The country’s Civil Aviation department is laying the ground-work for a major transformation of its aviation sector, with plans to establish civil aviation as an independent department while rolling out nationwide infrastructure upgrades. The initiative is being delivered under the Civil Aviation Development Investment Program Phase Two (CADIP II), supported by the Asian Development Bank, targeting key airports and systems across the country. The recent ground-breaking of a new air traffic control tower in Goroka, marks just one phase of a broader strategy aimed at improving safety, efficiency, and national connectivity. Minister for Civil Aviation Wake Goi, said the government is focused on delivering tangible results rather than maintaining the status quo. “We want to see things moving; we don’t want to stay and have nothing happen,” he said. He said the project forms part of a wider national development agenda aligned with Papua New Guinea’s Medium-Term Development Plan. The Minister also outlined a broader vision for the sector, including potential multi-billion-kina investments to modernise Jacksons International Airport and the continued rollout of future CADIP phases across the country to decentralise aviation infrastructure. As part of ongoing reforms, the government is also pursuing the establishment of civil aviation as a standalone department, separate from the wider transport sector, to drive specialised growth, faster decision-making, and stronger regulatory oversight. Industry leaders say modernising aviation systems is critical for a country like Papua New Guinea, where air transport is not a luxury but a lifeline connecting remote communities, businesses, and essential services.

Goroka is now stepping into a new aviation era with the ground-breaking of a modern six-story air traffic control tower this week in Goroka, Eastern Highlands Province. The K15 million project funded by the Asian Development Bank, was officially launched, drawing senior government officials, aviation authorities, and industry leaders to mark the milestone. The new tower will replace the ageing facility at Goroka Airport, which has struggled for years with limited space and outdated systems that have restricted both capacity and efficiency in managing air traffic. Minister for Civil Aviation Wake Goi, said the project reflects the government’s push to deliver real, visible development. “We want to see things moving; we don’t want to stay and have nothing happen,” he said. Designed to support 24-hour operations under modern safety standards, the facility is expected to significantly improve air traffic control reliability, especially in the Highlands region, where difficult terrain and unpredictable weather have long challenged aviation safety. Meanwhile, Managing Director of New Sky Pacific Limited Graham Blythe, said the upgrade will directly benefit airlines and passengers. “For airlines and operators, it means improved reliability and enhanced safety,” he said. On the other hand, Eastern Highlands Governor Simon Sia, described the new tower as a major leap forward from the current structure, which could only accommodate a small number of personnel. “Now you look at this new building, it is a six-story tower for this region,” he said. Beyond aviation, the project is expected to strengthen Goroka’s role as a regional hub, supporting the movement of coffee, fresh produce, and critical medical supplies across the Highlands. Governor Sia also called for future planning, including feasibility studies for relocating Goroka Airport to support urban expansion, alongside immediate improvements to passenger screening systems.

The conversation around explicit content in Papua New Guinea is no longer just about what comes from outside. It is changing shape, and quietly, it is moving closer to home. With growing concern over how digital platforms are influencing young people, Chief Censor of the Office of Censorship Jim Abani, spoke to PNG HAUSBUNG to clarify what is really happening behind the scenes. For years, the country’s focus remained on blocking foreign content. While that was once the primary frontline, that line is now starting to blur. “Actually, our focus was on what was coming in from outside,” Mr Abani said, explaining how censorship efforts were initially designed to filter imported material. Now, technology has shifted the game. He acknowledged that while there has been limited reporting of locally produced explicit content, the rise of mobile access and digital tools is opening that possibility. “I believe with the infrastructure that we built and now going online, we will come across this in the coming years.” That shift matters because once production becomes local, control becomes harder, distribution becomes faster, and the impact becomes more personal. Behind the scenes, efforts are already underway to respond. The Office of Censorship is working alongside the National Information and Communications Technology Authority (NICTA) to identify and block harmful content. “We identify prohibited content and provide that to NICTA to work with service providers to block it,” Mr Abani explained. But even that system has limits; the internet does not sit still, and neither do the people using it. The fight is not just technical; it is human. Through the Censorship Ambassador School Program run in partnership with the National Department of Education, the focus is shifting toward awareness to the young minds, because the real issue is not just access, but behaviour. Cyberbullying, online harassment, and more serious forms of exploitation are rising alongside content exposure. “These issues are now emerging in Papua New Guinea,” Mr Abani said, pointing to a growing pattern that cannot be ignored. When it comes to those affected, especially young girls, the response is limited but critical. “The only support we can give is counselling as we refer them to relevant agencies.” “It is not a perfect system, but it is one of the few lifelines currently in place.” In addition, there is also a legal side building in the background. Authorities are pushing for stronger collaboration across agencies, using existing laws to identify offenders and bring them into the justice system. Yet, beyond law and enforcement, the message becomes more personal- less about control but more about responsibility. “Censorship starts at home,” Mr Abani said, offering the statement not as a slogan, but as a reality check. In a country where technology is moving faster than guidance, the first line of control is no longer the system, it is the individual. What this conversation reveals is simple, but unsettling as Papua New Guinea is no longer just consuming digital influence but it is beginning to create it and that changes everything. Once the problem becomes local, it stops being distant. It becomes cultural, it becomes social, it becomes real. Therefore, the question is no longer whether the system can keep up, but whether the people will.

The Port Moresby Corporate Basketball Competition is back, and this year it’s louder, bigger, and harder to ignore.A total of 29 teams have signed up, a sharp jump from 20 last year, showing just how fast the game is growing in the corporate space. What started as a simple competition is now turning into a movement. Companies are not just playing for wins they’re bringing in staff, families, and supporters, turning game days into social events where business meets community. Games Coordinator Jordan Sere said the support from companies has been key to the competition’s rise. “We thank all corporate organizations for backing this competition, promoting an active lifestyle while giving staff and families a chance to enjoy the game and connect,” he said. This year also welcomes a fresh wave of teams stepping onto the court for the first time. Among them are TCB Travel, National Judiciary and Staff Services, CPL Group, IRC, Water PNG, Islands Petroleum, Weatherman Capital Advisors Limited, Kopunye Lawyers, Pacific Helicopters, TISA Bank, and NCSL adding new energy and competition to the league. The season is already underway, with teams battling through the early rounds and each pool will face off twice before the top sides push into the finals, where the real pressure begins. Organizers are also thinking bigger this year, planning two full seasons. The first will wrap up in June with finals, while the second will run from August to November. This schedule also gives space to prepare a Port Moresby side for the Masters Competition in the Gold Coast later this year.

The National Department of Education (NDoE) is stepping up efforts to control mobile phone use in schools, rolling out a nationwide training program in partnership with the Office of Censorship through the Censorship Ambassador Schools Program (CASP) ahead of the launch of its new Mobile Phone Policy.Eighteen education officials from the Momase and New Guinea Islands regions completed the latest phase of the program in Port Moresby, as part of a broader push to prepare schools for stricter enforcement. This three-day training, held from April 27 to 29, 2026, at Dixie Bungalow located at 17 Mile, brought together secondary school inspectors, guidance officers, and NDoE officials to strengthen awareness and implementation of education policies. The initiative comes as concerns grow over the impact of mobile phone use on students, particularly exposure to harmful online content and its effect on behaviour and learning. Speaking at the certification ceremony, Chief Censor Jim Abani stressed the urgency of the issue. “Today’s generation is living in the time of influence from all forms of media communication,” he said. He warned that students are increasingly exposed to content that may negatively affect their behaviour and learning. The CASP program is a joint initiative between the NDoE and the Office of Censorship, aimed at equipping education officers to act as policy advocates within schools and communities. These officers are expected to return to their respective provinces to support awareness programs and help enforce upcoming policy measures. Among those measures is the soon-to-be-launched Mobile Phone Policy, which will enforce a zero-tolerance approach in elementary and primary schools nationwide. For secondary schools, mobile phone use will be allowed under controlled conditions for educational purposes. Meanwhile, NDoE First Assistant Secretary for Guidance and Counselling, Philip So’on, also spoke on how technology has changed student behaviour. “We never knew what pornographic until mobile phones came in, because in the past it was in magazines that were smuggled in,” he said. He added that managing this shift will require support from both schools and parents. Under the policy, schools will control mobile phone use during instructional hours, while parents are expected to guide students outside school. Officials say the CASP training is critical to ensuring the policy is effectively implemented across the country. The Port Moresby session marks the final phase of the training rollout, following earlier programs in the Highlands and Southern regions. With the groundwork now in place, the NDoE is expected to formally launch the Mobile Phone Policy in the coming months. Furthermore, the move signals a nationwide push to strengthen discipline, guide student behaviour, and create safer learning environments in an increasingly digital age.

The National Department of Education (NDoE) is preparing to launch a Mobile Phone Policy enforcing zero tolerance on mobile phone use in elementary and primary schools nationwide.The policy was outlined amongst other matters to improve education in Primary and Secondary school at the Momase and New Guinea Islands (NGI) Censorship Ambassador Schools Program (CASP) held at Sogeri, Central province. Speaking to PNG HAUSBUNG, NGI Assistant Secretary for the Guidance and Counselling Division of NDoE, Allen Jim, confirmed the policy is currently in its final stages before official release. “In assistance with the Policy and Planning Division, we have developed the Mobile Phone Policy. It has already gone through the process and is soon to be launched to schools,” he said. The policy is aimed at addressing the growing influence of mobile phone use among students and the rise of negative online activities affecting school-age children. Under the proposed guidelines, elementary and primary schools will enforce a zero-tolerance policy on mobile phone use. For secondary schools, including Grades 7 to 12 and vocational institutions, mobile phones will be permitted only for approved educational and research purposes, under strict school control. “From Grade 7 to Grade 12 and vocational levels, students may use phones for research purposes, but schools must control usage according to the Mobile Phone Policy,” Mr. Jim said. The policy also places emphasis on parental responsibility, particularly after school hours, when students spend significant time on mobile devices. “School hours are from 7:45am to 3:00pm. After that, responsibility shifts back to parents to support the Department in guiding proper mobile phone use,” he said. The CASP initiative is a joint program between the National Department of Education and the Office of Censorship aimed at strengthening awareness and enforcement of education policies in schools. It also trains guidance officers and school inspectors to support implementation across the country. CASP has already conducted training sessions in Mount Hagen for the Highlands Region and in Central Province for the Southern Region, led by Assistant Secretary for Highlands and Southern Region Otto Wrangian Guidance and Counselling Division.

The all-boys dance crew G-FORCE was crowned the first Night Shift champions after edging out seven other top crews in a high-energy showdown held at Holiday Inn in Port Moresby city last night.The competition lit up the Holiday Inn Beer Garden, with each group delivering near-perfect choreography, sharp synchronization, and electrifying freestyle performances that kept the youthful crowd on its feet. But it was G-FORCE that stood above the rest. Dressed in matching blue reflective overalls, caps, and sneakers, the group owned the stage with a performance that matched the night's theme and never missed a beat. Crew leader Andrew Tareq Aouine said the win was the result of hard work and unity. “It’s a win-win because hard work pays off. That is why we are so proud and excited,” he said. He added that the team is driven by passion and always pushes beyond limits when given the chance to perform. “When we have the opportunity to showcase our talent, we just keep pushing and there is no stopping us.” Aouine said the group’s purpose goes beyond performance. “We are not just about dancing, but we want to aspire to inspire.” Before receiving the K5, 000 prize sponsored by Pacific Industries though Sting Energy Drink, the crew paid tribute to Wan Squad, acknowledging them as their inspiration. “They have been our inspiration since day one and we are proud of them for representing Papua New Guinea on the world stage.” The inaugural Wan Squad Night Shift competition is part of a broader initiative led by two-time world hip-hop champions Wan Squad, with support from Pacific Industries through Sting Energy Drink. Meanwhile, Pacific Industries Director Everett Chue said the company’s involvement aims to promote dance as a positive outlet for young people. “Dance is a form of sport that allows people to express themselves. It brings culture and communities together,” he said. He added that Night Shift offers a unique platform, targeting an older audience in a safe and vibrant night-time environment. “It’s a club-style format that adds to the platform we’re building here in Papua New Guinea.” The competition aligns with Wan Squad’s wider dance development program, bringing together participating crews as part of a growing movement to shape dance culture across the country through workshops, competitions, and mentorship.

La Salle Technical Secondary School Principal Brother Antony is now looking at restoring De La Salle Bomana Secondary School’s national ranking by 2027. The once high-performing all-boys school, has shown signs of slipping in recent years, falling out of national rankings in 2024 and 2025, while La Salle Technical Secondary has risen to the top following its transition into a recognized secondary school. Concerns over discipline have also surfaced, including a 2023 school fight involving Laloki Secondary school, and a recent incident at Gordon’s bus stop in 2025, where students drew public and police attention. Speaking during a Grade 10 parents meeting held on Wednesday, April 22, Brother Antony addressed these concerns, saying the school still holds a special place in his heart. “I love my De La Salle boys. They are very good boys, and they always listen to me,” he said. He clarified that his move to La Salle Technical was part of a broader plan to register the school under the Department of Education and push it to the top national rankings. Brother Antony said a return to De La Salle is possible if current targets are achieved. “This year, if both Grade 10 and 12 at La Salle Tech rank top in the country, then next year I will go back to De La Salle.” He added that such a move would likely be supported by the Teaching Service Commission, as both schools fall under the Lassalian family. “When I write to the Teaching Service Commission to render my service to De La Salle, it’s most likely they will say yes.” In addition, Brother Antony previously transformed De La Salle after his arrival in 2018, lifting the school into the national rankings within a few years. Between 2019 and 2021, the school consistently ranked among the top schools in the country, while major infrastructure developments were also carried out with support from the De La Salle Brothers, including a new assembly hall, ablution blocks, and administration facilities. Before this turnaround, the school had struggled with discipline and reputation following administrative transitions in the early 2000s. Since moving to La Salle Technical in 2022, Brother Antony has overseen its transformation from a vocational college into a government-recognized secondary school. In 2024, its Grade 10 students ranked first in the country, followed by both Grade 10 and 12 topping national rankings in 2025. His potential return signals a renewed push to restore De La Salle’s academic performance and discipline.

Several schools have warned they may struggle to operate as the Term 1 Government Tuition Fee Subsidy (GTFS) continues to be delayed.Now two weeks into the second term, the delay is placing pressure on the school’s ability to maintain normal operations, as expenses continue to rise with the current issues in the country. La Salle Technical Secondary School Principal, Brother Antony Pancras said the school has not received its GTFS for term one. “During the recent principals’ meeting, we asked, but no exact dates have been given as yet.” “Hopefully it comes in next week,” he said while noting that most schools won’t be able to operate if the funds don’t come in. But even with the GTFS funds, Br. Antony explained that the funds are not enough for the school’s operational budget. “With the TFF, the school receives approximately K700, 000 to K800, 000, however, our school’s actual budget is close to 4 million.” Meanwhile, Br. Antony praised the government’s ongoing education support whilst clarifying on how the TFF ratio really assists each student. “TFF is very good support but honestly speaking, it is not sufficient because a child per day is like K20.00 while for TFF funds ratio is K3.00 for a child per day,” he explained. Currently in its second week of the term, the school continues to operate without the subsidy by relying on external donations. The De La Salle Brothers are presently providing the necessary financial support to maintain the school’s infrastructure. Amidst these challenges, the school recently held a meeting for the parents of its 327 Grade 10 students. The session focused on preparing students for the upcoming National Written Expression Examination, reviewing academic performance, and outlining a schedule for supplementary weekend classes.

Young Ms. Martina Teko achieved her dream by graduating from the Papua New Guinea (PNG) University of Technology (UoT) recently with a bachelor’s degree, thanks to the NICTA Girls in ICT Tertiary Scholarship program. Ms. Teko, who is one of eight recipients of the National Information and Communications Technology Authority’s (NICTA) Girls in ICT Tertiary Scholarship Program in the country, graduated during the 58th PNG UoT graduation ceremony in Lae city. She achieved a Bachelor of Business. She described the scholarship as life changing, saying it created a pathway for young women like herself to pursue and build careers in the ICT sector. “The NICTA Girls in ICT Scholarship is truly life changing. It is one of the most prestigious scholarship programs in PNG that continues to provide opportunities for young girls who want to pursue studies in ICT and eventually build a career in the field,” she said. Like many students in higher education in the country, Martina was aware of the financial challenges. With both her parents currently unemployed, she knew pursuing tertiary studies would place a heavy burden on her family. However, the scholarship provided much-needed relief. “It has significantly helped me with my tuition fees, which took the burden off my parents and siblings. That was a huge relief for me,” she said. Her father, Rebon Teko Snr, who attended the graduation, expressed deep gratitude to God and NICTA for supporting his daughter throughout her studies. “On behalf of my family, from the bottom of our hearts, we thank God for NICTA. As parents, we are not employed, and for NICTA to support my daughter from first year to fourth year with her tuition fees brought us great relief because we could not afford it,” he said. Overcome with emotion, he added, “I don’t know how to repay you, but I sincerely thank you for your support. Thank you to the management, staff, and the entire corporate body behind this scholarship.” Martina’s hard work earned her an impressive GPA, reflecting her dedication to a field she now sees as both a profession and a passion. “I was able to stay focused on my studies and my passion in Business IT. It kept me grounded throughout my academic journey and strengthened values such as discipline, commitment, resilience, and hard work that were instilled in me during my upbringing,” she said. She also expressed gratitude to NICTA for enabling her to achieve her qualification and begin her journey in the ICT industry. “I’m grateful to NICTA. I now have a qualification that allows me to build a career in the ICT industry. I’m excited and look forward to contributing meaningfully to the development of the ICT sector in PNG and beyond by providing real IT solutions to business processes,” she said. The NICTA Girls in ICT Tertiary Scholarship, established in 2016, has supported more than 40 women in ICT and STEM-related studies across the country. The program covers tuition, accommodation, transport, book allowances, and stipends. It aligns with national goals on gender equity, digital transformation, and human capital development, while empowering young women to contribute to Papua New Guinea’s growing digital economy.

The newly Gobo All-Girls School of Excellence in Jiwaka Province is set to receive 50 desktop computers for students and 15 laptops for teachers as a major digital upgrade following a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) partnership with PNG DataCo Limited in aims to improve access to technology and modern education. The MoU establishes a five-year strategic partnership, effective from the date of execution, with provisions for review during its term and potential extension by mutual agreement. Either party may terminate the agreement with one month’s written notice, ensuring flexibility while maintaining commitment to long-term collaboration The company will also install a satellite terminal to deliver high-speed internet, supported by campus-wide Wi-Fi with built-in cybersecurity and content filtering systems. The partnership is designed to improve access to digital education, particularly for young women in rural areas, while building long-term ICT capacity within the school. PNG DataCo will also carry out a full site survey, provide technical support, and subsidize internet services for the first four months. In addition, half of the installation cost has been waived, with the school contributing K15,000 plus GST. The school will be responsible for providing essential infrastructure such as power supply, secure facilities, and ongoing service costs after the subsidy period. It will also appoint an ICT officer and enforce digital safety measures to protect students and equipment. The partnership builds on the opening of the school beginning this year as it goes in-line with the schools aim to provide specialized science education for young women, marking a major step forward in the province’s educational landscape. As it strengthens ICT capacity in schools and safeguarding critical digital infrastructure through community awareness and joint oversight. At the time, the school was designed to focus on science education, with an initial intake of around 150 students and support from government, partners, and donors. The introduction of digital infrastructure now strengthens that vision, giving students access to modern tools that support learning, research, and future career pathways. This latest partnership signals a shift towards integrating technology into education systems across Papua New Guinea, particularly in underserved areas.

At IBS University’s sixth graduation ceremony, among the many proud graduates one story carried a quiet powerful weight, a story not just of academic success but of resilience, loss, and purpose. For Bachelor of Information Technology Award of Academic Excellence recipient Richie Manuta, the journey to that stage was not defined by ease, but by a promise rooted in love and tested by grief. When Richie Manuta stood to receive his award, it was more than recognition for academic performance, it was the fulfillment of a dream his mother would never see, but one she had always believed in. Richie’s path into Information Technology began years earlier, shaped by a spark in the classroom. A Grade 9 teacher first introduced him to the world of IT, and what started as curiosity slowly evolved into a deep passion. After graduating from Port Moresby National School of Excellence in 2021, he was accepted into the Bachelor of Information Technology program at IBS University, a transition that would test both his adaptability and determination. Moving from handwritten assignments to fully computer-based systems was not easy. The shift demanded discipline, technical understanding, and a new way of thinking. But for Richie, technology was more than just tools and systems. He saw it as a language of its own “Technology is a powerful form of communication, it has its own history and methodology, just like any other field.” His passion showed not only in his words, but in his understanding. Richie spoke confidently about the key strands of the IT program, including networking, database management, and programming, breaking down complex systems into ideas that reflected both knowledge and curiosity. But behind the academic journey was a far heavier story. On January 24th, 2025, during his final semester, Richie lost his mother. The loss shook him deeply “Even though I have my dad” he paused for a while and asked “how can you go on when one of your parents is no longer there?” Grief lingered, quiet but constant within that pain, Richie found a reason to keep going and it was his mother’s dream of him. He reflected on the sacrifices both his parents had made for his education and the lessons they had instilled in him about perseverance and purpose. Slowly, that grief transformed into motivation. “Even though it was heartbreaking, I knew I had no choice but to stay on that path they showed me, and now, that’s what I want for myself,” he said. His final semester brought another test of resilience. On the eve of his final presentation, Richie faced an intense challenge. He had to be present with his team debate for an invitation while also preparing for a major group project presentation. He chose to do both and after the debate presentation, he returned to difficult news that their project server had crashed. Time was running out and pressure was building so Richie stayed up through the night working to restore the system. But thought he managed to bring the server connection back the website wasn’t fully operational. Still, he refused to walk into the presentation unprepared but when standing before the panel, Richie and his group member of fellow website developers shifted their focus on how to explain the development of the website rather than present on ho with website functions so they ended up explaining in detail during the presentation on how the server functioned, turning a near failure into a demonstration of understanding. It was not perfect, but it was real, technical, and resilient and that was enough. In the end, Richie Manuta did not just graduate. He carried a legacy forward with his achievement stands as more than an academic milestone but as proof that even in loss, purpose can endure. Somewhere between lines of code and long nights of perseverance, a promise was kept and it was not just to finish the journey, but to become the man his mother always believed he could be.