by 5 wickets.The victory highlighted the Lewas' determination and composure under pressure, particularly in the closing stages of a match that went down to the final delivery.

Residents of Wam Village and surrounding communities in rural Drekikier now have improved access to essential healthcare following the official opening of a new Level Two Health Centre on Thursday, August 6, 2026.The facility, established by Nazarene Health Ministries (NHM), will provide a range of essential health services, including the diagnosis and treatment of common illnesses such as tuberculosis (TB), HIV/AIDS and dental conditions.It will also provide nutrition services, antenatal care for expectant mothers, supervised deliveries and other essential maternal health services.The new health centre was officially launched in the presence of NHM Chief Executive Officer Joseph Sika and his executive team, as well as East Sepik Provincial Health Authority (ESPHA) Deputy Director for District Affairs – Public Health, Raymond Pohonai, Deputy Director for Programmes – Public Health, Margareth Morisause, and health officials from ESPHA headquarters in Wewak.The facility was developed by NHM, a church-run non-government organisation and an implementing partner of ESPHA.It replaces a government-run aid post that was originally established in the 1980s. After years of deterioration, NHM revived the facility in 2014, with ESPHA later providing staff and administrative support through its partnership arrangements.The newly constructed health centre was launched together with a support vehicle and a church under NHM’s theme, “We treat, Jesus heals.”Speaking at the launch, Mr Pohonai congratulated NHM and acknowledged the important role played by church-run health organisations in extending healthcare services to remote communities across East Sepik Province.“ESPHA currently has 34 partners, and we are thankful to have church-run facilities operating in remote areas where ESPHA’s presence is limited. Hence, we are keen to support these facilities in our capacity as the lead health organisation for the province,” he said.Mr Pohonai said East Sepik’s large geographical area and widely dispersed rural communities made partnerships essential to ensuring people in remote locations could access healthcare.“East Sepik has a vast landmass, with our rural communities scattered across challenging geographical locations. Hence, ESPHA alone cannot fully cater for the health and medical needs of our people,” he said.“It is through partnerships with implementing partners such as NHM that we are able to reach more people in the remote parts of the province.”Ambunti-Drekikier District Health Manager Eddie Yehrewanie also reaffirmed ESPHA’s commitment to supporting the new facility.He said the district had health workers available to strengthen partner-run facilities, provided suitable accommodation could be made available.“Accommodation remains one of our main challenges when allocating staff. If NHM can provide accommodation, we will be glad to deploy one or two more staff to strengthen health service delivery in Wam and the surrounding communities,” Mr Yehrewanie said.For the Wam community, the opening of the facility marks an important improvement in access to maternal and general healthcare.Community members expressed relief and appreciation for the new health centre, particularly the antenatal clinic, labour ward and support vehicle.Residents said several mothers had died during childbirth in the past because of the lack of supervised delivery services and reliable transportation. They said the new facility would help save lives by providing timely maternal care and enabling referrals to district and provincial hospitals when required.The facility was officially launched by Micah Iale, the longest-serving Community Health Worker in Wam Village. Mr Iale has supported healthcare delivery in the community since the 1980s and has played a significant role in shaping NHM’s health interventions in Wam.NHM also announced that a solar-powered oxygen concentrator would soon be installed at the facility to provide oxygen support for patients and assist during medical emergencies.Mr Pohonai said there was potential for the facility to expand its services in the future if it was effectively utilised and maintained proper reporting systems to ESPHA and the Papua New Guinea National Department of Health.The opening of the Wam Level Two Health Centre is being hailed as an example of the importance of collaboration between the Nazarene Church and its Health Ministry, ESPHA, the Wam community and Nazarene Church communities across the Maprik and Ambunti-Drekikier districts.The partnership contributes to the objectives of Key Result Areas 1, 2 and 3 of Papua New Guinea’s National Health Plan 2021–2030, particularly in strengthening access to essential health services for rural and remote communities.

The PNG Chiefs have made a major statement ahead of their entry into NRL, securing Samoan international and premiership-winning winger Brian To’o as one of the key players for the club’s inaugural 2028 season.To’o will become Chiefs Player No. 006, joining the Papua New Guinean club on a three-year deal following the completion of his current contract with the Penrith Panthers.The signing gives the new franchise an established international star with a proven record at the highest level of rugby league.To’o has made 151 NRL appearances and scored 99 tries, while also winning four NRL premierships. His representative career includes 17 appearances for New South Wales in State of Origin and 11 Tests for Samoa.His experience is expected to be particularly valuable as the Chiefs assemble their first squad and prepare for the challenges of entering the NRL competition in 2028.While his performances on the field were a major factor behind the signing, the Chiefs have also placed significant importance on To’o's cultural connection to the Pacific.A proud Samoan, the powerful winger has built a reputation not only for his performances but also for his strong connection to family and community.PNG Chiefs Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Lorna McPherson said bringing To’o into the club was about more than simply recruiting an experienced NRL player.“Brian is an exceptional rugby league player, but this signing is much more than football,” McPherson said.She said To’o’s background and values closely reflected the identity the Chiefs want to establish as Papua New Guinea's newest NRL club.The club hopes its roster will reflect the diversity and culture of Papua New Guinea and the wider Pacific, while also providing young players in the region with role models at the highest level of the game.McPherson said To’o's decision to join the Chiefs would send an important message to supporters and aspiring young rugby league players across the country and the Pacific.The arrival of To’o is another significant piece of the Chiefs' plans as they build their inaugural playing squad.PNG Chiefs General Manager- Football Michael Chammas, said the club was looking for players who could help establish the standards and culture of the new organisation from the beginning.“Brian has performed at the highest level of rugby league for many years and knows exactly what is required to create and sustain a winning environment,” Chammas said.To’o’s experience of playing in successful NRL teams is expected to be particularly valuable as the Chiefs prepare for their first season.Chammas also highlighted the winger’s work ethic, competitiveness, and consistency, along with his ability to understand the importance of team culture.The Chiefs believe those qualities will help shape the environment around the club as it prepares to enter the competition.For the Chiefs, signing a player with To’o’s resume represents a significant step in preparations for their NRL debut.The club is still more than a year away from taking the field for its first premiership match, but the recruitment of established players is already beginning to give supporters an idea of the type of team Papua New Guinea intends to take into the competition.To’o brings premiership experience, representative football, and a strong Pacific connection- qualities that could make him an important figure both on and off the field.His arrival is also likely to generate considerable interest among rugby league supporters in Papua New Guinea and Samoa, where the sport has a strong cultural following.The Chiefs will enter the NRL in 2028, with To’o set to join the club at the conclusion of his current Panthers contract.For a franchise preparing to make history, landing a player of To’o’s experience and standing represents an early statement of intent.Brian To’o is now officially part of the Chiefs family- and the countdown to 2028 has taken another significant step forward.

LAE City FC has made a statement on the opening day of the 2026 OFC Men’s Champions League, defeating Cook Islands champions Tupapa Maraerenga 4-1 in a dominant Group B performance at Churchill Park in Lautoka, Fiji, today Sunday 09th August 2026.The Papua New Guinea champions controlled large periods of the match and showed composure beyond their years, with a combination of emerging talents and experienced campaigners proving too strong for the Cook Islands side.Solomon Kamake opened the scoring in the 17th minute, putting Lae City in front and immediately putting Tupapa under pressure.The match intensified as both sides battled for control, with penalties becoming a major talking point during the first half.Lae City doubled its advantage just before halftime when Nalau Moses' 43rd-minute corner was deflected into the Tupapa net by defender Shane Tuteru, giving the PNG side a 2-0 lead at the half time break.The experienced defensive combination of captain Langarap Samol, Philip Steven and veteran goalkeeper Ronald Warisan held firm, frustrating Tupapa's attempts to find a way back into the contest.Lae City returned from the break with renewed purpose and extended its lead in the 52nd minute, with Moses getting his name on the scoresheet.Tupapa refused to surrender and pulled one back in the 72nd minute through Tremaine Rimene-Albrett, who beat Warisan to reduce the deficit to 3-1. But Lae City remained composed. Substitute Ruel Api, introduced in the 71st minute, put the result beyond doubt when he struck in the 90th minute to complete a convincing 4-1 victory.The win gives Lae City an ideal start to its OFC campaign and provides early momentum for a youthful squad competing against some of the region's established clubs.Coach Valentine Nelson praised his young players for rising to the occasion alongside the team's senior campaigners.“Our young players really stepped up to the occasion and gave their best in the opening match of the round.”Nelson said the team had already identified areas requiring improvement and would continue to build as the tournament progresses.PNG Football Association president John Kapi-Natto, who watched the match from the stands, also praised Lae City's performance, particularly the contribution of its emerging players.“The young development players were outstanding throughout the game with guidance from the experienced senior players.”Kapi-Natto said the performance was further evidence that PNG's domestic Premier Soccer League clubs were developing a new generation of talented footballers.The victory puts Lae City in a strong position heading into its next Group B assignment.Lae City FC will face Vanuatu champions Galaxy FC on Wednesday, August 12th, at Givind Park 4R Stadium in Ba, Fiji.

An overwhelming majority of Papua New Guineans are demanding urgent government action to tackle sorcery accusation-related violence (SARV), according to a ground-breaking national survey conducted by the Melanesian Institute.Captured from 2, 000 respondents across every province, the findings highlight a stark public mandate: 95% of citizens feel the Government is failing to prevent SARV, while 96% believe it falls short in supporting survivors and prosecuting perpetrators.Speaking at the findings’ launch event in Goroka, Brother Martin Tnines, Executive Director of the Melanesian Institute, stressed the critical need for immediate intervention.He noted that SARV claims hundreds of lives annually across PNG and called on the Government to immediately publish, fund, and implement its revised SARV National Action Plan (SNAP).Although the revised framework exists to strengthen legal enforcement, prevention, and survivor care, it currently remains unpublished, unfunded, and unexecuted- leaving vulnerable communities without essential state support.Public consensus on actionable solutions is nearly unanimous.An astounding 99% of respondents believe the Government must fund the SNAP.Furthermore, over 90% want dedicated resources for community advocacy, specialized rapid-response police units in high-risk provinces, and guaranteed free medical care for survivors at health facilities.A notable 86% also support a complete ban on sharing social media videos and photos depicting SARV acts.The data underscores both the pervasive reach of SARV and a clear cultural shift against violence.While 90% of respondents report that SARV occurs within their communities and 68% acknowledge a personal belief in sorcery, 89% firmly reject violence as a response, condemning it as morally wrong.Supported by the PNG-Australia Partnership, the Melanesian Institute- which has led research and advocacy on SARV for over four years- vows to build on these findings alongside civil society and media partners until the violence ends.

The PNG Lewas squad has been selected already and are set to represent Papua New Guinea in the Thailand Women’s Tour of PNG 2026 which will go down here at Amini Park. The PNG Lewa girls will be led by Captain Brenda Tau and Vice-Captain Pauke Siaka. The PNG Lewas are ready to take on Thailand in a five-match international series on home soil.PNG LEWAS SQUADBrenda Tau – CaptainPauke Siaka – Vice CaptainKonio OalaHollan DorigaTanya RumaSibona JimmyNaoani VareHenao ThomasIsabel TouaHane Lohia TauGeua TomDika LohiaBuruka VickyKevau GabeStandby:Kevau Frank – Batting replacementErani Pokana – Batting replacementThe PNG Lewas will take on the Thailand Women's team in five different matches;10 August – T20I11 August – T20I13 August – 50 Overs15 August – 50 Overs17 August – 50 OversAll five games will go down here at Amini Park, Port Moresby. Bringing in the international cricket right here at Amini Park!Everyone is urged to come out and support the PNG Lewas as they represent our nation on home soil.

The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) on Friday 07th August 2026 took another major step in improving police welfare with the official opening of ten (10) unit modified H65 duplexes police barracks at Mirane in Kundiawa, Simbu Province.The housing project was officially opened and commissioned by the Assistant Commissioner of Police Highlands Eastern End Command, Mr. Clement Dalla, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Mr. David Manning, and the RPNGC Executive Management.The 10 duplexes will provide decent and secure accommodation for police officers and their families serving in the Simbu Provincial Police Command.Speaking at the ceremony, ACP Dalla said the project was part of the Government’s commitment through the Special Police Assistance Program (SPAP) to upgrade the police infrastructure nationwide."For too long our officers have been serving under difficult living conditions. This government, through SPAP, is now delivering proper housing, workstations, and support for our front-line police officers. This is an investment in the welfare and morale of our members,” ACP Dalla said.ACP acknowledged the Marape-Rosso Government for its vision and funding through SPAP and the RPNGC Executive Management under the leadership of Police Commissioner Mr. David Manning for prioritizing police welfare and infrastructure.ACP Dalla also thanked the Provincial Government, District Development Authority, Provincial Police Commander, and the local community for their support in making the project a reality.He urged officers who would occupy the houses to take ownership and take care of the properties."These houses belong to you because of your service to the nation. Look after them. This is your home while you serve the people of Papua New Guinea,” ACP said.ACP Dalla also acknowledged the contractor, Far East Handyman Limited, and all stakeholders involved in the successful delivery of the project on time and to the standard.ACP said the opening of those (ten) 10 duplexes marks another milestone in building a modern, disciplined, and community-focused police force that is well-supported to meet the law and order challenges today. 

The Papuan Compound (PC) Ravens have announced their return to the national rugby sevens stage in emphatic fashion, winning the 2026, 9th Papua Open Rugby Sevens without conceding a single point throughout the tournament.The Lae-based outfit completed a remarkable two-day campaign on Saturday with a commanding 20-0 victory over Highlanders Spartans in the grand final in Jayapura, Indonesia.It was a tournament of defensive dominance for the Ravens, who scored 186 points across their five matches while keeping every opponent scoreless. The victory completes a remarkable turnaround for the Ravens, who returned to the PNG rugby sevens scene in 2025 after a year away from competition.They immediately made their presence felt, reaching the 2025 Firelight Sevens Cup final and finishing runners-up. The Ravens then reached another Cup final at the 2026 SportsTok Sevens, where they finished runners-up to a Fijian side.With the Papua Open Cup now secured, the Ravens return to Vanimo before heading back to Lae, where preparations will begin to defend their Rosso Trans Highway Sevens title in September.

The Joint Consultation Report, Melanesian Framework and the Bougainville Referendum Results will be tabled in the National Parliament later this month.This consensus was reached recently when the Joint Supervisory Body (JSB) endorsed the Melanesian Framework and the Joint Consultation Report (JCR) during the meeting held at the Melanesian Haus in Port Moresby, co-chaired by Prime Minister James Marape and the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) President, His Excellency Ishmael Toroama. The Melanesian Framework and the Joint Consultation Report were jointly developed by the ABG and the National Government in accordance with the resolutions of the Melanesian Agreement signed by both governments on 26 June 2025. Together, the two documents provide an agreed pathway for progressing Bougainville's political future through a peaceful, stable and Melanesian-led process that is consistent with the Constitution of Papua New Guinea (PNG) while continuing an enduring relationship between PNG and an independent Bougainville. Addressing the Joint Supervisory Body, President Toroama described the Joint Consultation Report as the culmination of years of engagement between the two governments."The Joint Consultation Report is a record of facts and an account of everything we have consulted over since the 2019 Referendum, culminating in the defining Melanesian Agreement. They capture jointly-agreed resolutions of both our governments." In its resolutions, the JSB endorsed the Melanesian Framework as the agreed pathway jointly designed by the two governments to give effect to an affirmative decision by the National Parliament should it endorse the Bougainville Referendum Results. The meeting resolved that the Bougainville Referendum Results, together with the Joint Consultation Report and the Melanesian Framework, will be tabled in the National Parliament on 27 August 2026 for Parliament's consideration. The Prime Minister and the President will jointly determine the date on which Parliament will consider the question arising from the Referendum Results. The JSB also directed the Independent Facilitator and the Joint Technical Team, supported by the Joint Ministers, to conduct awareness for Members of the National Parliament on both the Joint Consultation Report and the Melanesian Framework before the matter is debated. President Toroama said the two documents now provide the agreed roadmap for the next phase of the peace process."Combined with the Melanesian Framework, this is the institutional pathway to Bougainville's self-government and ultimately, to full sovereignty. This pathway reflects Bougainville's Final Position on our timeline for self-government and for political independence," he said.  The Joint Consultation Report, Melanesian Framework and the Referendum Results will be tabled in the National Parliament by the National Minister for Bougainville Affairs.

A total of 11 staff from Motor Vehicles Insurance Limited (MVIL) graduated from a value-based leadership program on Friday 07th August 2026.Another corporate partnership between Motor Vehicles Insurance Limited (MVIL) and PNG Tribal Foundation, through the Senisim PNG Program, saw a small but significant event with members from the Customer Service and Human Resources Departments graduating and now certified as Transformation Table Facilitators.GT Bustin, President of PNG Tribal Foundation, said the country will only change when citizens take ownership of their actions and change their mindsets.“We have hope for this country to change soon, just like the value of hope you’ve learnt during your 11-weeks journey through the program.“We have so many natural resources like forests, minerals, gas and oil, tuna, mountains and rivers, but we have bad leadership,” Mr. Bustin said. "If we change our mindsets and change the way we do things with having good values, the country will change."Mr. Bustin encouraged the staff to form Transformation Tables in their respective communities, associations, churches, sporting groups, homes, and even at the workplace to continue spreading good values and the servant leadership program.He thanked MVIL for its commitment and efforts in working with the Senisim PNG team through the program.Motor Vehicles Insurance Limited Executive Manager for the Customer Service Department, Avi Hubert, congratulated the staff and encouraged them to put what they had learnt into practice and share the knowledge with others.“It’s not something that you acquire and it stays with you. You have to put it into practice and share it. Through life’s journey, you have to modify yourself and enhance the things you have learnt,” Mr. Hubert said.He wants to see more of his staff taking the lead in the program.The Senisim PNG Program is a value-based program under PNG Tribal Foundation, in partnership with Maxwell Leadership Foundation. It started in 2022 and has reached over 10,000 people across PNG.It is a free program, and any interested groups or individuals can be part of the National Transformation Program.

Professor Nicole Haley has been officially welcomed into the Papua New Guinea public sector by the Chief Secretary to Government, Ivan Pomaleu after her appointment as the new Electoral Commissioner.Professor Harley officially assumed her role on Thursday August 6, 2026, following a formal ceremony at Government House in Port Moresby city. The proceedings included the signing of her Contract of Employment and her swearing-in by the Governor General of Papua New Guinea, Grand Chief Sir Bob Dadae.Following the ceremony at Government House, Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika administered the Declaration of Oath of Office and Secrecy at the Waigani Court Complex.This declaration marks the final legal requirement for Professor Harley to take office, ensuring full compliance with the Employment of Non-Citizens Act.Pomaleu expressed his absolute confidence in Professor Haley’s leadership and expertise. He emphasized that her primary mandate will be the strategic planning and successful execution of the 2027 National General Elections.“I am looking forward to Professor Haley taking the Office and providing leadership to the Electoral Commission,” Mr. Pomaleu stated.“She will take charge in running the 2027 National General Elections, while also addressing residual activities such as conducting failed elections in various Local-level Governments across the country.”The Chief Secretary further highlighted that the Commissioner’s responsibilities extend beyond election cycles to include critical administrative and structural reforms. “There is a wider role for the Electoral Commissioner which includes correcting any misalignment during the redistricting of electorates as a result of the last electoral boundaries report,” Mr. Pomaleu added.To ensure the success of these initiatives, Mr. Pomaleu assured Professor Harley of the National Government's full support through the Inter-Department Election Committee, which he co-chairs alongside the Electoral Commission.The Chief Secretary reaffirmed the National Government’s steadfast commitment to protecting the integrity, independence, and credibility of Papua New Guinea’s electoral system.He emphasized that the government’s dedication to ensuring the Electoral Commission remains fully operational and capable of implementing its core functions for the ultimate benefit of the nation.

The ongoing dry weather conditions brought about by the El Nino is no obstacle to Ok Tedi Mining Limited (Ok Tedi), as the mine continues to operate safely and remains focused on maintaining production in the Western province.The company is closely monitoring the impacts of El Nino on the Fly River. While river levels are currently low and parts of the river are not being utilised for normal freight movements, Ok Tedi is proactively sourcing alternative logistics arrangements to ensure the continued supply of fuel, critical consumables, equipment, and other operational requirements to site.“As part of our business continuity planning, Ok Tedi has been actively managing the impacts of the dry conditions through a range of mitigation measures, including the use of alternative supply routes and careful management of key resources,’’ said Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Kedi Ilimbit.“At present, mining and processing operations continue, and the company remains focused on delivering its operational objectives safely and responsibly. While the current conditions present additional logistical challenges, Ok Tedi has contingency plans in place and continues to adapt its operations as required.Like many businesses operating in PNG, Ok Tedi is experiencing some increased costs associated with managing the impacts of the dry weather, particularly in the area of logistics and supply chain management. However, the company is taking prudent measures to manage these impacts and maintain operational resilience.Ok Tedi continues to monitor weather patterns, river conditions and supply chain risks closely. The safety of our employees, contractors and communities remains our highest priority, while ensuring the ongoing reliability of our operations."While the current dry weather conditions require us to be agile and proactive, it is business as usual at Ok Tedi. We anticipated the potential impacts and have activated contingency measures to support our operations. Our teams continue to do an excellent job managing the situation, and we remain focused on safely delivering our operational commitments.