The recent flight disruptions and the frustrations caused by them should be a thing of the past going forward now that the national airline- Air Niugini, is rapidly re-fleeting its aging fleet of aircrafts.Today saw the third new Airbus A220- 300 touch down in Port Moresby city much to the excitement and relief of Air Niugini and its major shareholder- the government. Minister for State Enterprises William Duma laid it out straight in his keynote address, stating that there is much work to do in lifting the service provided to passengers and with the latest arrival, there should be no excuse but to deliver to the people with airline services. He said the new A 220- 300 came into service at a time where there is a big need for more aircrafts to be able to continue to cater for the ever-growing demands from the people of Papua New Guinea (PNG). “We’ve all seen the challenges faced by our airline in the last two days. When several aircrafts became unserviceable all at the same time, it just simply caused serious disruptions,” said the good minister. Duma said this leads to passenger frustrations, which then leads to Air Niugini staff also being frustrated. However, this re- fleeting is addressing this matter, and it is fully expected that 2026 onwards, the Air Niugini fleet should be in a very good position to once again deliver the best airline service to passengers. Meanwhile, Air Niugini will commence commercial flights using its brand-new Airbus A220-300 aircraft to Tokua Airport, Rabaul tomorrow, Friday 19 December. This milestone service marks another important step in the airline’s fleet modernization program and demonstrates Air Niugini’s commitment to improving connectivity and travel experience for Papua New Guineans, particularly during the busy Christmas travel period. The operation of the Airbus A220-300 to Tokua follows approval and operational clearance by the National Airports Corporation (NAC), allowing Air Niugini to deploy the aircraft to assist with peak seasonal demand, passenger backlogs and increased travel across the domestic network. Air Niugini also acknowledges NAC’s support and collaboration in facilitating this important service at a time when many families are travelling to reunite with loved ones for Christmas.

The National Fisheries Authority (NFA) is now in a better position to carryout surveillance of Papua New Guinea (PNG) waters with the addition of several new vessels to boost its operations.Of these new vessels, the initial two which are MV Vanimo and MV Ilakini, were commissioned on the evening of Tuesday 16th December at port in the city of Port Moresby. The NFA Managing Director Mr. Justin Ilakini, whom one of the new vessels was name after, told dignitaries, government officials and partners that the event marks a significant milestone in the collective effort to strengthen fisheries coverage, protecting PNG’s sovereign waters and safeguarding PNG’s marine resources. “Your presence here reflects the shared commitment we all hold together combating illegal, unreported, unregulated fishing, and to ensure that our fisheries continue to support livelihoods, food security and national development,” said Mr. Ilakini. He also thanked partners who have worked alongside the NFA and the PNG Government to enable better surveillance of PNG marine resources. “Your continued cooperation and partnership remain critical to the success of the fisheries management and maritime surveillance efforts.” The management director said the commissioning underscores a broader long-term commitment by the National Government to invest in maritime capabilities and interagency collaboration. PNG Fisheries Minister Jelta Wong echoed the words of the NFA boss, further elaborating on the focus of the government in the fisheries sector. “The commissioning of these fisheries patrol vessels reflects the government’s firm control, commitment to protecting our sovereign waters, advancing maritime safety, security and ensuring that our fisheries continue to contribute meaningfully to national development,” said Minister Wong. Meanwhile, two more vessels are expected to join the fleet soon, of which one (MV Buka) will be given to the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) to support their fisheries surveillance efforts as well.

The National Fisheries Authority (NFA) presented two separate cheques to the Autonomous Bougainvillea Government (ABG) and the Manus provincial government to support their coastal fisheries project. On afternoon of Monday 15th December, the team from the ABG led by the Minister for Fisheries, Marine Resources and Climate Change, Amanda Masono, were at the NFA office boardroom to receive the check of K5million from the Papua New Guinea (PNG) Fisheries Minister Jelta Wong, who assured the team of the continued NFA support in this area. “It’s an obligation that we have to do, a grant that we are giving back,” said Minister Wong. “I’m very happy that we have this grant to give because I can see that under the leadership of our new minister for fisheries for the ABG, I think we can go a long way.” Going forward, Minister Wong also said the NFA and the ABG must fast track some of the work together to ensure that in the future the licensing of coastal products go back to the ABG. ABG Minister Masono thanked her counterpart and said going forward, there will be some changes taking place to ensure the effective implementation of the coastal fisheries projects with the use of the grants. She said previously, funds that were given didn’t fully support the projects due to the absence of proper systems or mechanisms in place to invest in their priorities in coastal fisheries. “We will begin by reviewing the Bougainville Fisheries Management Act and look at getting the right legal framework in place to ensure that we have the right mechanisms, systems and processes to really invest on the coastal fisheries. “We are prioritizing seaweed farming and also establishing sea cucumber hatcheries.” She said these are programs they want to invest in to sustain the people on ground and also contribute to the internal revenue of Bougainville. Meanwhile, Minister Wong also presented K6million cheque to Manus Governor, Charlie Benjamin that same afternoon right after the meeting with the team from ABG. The K6million is an instalment of a K30million for the Manus provincial government to support coastal fisheries and other major fisheries projects and programs planned for the province.

This afternoon at the APEC Terminal at 7 Mile in Port Moresby city the second Air Niugini Airbus A220- 300 touched down at 2PM, heralding the rapid progress in the re-fleeting exercise of the national airline.  A proud moment for the Air Niugini management and the Government with the Minister for State Enterprises William Duma watching on with pride as the latest addition rolled in through the traditional water salute courtesy of two National Airport Corporation (NAC) Fire and Rescue trucks. Air Niugini Board Chairman Mr. Karl Yalo said the introduction of the latest Airbus A220 is going to improve Air Niugini's services to passengers. He said with the new fleet up and running, issues like flight disruptions will soon be a thing of the past, but perhaps what is significant of them all is safety, which he said Air Niugini prioritizes on. “In recent months, many of you my fellow Papua New Guineans experienced delays, cancellations and last-minute changes. Families have missed important events, businesses have lost opportunities and people have struggled to reach schools, workplaces and hospitals,” said the Chairman. "To all our customers, I want to say clearly that we’ve heard your frustrations and your anger. We acknowledged the inconvenience, the stress and financial hardship you have faced.” “Through all of these, one principle is nonnegotiable, and that is safety,” said Mr. Yalo, stressing that Air Niugini would not hinder safety no matter what. He then said the disruptions are due to the long-term structural problems and aging fleet, years of under investment, constraints and pressure on parts and maintenance. However, thanks to the National Government and Kumul Consolidated Holdings (KCH), these matters are being addressed with the arrival of the new aircrafts and more.Air Niugini is receiving in total eleven (11) new Airbus A220- 300 aircrafts. The first one arrived on the eve of the 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations on September 15th and today the second one has arrived all the way from Canada to Honolulu (Hawaii), Fiji and eventually Port Moresby city.

The recent opening of Luluai (Gerehu) Limited not only marks a change to the business landscape in Gerehu, but it also marks the opportunity for employment for the young people of the notorious Port Moresby suburb.Luluai Gerehu Limited Assistant General Manager Ms. Delmae Haru said the new establishment is bigger than their other establishment and as such, would require a good number of people to staff the various departments. Speaking to PNG HAUSBUNG, she said to fill in this demand, most of the stuff recruited were from the Gerehu suburb. “We need about over a hundred employees in all departments like gaming, restaurant, kitchen, the bar, and security. So, we thought that opening here, we give priority to people around here. So, all our staff working here are living in Gerehu from stage one to seven.” This she added that it also ensures that the residents here take ownership of this new establishment. “Generally, we have good people here and they go all the way out to town to look for social activity or night life, so, that’s why we decided we might as well put one here,” she said. “It’s something for them to be proud of because yes, we are running a business, but it’s for the people of Gerehu.” The new Luluai Gerehu branch opened its doors to the public on Thursday 20th November 2025, much to the excitement of the residents.

The 2026 National Budget stands at K30.9 billion with a Capital Investment Budget of K10.8 billion, the overall budget an increase of over 9% from the 2025 budget total. The Treasurer, Ian Ling Stucky in his budget speech said the budget focuses on security and economic growth as per its theme, "Security with Growth".Key take always from the budget include the continuation of the GST exemption that run to the end of 2026 instead of mid 2026 as initially projected. Also some key areas getting a big allocation for 2026 to be funded by the Capital Investment Budget include the health sector investments with K858.1 million, education sector investments with K609.5 million and law and justice sector investments with K463.0 million. The 2026 National Budget will now be presented on the floor of parliament by the Treasurer this afternoon for responses and comments before it can be passed. 

Residents of Gerehu in Port Moresby now have access to a modern dining, entertainment and gaming venue following the recent opening of Luluai Gerehu Limited. The new branch opened its doors on Thursday, 20 November 2025. Speaking to PNG HAUSBUNG, Assistant General Manager Ms. Delmae Haru said the opening had been delayed for more than three months, so the team was excited to finally welcome the public. Ms. Haru explained that Luluai Gerehu is an expansion of the company’s original concept at Dream Inn, which later grew to a branch in Gordons. She said many of their regular customers actually come from Gerehu, so opening a facility closer to them made sense. Another key reason for establishing Luluai at Gerehu was to help improve the area’s image, especially after the “Black Wednesday” riots of January 10 last year, which saw several shops damaged or burnt. “Generally, we have good people here, but they have to travel far for social activities or nightlife. So, we thought we might as well put one here,” Ms. Haru said. She added that the company already owned the land and wanted to develop it. “We could have opened a service station, but Luluai Gordons was doing well for us, so we thought we should introduce the same here in Gerehu.” Although Luluai Gerehu is now open, only the restaurant and bar are operating for the moment. The gaming section will open once they receive a licence from the National Gaming Control Board (NGCB). Most of the staff hired for the restaurant, kitchen, bar, gaming floor and security are Gerehu residents. Ms. Haru said this was intentional to ensure the community feels ownership of the facility, which provides both services and job opportunities.

The story of Steamships, the company that started its operation in Papua New Guinea (PNG) in the early years of the 20th century, is one of commitment and trust in investing in a land and its people long before it became a country.The Steamships Trading Company Limited, steamed into the pacific and set up shop in Port Moresby as World War One was ending in 1918. Starting with just one vessel, the company grow to one of the biggest employers and investor in Papua New Guinea 107 years on. This is a snapshot of the history of the Steamships company that was displayed recently in Port Moresby city when premiering its documentary film- "Steamships and Papua New Guinea, Our Story", on the Friday 14th November. The documentary film, with the skillful use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to produce it, showed the story of Steamships’ past, the present and the outlook of a company that has been part and parcel of many Papua New Guineans. Steamships Managing Director Mr. Chris Daniels in his opening address said the 30-minute documentary film is part of a yearlong series of activities by Steamships to commemorate PNG’s 50th anniversary of independence. “As PNG celebrates this great milestone, Steamships too marks 107 years of continued partnership and service to the people of this great nation,” he said. “From the humble beginning in 1918 as a single vessel trading operation to today, as one of the largest private employers in the country.” “Our company philosophy is to offer best service to all our customers, provide service and rewarding careers for our staff, and always maintaining the highest business ethics. These principles have guided us for more than a century. Meanwhile, the Minister for Fisheries Jelta Wong who represented the prime minister at the premiering night, expressed his gratitude and appreciation for the century long service Steamships has provided to the people of Papua New Guinea from shipping to residence and hotels. “This is about collaboration, commitment, dedication. A company 107 years old,” Minister Wong expressed. He further expressed that the connection made throughout PNG was done through Steamships linking the various ports and bringing the people together, way before independence came around. “This is commitment and dedication. You don’t get that these days,” said the minister.

Three people are dead and one in a very critical condition following a fatal road accident along the Poreporena Freeway at Konedobu this afternoon in Port Moresby city.Police were quick to the scene of the accident within a minute because the accident occurred next to the Police Headquarters at Konedobu. Police confirm three deaths; one female and two males while one person, a male, is in a critical condition. He was assisted to the hospital. Meanwhile, images on social media showed bodies of the victims lay all over the place from the impact of the accident. One body was on the road while the others on the side. The fatal accident involved as five- door Toyota Landcruiser. The National Capital police will release further information on the accident once preliminary investigation is completed.

The new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Commissioner for the country’s consumer watchdog, the Independent Consumer and Competitions Commission (ICCC), has said its time to do things efficiently and smarter going forward.The new CEO and Commissioner Mr. Roy Daggy said Papua New Guinea has now set on a journey for the next 50 years to come, which means it’s a time to start taking new directions, seek new ways of doing things to achieve the goals set for the country. He said it’s the same for the ICCC and if the Commission is to fully execute its mandate to protect the people from unfair trading practices that could impact their livelihoods, it must up its game. This statement indicates his intention to take the ICCC to new heights. “We’re looking at the next 50 years, we’re looking at something that is more innovative, be transformative and do it much smarter,” said Commissioner Daggy. “There is a lot of things that we can do in this space because our focus must be on the consumers, which is our people. That is priority one and we must create a level playing field and we must ensure that the enforcement part of the mandate that the ICCC must be effective and strengthen and also consumer protection must be our priority.” Commissioner Daggy also has faith in the Board that it will support the cause by providing the leadership for the ICCC to move forward in the years to come.

The Independent Consumer and Competitions Commission (ICCC) now has a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Commissioner taking charge of the consumer watchdog to protect Papua New Guineans from unfair trading practices.The Minister for Rural Economic Development Joseph Lelang on Monday 3rd November, announced at the ICCC head office in Port Moresby city that Mr. Roy Daggy is now in charge of the Commission. “I am very happy to officially announce the new Commissioner and CEO of the ICCC,” declared the minister. “The appointment has been officially published under the national gazette number G11051 dated 30th October 2025 by His Excellency Sir Gibs Selika (Chief Justice), who was the acting Governor General.” The acting Governor General made the appointment following by the ICCC independent appointment Committee’s approval as required under section 8 and 9 f the ICCC Act 2002. Minister Lelang also took the opportunity to extend his appreciation to Mr. Paulus Ain, the outgoing commissioner for his outstanding service and leadership during his tenure. “On behalf of the government, I want to sincerely thank Mr. Paulus Ain for his years of dedicated services and contribution to the ICCC and to the people of Papua New Guinea.” “His commitment to ensuring fair competition and consumer protection has set a solid foundation for the incoming leadership to build on,” said Lelang. Mr. Daggy is not new to the ICCC and brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience in economic finance, energy and regulation and public policy.

The recent announcement of the country’s latest census result was well received especially for its successful completion given the challenges faced, but what it revealed showed a scary situation that Papua New Guinea (PNG) is currently in. Prime Minister (PM) James Marape took the podium at the Hilton Hotel in Port Moresby city on the evening of Thursday 30th October, where in front of staff and management of the National Statistical Office, partners and stakeholders, plainly stated that PNG needs to decisively control its population growth for the sake of better service delivery to the people. The 2024 National Census result revealed PNG’s human population at 10,185,363. “I think it is about time we converse on population control; birth control,” said Prime Mister Marape. “To parents, it is a very expensive exercise to raise children. One child, two children may be enough, but with three, you're pushing the limit.” Marape then urged the young people that if they plan to have a family, couples must consider the economy and make decisions on having children, especially when the economy is not in its best form fueled by issues in the world economy. “So, I want to propose a conversation on birth control and population control. Limiting the children to maybe two or three (to a family),” said Marape, stating that such conversations must be held in parliament, churches, in communities and at the family unit. The prime minister’s concern stems from the fact that the country’s population is obviously growing faster and higher than the economy, which could lead to drastic implications for the country going forward. According to the World Bank’s midyear Economic Update, Papua New Guinea’s economy is set to grow by 4.7 percent in 2025, well above its historical average, driven by rising gold and copper production and a strong recovery in agriculture. However, the prime minister says otherwise. “A population anywhere above 10 million with an economy this size, is unsustainable for our country. At present size of the economy, we can’t afford to have a population boom.” Nevertheless, the government continues to focus on growing the economy, but the population needs to be controlled as well. A sustainable country must have the population below the growth rate; hence, the prime minister proposes to have population control policies in place in the near future to manage this issue.