PNG Haus Bung

The Chief Executive Officer of the Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA) Office, Dr Saangalofa Clark, today paid a courtesy call on Mr Justin Ilakini, Managing Director of the Papua New Guinea National Fisheries Authority (NFA), reaffirming the longstanding partnership between Papua New Guinea and the PNA in advancing sustainable tuna fisheries management and regional cooperation.The meeting provided an opportunity for both leaders to reflect on the strong collaboration between Papua New Guinea and the PNA Office and to reaffirm their shared commitment to the sustainable management and economic development of the Pacific's tuna resources.Dr Clark said, "Papua New Guinea has been a steadfast partner and leader within the PNA. Our collaboration continues to demonstrate what Pacific solidarity can achieve in protecting our tuna resources while delivering greater economic benefits for our people."Dr Clark expressed her sincere appreciation to Papua New Guinea for her continued support of the PNA Office and acknowledged PNG’s leadership within the PNA in driving regional fisheries initiatives, strengthening cooperation among member countries, and promoting sustainable fisheries management.Mr. Ilakini said, "The partnership between the National Fisheries Authority and the PNA Office has been instrumental in advancing sustainable fisheries management and securing greater value from our tuna resources. We thank Dr Clark for her exceptional leadership and significant contribution to strengthening regional fisheries cooperation over the past six years and wish her every success in her future endeavors."Ilakini acknowledged several key achievements under her tenure, including progress on the East New Britain initiative (ENBi), regional economic assessments, the continued success of the Vessel Day Scheme (VDS), and commercial initiatives that have enhanced the value of Pacific tuna resources for PNA member countries.The discussions also highlighted Papua New Guinea's growing bilateral cooperation with fellow PNA members, including the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and Kiribati, aimed at strengthening commercial partnerships and supporting regional fisheries development.Climate change and its increasing impact on tuna distribution, catch rates and fisheries revenues across the Western and Central Pacific featured prominently during the meeting. Both leaders acknowledged that changing ocean conditions are creating new challenges for Pacific Island countries and emphasised the importance of adaptive, science-based fisheries management to ensure the long-term sustainability of tuna resources.Recognising that these challenges require a collective regional response, both leaders reaffirmed the importance of solidarity and cooperation among PNA members. They agreed that continued collaboration is essential to maintaining sustainable fisheries while maximising the long-term economic and social benefits derived from Pacific tuna resources.The meeting also covered ongoing regional discussions on fisheries management arrangements, investment opportunities, and the future evolution of the Vessel Day Scheme.Both leaders acknowledged the diverse national priorities of member countries and agreed that continued dialogue, innovation and collaboration will be critical to responding effectively to an evolving fisheries landscape while safeguarding the collective interests of the PNA membership.Mr. Ilakini reaffirmed PNG's strong support for the PNA Office to continue leading regional commercial fisheries initiatives, recognising its proven track record in delivering tangible economic outcomes for member countries while working closely with regional fisheries partners.In acknowledging Dr Clark's distinguished service, Mr Ilakini expressed his appreciation for her outstanding leadership in strengthening regional fisheries governance, economic cooperation and the collective voice of PNA member countries. He also extended an invitation to Dr Clark and the PNA delegation to attend a farewell dinner hosted by the National Fisheries Authority in recognition of their valued partnership and dedicated service to the region.The meeting concluded with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to strengthening the partnership between the NFA and the PNA Office.They expressed confidence that the strong foundation established over recent years will continue under future leadership, ensuring that Pacific tuna resources are sustainably managed and continue to deliver lasting economic and social benefits for the people of the Pacific.

The Moripi Tribe in the Gulf Province says the latest Social Mapping and Landowner Identification study conducted for the Papua LNG to exclude them as recognized direct beneficiaries of the project - is inconclusive.They maintain that once that study when properly completed as required by the Oil & Gas Act 1998, the findings will indicate that the buffer zones evidence, currently used by the State and its agency National Petroleum Authority to exclude them, are contestable.   Marcel Karukuru, from Lese Kavora, made these remarks following the NPA acting Managing Director David Manau and Minister for Petroleum Jimmy Maladina’s recent visit to Iokea village last weekend for a consultative meeting with the Moripi Tribe.Clan representatives from other Moripi villages of Miaru, Lese villages of Kavora, Avihara, Marekea, Ilava, Oalai, and Sepoe – which consider themselves as the Oiapu Tribe and covers several villages and clans, converged at Iokea, for last Saturday’s meeting.Each village made presentations through their respective representatives on why Moripi, should be included. The Moripi Council of Chiefs through interim chairman Hasu Lokoloko, guided by studies and findings from the Gulf Provincial Government’s Oil & Gas Task Force, made a comprehensive presentation as well.They were responding to statements from the Government delegation that Moripi is not a direct beneficiary, according to the Oil & Gas Act, 1998.Maladina and Manau were accompanied by Finance Minister Thomas Opa, a Iokea son who is also MP for Kerema Open, which the Moripi LLG is part of. Opa was responsible for organizing the meeting.“Remember that this is a consultation process. That’s not the end of it. I have your best interests,” Opa told his Moripi people.He said another consultative meeting will be organized in Port Moresby for ‘elites’ to look at ways forward following the latest information from the Iokea meeting. This is the fourth time since 2023, Iokea village has hosted meetings related to the Papua LNG project. The previous ones were organized by Gulf Governor Sir Chris Haiveta, who has determinedly pushed for his people’s inclusion, the same stance he has taken for other parts of his province who have been left out. Other impacted areas have also organized themselves and protested to the State – some using the mainstream and social media.This time Gulf Provincial Government was represented by Moripi LLG President Ross Miva, who is also GPG MP assisting the Governor.Both leaders Opa and Miva encouraged their people to continue to push for inclusion if they felt aggrieved by the decision of the state which relies heavily on a Ministerial Determination gazetted in 2023, when Kerenga Kua was the former Petroleum Minister.Minister Maladina spoke at length that while he understood the situation of the Moripi people – his Ministry was guided by the Oil & Gas 1998, with advice from the State Solicitor not to deviate from the gazettal notice.  Iokea is also where a Pre-Forum Papua LNG Project Benefits Sharing Arrangements Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between the Gulf Provincial Government, Moripi LLG and the Moripi clans in 2023.The offshore Papua LNG gas pipeline that will be the mode used to move the natural gas from the upstream project site in Gulf Province to the coast, is expected to run through the customary fishing grounds of the Moripi Tribe.The PNG LNG pipeline runs through the same route all the way to the Caution Bay in Central Province where the natural gas is processed into finished products, LNG and condensate, for export.The Moripi Tribe has also been advised by the Task Force team that the Papua LNG gas pipeline buffer zone may affect their customary fishing activities.This is because it is possible the 5km buffer zone from the gas pipeline laydown area to the Moripi coastline may encroach the Moripi Tribe’s customary fishing grounds.Other representatives submitted similar arguments with those from the Lese villages adamant that an independently conducted completed SMLI study will also bring into factors such as the pipeline encroaching on Isouposa, a traditional settlement now under water which is a significant heritage site for the Moripi Tribe.  The Moripi Tribe are predominantly descendants of Isouposa and can apply other laws that protect the heritage of Papua New Guineans.Maladina explained that the Moripi Tribe would still benefit from grants and other incentives through the Gulf Provincial Government, which would be a direct beneficiary as would the Kerema District Development Authority and Moripi LLG.However, the people disagree – they want to be direct beneficiaries so that they can be directly empowered financially which would provide them start-up capital to venture into business activities, if they choose to.The Moripi people believe they have been and continue to be impacted by the PNG LNG pipeline built in 2012.However, there are evidence of the impact of the PNGLNG pipeline affecting the usual abundant catches of fish and rock lobsters, reducing the quantity of the fish stocks for the local people since then.Fishermen from the area have shared documented stories that indicate that rock lobsters during its season have virtually disappeared over the past decade.Interestingly only this year, the lobster catches have improved, sending rather mixed reactions to those who have been following the trend.Detailed studies are required to explain this scenario, and the likely impact the Papua LNG Pipeline may have on these food resources.Michael Avosa, from Miaru, said there has never been baseline studies done on the social impact on the depletion of rock lobsters, and responsible authourities need to rectify this anomaly before bringing in the second pipeline.Moripi accommodates a significant stretch of the total 320-kilometer portion of the pipeline that runs through Gulf Province to Caution Bay in Central Province.The Moripi Tribe comprises over close to 30,000 people of the Gulf population and would be left out by its National Government which has promised so much to improving the lives of their people through the benefits that come with consequent to them allowing their land and waters to be used for these projects.“One pipeline is already there in our waters, and we have missed out on any direct benefits. We cannot allow another one to transverse through 80 kilometres of Moripi waters and not be compensated through direct beneficiaries.""It is totally unfair and the laws that are encourage depriving our people of meaningful participation in projects that use our resources for their profits must be changed through proper legislative processes.”The Moripi Tribe following the recent Iokea meeting are considering several options and the last-ditch effort being floated among some is to seek court action, which depending on appropriate legal advice may include taking out an injunction to stop the laying of the pipeline in their waters, unless they are included as direct beneficiaries from the beginning and not later after years of the project’s operation. 

The Pukpuk Treaty between Papua New Guinea and Australia has come into effect following the signing on Wednesday in Australia.Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese and Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, James Marape got together to announce the entry into force of the Pukpuk Treaty. Australia and Papua New Guinea are now formally allies. This is Papua New Guinea’s first alliance with any country, and Australia’s first in more than 70 years. The Pukpuk Treaty is underpinned by a mutual defence commitment, recognising that an armed attack on either country is a threat to both nations, and the security of the region. It commits Australia and Papua New Guinea to consult, cooperate, and if required, act to meet a common danger, while explicitly safeguarding sovereignty.   It also reflects a shared commitment to peace and stability in the Pacific, and affirms our mutual respect for the sovereignty, independence, and the territorial integrity of our neighbours. The treaty will strengthen integration between the Australian Defence Force and PNG Defence Force. It will enable our nations to quickly and effectively respond to shared security challenges, and support Papua New Guinea’s sovereign defence capability.The treaty supports the expansion and modernisation of our defence relationship, including recruitment of each countries’ citizens into respective defence forces.

Selected students from schools around the country are fortunate to visit the National Parliament, experiencing the heart of where the country’s ultimate political decisions are made. Here’s five things to know about one of their recent visits:1. Students experienced Parliament firsthandThirty students from Manus and Simbu provinces spent their school holidays learning how Papua New Guinea's Parliament works through the Parliamentary Service's Student Educational Visit Program.2. Students were chosen for their leadership and academic performanceThe participants, from Grades 7 to 12, were selected by their schools based on academic merit and leadership potential. The group included students from Papitalai Secondary School in Manus and four schools in Simbu Province: Muaina Secondary School, Ku Junior High School, Mai Junior High School, and Suai Junior High School.3. They learned how laws are madeStudents took part in interactive sessions with Parliament's Education and Civics, Committees, Reporting, Media, Legal, and Library and Research Services divisions, gaining a better understanding of the legislative process and parliamentary operations.4. The learning extended beyond Parliament HouseThe students also visited the University of Papua New Guinea, Pacific Adventist University, Government House, Independence Hill, and the National Museum and Art Gallery to learn more about national leadership, governance and PNG's history.5. The program will continue during future school holidaysClerk of Parliament Kala Aufa said the program aims to inspire young people to become informed and responsible citizens. The next intake is scheduled for September and will include students from Milne Bay, Morobe and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.

Two new teachers’ houses were recently opened by Huon Gulf MP and Minister for Community Development, Youth and Religion, Jason Peter, at Lakala Lutheran Primary School in Laukanu Village and Lababia Primary School in Salamaua Local Level Government, Morobe Province.The projects were delivered under the Huon Gulf District Development Authority (HGD-DDA) Teachers Housing Scheme, which aims to improve teacher accommodation and encourage educators to continue serving in rural and remote communities.Huon Gulf District Education Manager Sam Gesamg joined Minister Peter at Lakala Lutheran Primary School, where a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to officially commission the completed teachers’ house.The district has 66 primary schools, with 52 teachers’ houses already completed and occupied. The remaining 14 schools are expected to receive teachers’ houses before 2027.During the visit, Minister Peter’s Electoral Office also continued the rollout of Operation Rausim Morata, a community housing support program launched in 2024.The program provides families with roofing materials to help them build permanent homes. The first 42 families in Ward 10 received roofing iron, ridge capping, roofing screws and other materials.Families who complete their homes become eligible to receive a 1,000-litre rainwater storage tank to improve access to safe and reliable water.The program has now delivered its first round of roofing materials to all 65 wards in Huon Gulf District, benefiting 2,730 families.A further two rounds of distributions are planned, with the program expected to support 8,190 families across the district by 2027.Later in the day, Jason Peter travelled to Lababia Village, Ward 7, where another teachers’ house was opened at Lababia Primary School.Jason Peter said improving teacher accommodation, education infrastructure and supporting families through practical community programs remain key priorities for Huon Gulf District.He said the projects are part of his Bottom-Up Planning approach, which focuses on identifying community needs at the grassroots level and delivering targeted development support.Additonally, his vision is for Huon Gulf District to become the “Morning Star” of Morobe Province and Papua New Guinea through strong education, infrastructure, community development and service delivery.The HGD-DDA will continue working with communities, schools, churches and development partners to deliver projects aimed at improving living standards across the district.

The ABG Department of Education has received a K100,000 from the Office of the National Member for South Bougainville and Minister for Communication and Information Technology, Timothy Masiu, to support the 35th National Senior Education Officers Conference (SEOC) in Bougainville.ABG Minister for Education, Thomas Pa’ataku, when receiving the cheque, acknowledged Minister Masiu for his timely and generous support towards the national event. “I am honored to be able to get a positive response from the Minister because we made it our business to write to our National Members of Parliament to support this conference as it was a national event,” he said.Minister Pa'ataku said the conference would bring Provincial Education Advisors and senior education officials from across Papua New Guinea to Bougainville, providing an opportunity for the Autonomous Bougainville Government, through the Department of Education, to showcase Bougainville's values, culture and progress as it advances its preparations for independence.“Today we are hearing a lot being said about the Bougainville issue and through this national event, I believe in us portraying our values, who we are and this can be another way to tell Papua New Guinea that we are ready for independence – we must host a memorable event in the region,” Minister Pa’ataku added.Minister Pa’ataku reiterated that education remains one of the fundamental institutions for transforming society, and he was thankful to the Member for South Bougainville for his support towards Education initiatives in the region. “I am thankful to Timothy Masiu in that we are portraying education as one of our number one priority that can change our society to make it better for our generation tomorrow,’’ he said.Presenting the cheque on behalf of Minister Masiu, Second Secretary, Mr. David Itanu encouraged the Committee to ensure that the funds given will support the successful delivery of the Conference.  “As we’re preparing for independence and Papua New Guineans are coming into Bougainville, I also want to encourage the grounds committee and Bougainvilleans to ensure that we look after the officers that are coming to Bougainville,” Mr. Itanu said, adding that these are people who are going to make comments and decisions on how Bougainville progresses as it prepares for independence.Mr. Itanu added that National Member for South Bougainville is committed to work with ABG to ensure such events are a success and portrays Bougainville’s preparations for independence. Vice Chairman of the Conference Grounds Committee, Mr. Felix Sarimu also expressed appreciation for the contribution and assured the Member that the funding would be used responsibly to support the successful delivery of the conference.“I wish to express our gratitude to the Member for South Bougainville for the gesture and support on behalf of the Chairlady for the grounds Committee Ms. Mary Remi, and I want to assure you that these funds will be used to cater for the various activities planned for the duration of the conference. The 35th National Senior Education Officers Conference will be held in Bougainville from the 11th to 18th July, with participants expected to begin arriving this Saturday.  

The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG), through the Department of Education, will host the 35th National Senior Education Officers’ Conference (SEOC) in Bougainville from 11–18 July 2026.ABG Secretary for Education, Ms. Dorothy Kenneth confirmed that the conference will bring together approximately 200 senior education officials from Port Moresby and all twenty-one provinces.“Bougainville will be playing host to the 35th Senior Education Officers’ Conference from the 11th to 18th July 2026 and preparations are currently underway with support from the Autonomous Bougainville Government and the National Members of Parliament as well,” she said.“In accepting to host the 2026 SEOC in our region, we aim to not just come and discuss policy matters but to showcase our culture and to enable them to appreciate the challenges that we face in terms of education in the region and also to enable them to come and experience how peaceful our region is.”The 2026 conference will be held under the theme ‘Leading Quality Teaching and Learning through Partnership’, aligned with the National Education Calendar for 2026.Ms. Kenneth explained that SEOC is an important education program that is held each year to discuss current and new education policy initiatives and make important decisions on policy matters. Participants will include Provincial Education Advisors, Provincial Education Planners from all twenty-one provinces, and the top management team of the National Department of Education, led by Acting National Minister for Education Hon. Kinoka Feo and National Education Secretary Dr Uke Kombra. The Chairman of the Teachers Services Commission and the Director General of the Office of Libraries and Archives will also attend.She also confirmed that the ABG Department of Education has gone ahead with preparations since November last year, working closely with a team from the National Department of Education, adding that a grounds committee has been set up headed by the ABG Deputy Education Secretary Ms. Mary Remi.Ms. Kenneth also acknowledged the Church Agencies in the region for working in partnership with the ABG Education to plan and host this major event.The official opening of the conference will be on Monday 13th of July at the Hutjena Sports oval in which sixty schools will be participating at the opening ceremony. The Conference proper will begin after lunch on Monday at Hutjena Secondary School Hall and continue to Thursday 16th of July 2026. School visits are scheduled for Friday 17th of July in which fourteen schools in Bougainville have been identified and the schools include Bougainville Technical College, Koromira Technical High School, Mabiri High School, Tinputz High School, Callan IERC Centre, Burunotui Vocational School, Siara Vocational School, Hahela Primary School, Hahalis Primary School, Lontis Primary School, Petatz Primary School, Saposa Primary School, St. Joseph The Worker Centre and Roha Early Childhood Centre. Ms. Kenneth noted that safety considerations were raised by the National Department of Education in light of ongoing national parliamentary discussions on Bougainville’s political future. She confirmed that assurances were provided at the highest level that education programmes will proceed without disruption.“ABG President His Excellency Hon. Ishmael Toroama gave the assurance that despite the political discussions in parliament, Education is one area where the National Government and ABG have common interest and cooperation in ensuring that there is continuity in the provision of Education and that discussions in parliament should not disrupt education programs in the region,” she said.Secretary Kenneth thanked the ABG for supporting the Education Department to host this important conference and called on Bougainvilleans in the region to accord the best hospitality to the visitors in the Bougainville way. “Bougainville is playing host to this delegation, and I appeal to us all to accord them that Bougainville way so that they can feel safe and free while here and bring back with them some good Bougainville experience and memories,” she said. 

China Fires Intercontinental Ballistic Missile into Pacific, Sparking Regional ConcernsFor the first time, Beijing has fired an intercontinental ballistic missile into the waters of the Pacific from a nuclear-powered submarine.The missile carried a dummy warhead, Chinese state media said, and the exact landing location is still unknown.The head of Taiwan's national security council, Joseph Wu, posted an image on social media showing the missile arcing across Micronesia and Melanesia, before plunging into the ocean.The ABC has been told the missile, which was armed with a dummy warhead, flew over the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) of at least three Pacific island states, including the Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru and Kiribati.It landed closest to the EEZs of Tuvalu and Kiribati, about 1,000km north-east of Solomon Islands, and seems to have hit the water near the border of Tuvalu's EEZ, or potentially even just inside it.Speaking in Honiara alongside the prime minister of the Solomon Islands, Matthew Wale, Anthony Albanese said Australia has raised the test with China directly."We have made clear our concerns to China in both Beijing and Canberra, and I am making clear our concerns here as well in Honiara," he said.The Australian prime minister also noted that ordinarily a test like this would come with 48 hours' notice, which he said was not provided by China.Matthew Wale directly criticised the missile test, becoming the first Pacific leader to do so and acting as the current chair of the Pacific Islands Forum."China is a good friend of the Solomon Islands, but this is not something a friend does. This is not good in our region," he said."And as chair of the Pacific Islands Forum I have registered my strong protest yesterday with the ambassador. Solomon Islands also lodged a protest note."We don't want to see any more countries — China, America, anybody — testing [intercontinental ballistic missiles in the Pacific Islands region, that's the bottom line."Be our friend, but don't threaten us."ABC Pacific

Four major education infrastructures projects valued at more than K2.58 million were officially commissioned and handed over by East New Britain Governor Michael Marum recently, to Kokopo Technical Secondary School, East New Britain Provincial FODE Centre, Don Bosco Technical Secondary School and Vunamami Farmers Training Centre.The projects included a new classroom each for Kokopo Technical Secondary School, East New Britain Provincial FODE Centre and Vunamami Farmers Training Centre, including a funding handover for Don Bosco Technical Secondary School.Governor Marum recognized the strong partnership between the East New Britain Provincial Government and the Kokopo District Development Authority, led by the Member for Kokopo, Ereman ToBaining Jr., in delivering projects that directly benefit the people of Kokopo District.“Today’s commissioning demonstrates what can be achieved when the Provincial Government and our districts work together with a shared commitment to improving services for our people.”He continued saying that the Provincial Government is determined to ensuring that all four districts—Kokopo, Gazelle, Pomio and Rabaul—receive equitable investments in education, infrastructure and essential services.“Our development agenda is for the whole province. Every district has priorities, and the Provincial Government will continue working closely with all Open Members to ensure development reaches every community across East New Britain.”According to Governor Marum, the Provincial Government invested:K796,000 for the construction of the new classroom at Kokopo Technical Secondary School;K795,000 for the new East New Britain Provincial FODE Centre classroom;K246,000 towards infrastructure support at Don Bosco Technical Secondary School; andK745,000 for the new classroom at Vunamami Farmers Training Centre.He added that the projects were delivered by locally owned small and medium enterprises, including Belo Constructions, Paveks Constructions Limited, and Gugu Building Constructions.“I am particularly pleased that these projects were undertaken by our own local contractors.”“Supporting local SMEs means the Provincial Government is not only delivering quality infrastructure but also creating jobs, building local capacity and ensuring provincial development creates economic opportunities for our own people.”He then commended the Provincial Administration, the Education Division, school boards, principals, church agencies, community leaders and all stakeholders who worked together to deliver the projects successfully.Institutions receiving the new facilities were encouraged to conduct proper maintenance to ensure longevity.“These facilities belong to our people. I encourage every school board, administration and surrounding community to take ownership of these investments by maintaining them and ensuring they continue to provide quality learning environments for years to come.”

The Cabinet is expecting a major reshuffle this week as the government moves to make changes to ensure better delivery of its commitment to the people before the 2027 National General Election.Prime Minister James Marape said the reshuffle is expected to occur tomorrow or Friday.It follows an extensive review of ministerial performance, integrity, and the progress of key Government priorities since the Pangu-led Coalition Government assumed office in August 2022.“My department is completing its final assessment, and later this week I will announce changes to Cabinet that will position Government to deliver strongly during the remaining months of this parliamentary term,” Prime Minister Marape said.  “I have listened carefully to the concerns expressed by our people regarding ministerial performance, integrity and the pace of implementation. As Prime Minister, it is my responsibility to ensure the Government remains focused on delivering results.”Marape said he had already advised Ministers several months ago that their performance would be closely monitored and assessed against the commitments made to the nation in 2022.“Our commitments to the country are being measured every day. With approximately nine months remaining before the issue of writs for the 2027 National General Election, we cannot afford complacency. Every remaining month must count.”He stressed that the reshuffle was not motivated by politics or the approaching election but by the need to utilise time in office to maximise Government performance and ensure the successful delivery of national priorities.“This exercise is about strengthening the Government, not simply changing personnel. It is about placing the right people in the right portfolios to complete the important work that still lies ahead. Nine months is long enough if all of us run and do work correctly and not walk and waste time, the Prime Minister said.

The PNG Chiefs have issued a public warning against the sale and purchase of counterfeit merchandise bearing a fraudulent version of the club's logo, saying no official club merchandise has been launched.The club said it is aware that unauthorized products are being produced, distributed and sold across Papua New Guinea through markets, retail outlets and online platforms.Meanwhile, the official logo and merchandise are yet to be launched, meaning any PNG Chiefs-branded items currently on sale are counterfeit and are not endorsed or approved by the club.PNG Chiefs Chief Executive Officer Lorna McPherson said the club was taking the issue seriously and urged supporters to remain vigilant."The pride our people have shown in the PNG Chiefs has been extraordinary, and it is disappointing that others are seeking to exploit that pride for their own gain.”"We want to be very clear with our fans: our official logo and merchandise have not yet been released. Anything you see being sold today is not the real thing."She said earnings from counterfeit sales do not support the club, its development pathways, community programs or the future growth of rugby league in Papua New Guinea.The PNG Chiefs said the official club logo, merchandise and sales launch will be announced in the coming months through the club's official digital platforms and traditional media.Supporters have been encouraged to wait for these announcements before purchasing any club merchandise.Anyone with information about counterfeit merchandise being produced or sold is encouraged to contact the club at Peggy.Maha@pngchiefs.com.pg.The PNG Chiefs will work with the relevant authorities and will pursue all available legal avenues against those involved in the production, distribution and sale of counterfeit merchandise.The club's name, logo and branding are protected intellectual property, and any unauthorized use constitutes a serious infringement.

The Catholic Professionals Society (CPS) of Papua New Guinea has marked a year of institutional growth, spiritual formation, and expanding national initiatives, while preparing for a leadership transition ahead of its 2027 elections.Presenting the President's Report at the Society's 2026 Annual General Meeting, CPS President Paul Harricknen described the past year as one of renewal and succession, pointing out achievements in governance, membership growth, and faith-based leadership development."Over the past year we have strengthened our governance, commissioned our Rule of Life, expanded our membership, developed new formation programs, launched important national initiatives, and positioned the Society for sustainable growth.”An important milestone reached was the commissioning of the Society's Rule of Life in February 2026, followed by induction workshops and a spiritual retreat.The framework is designed to help members integrate Catholic faith, ethical leadership, and professional excellence into their daily lives.The Society plans to extend the program to its diocesan chapters in Lae, Alotau, and Madang.Membership has grown to 161 members across five chapters, with renewed interest from Lae and Alotau reflecting increasing support for the Society's mission of promoting servant leadership and professional integrity within the Church and the wider community.The Society is also reviving its Catholic Platform Project ahead of the 2027 National General Election.This project aims to provide Catholic-inspired values and principles to guide candidates, voters, and public discussion, while encouraging ethical leadership and informed civic participation.Building on the canonisation of Saint Peter ToRot in 2025, CPS has launched a quarterly formation series to strengthen Catholic identity and encourage members to live out their faith in public life.The Society has also expanded its communication efforts through its Voice of the Church program on Radio Maria and its monthly newsletter, The Catholic Professional.Work is also underway to develop an official CPS website to improve communication and engagement with members.Institutionally, CPS achieved incorporation and secured a Certificate of Good Standing under the amended IPA Act, strengthening its legal and governance framework.Among its advocacy priorities, the Society continues to call for the establishment of a National Constitution Day to promote civic responsibility, constitutional awareness, and greater respect for Papua New Guinea's democratic institutions.During the meeting, members endorsed Dame Jean Kekedo for honorary membership in recognition of her lifelong service to the Church and the people of Papua New Guinea.Looking ahead, Harricknen announced he will not seek re-election when the current Board's term concludes in 2027, describing the coming year as an important period of succession planning."Leadership is a sacred trust entrusted to us for a season, and every season calls for renewal.”“I am confident that God is already preparing new leaders who will continue to build upon the foundations we have laid together.”As it prepares for its next chapter, the Catholic Professionals Society says it remains committed to forming professionals who embody integrity, competence, servant leadership, and a commitment to the common good, both within the Church and in workplaces, communities, and public life across Papua New Guinea.