In the Pepsi Capital Rugby Union (CRU) in Port Moresby city, the men's competitions have entered a crucial stage following Round 15, with the latest results reshaping the standings and intensifying the race for finals spots across all divisions.Valley Hunters have moved to the top of the Premier Grade ladder with 44 competition points after defeating Juggernauts, taking advantage of Wanderers' upset victory over Brothers. MBB Marlins now sit just one point behind on 43 while Brothers remain close on 42, leaving only two points separating the top three teams.Harlequins continue to occupy fourth place on 30 points after securing a win, while Nova strengthened their finals hopes by edging University. Wanderers' victory over Brothers has also added further intrigue to the race as teams battle for a place in the Top Four.The A Grade competition remains equally competitive. Competition leaders Harlequins extended their lead to 51 points following another win, while Defence and Kone Sharks also recorded victories to remain second and third on 43 and 42 points respectively. University held onto fourth place on 39 points after claiming a narrow one-point win over Valley Hunters, with Juggernauts, Valley Hunters and MBB Marlins all still within striking distance of the finals.In the Under-23 Boys division, Wanderers maintained top spot on 52 points after another strong performance. Brothers remain second on 47 points, level with MBB Marlins, while Defence continues to hold fourth place on 42. University strengthened their campaign with a convincing 28-point victory over Valley Hunters, while Kone Sharks also recorded an important win over Nova.The Under-20 Boys competition also remains tightly contested. Ladder leaders Kone Sharks stayed on course with another victory to remain on 49 points, while Defence and Valley Hunters also collected valuable wins. Harlequins and Wanderers shared the points after playing out a draw, leaving Wanderers second on 47 points, Defence third on 42 and Valley Hunters fourth on 37.With only a handful of rounds remaining, every result is proving decisive as teams continue their push for a finals berth.The Premier Grade and A Grade competition are proudly supported by Pepsi, while the Under-23 Boys and Under-20 Boys divisions are proudly supported by Moni Plus.

Wan Squad is setting its sights on transforming the Mountain Dew x Wan Squad National Dance Championships from a national competition into a regional Pacific event while creating more opportunities for young dancers.Wan Squad Co-Director and Artistic Director Pyan Ng said the organisation plans to establish regular dance workshops from next year before inviting teams from across the Pacific to compete in future championships."Our dream is to make this not just a national event but a Pacific event where dancers from across the region come together," Mr. Ng said.The vision builds on the success of Wan Squad, whose international achievements include two World Hip Hop Dance Championship titles and recent success at the International Dance League in Sydney.Pacific Industries Director Everett Chue said the championships has become an important platform for nurturing confidence, teamwork and leadership among young Papua New Guineans.He said the event continues to prove that dance is more than a hobby and can provide genuine career opportunities.National Operations Manager of Trophy Haus Tina Hurrell said Papua New Guinea has the talent to compete internationally and the championships provides an important pathway for young dancers."We belong on the world stage, and this event helps create that pathway," she said.The 2026 Mountain Dew x Wan Squad National Dance Championships will feature more than 100 dancers on August 16, while an International Dance Workshop involving Australian instructors will be held two days earlier as part of the event program.

Strong corporate partnerships continue to drive the growth of Papua New Guinea's premier youth dance competition, with several organisations continuing their support for the 2026 Mountain Dew x Wan Squad National Dance Championships.Pacific Industries announced today that Trophy Haus will return for a fifth consecutive year as the official medals and trophies sponsor, while Mint has joined the event as a new prize sponsor and promotional partner.Pacific Industries Director Everett Chue said sponsor support has enabled the championships to expand significantly over the past seven years."What started in the Vision City car park has grown into a major national event because of partners who believe in creating opportunities for young people," Mr. Chue said.National Operations Manager of Trophy Haus Tina Hurrell said the company's continued involvement reflects its commitment to investing in Papua New Guinea's youth."Supporting this event means supporting opportunity. Papua New Guineans deserve opportunities to showcase their talents and reach the world stage," Hurrell said.Wan Squad Co-Director and Artistic Director Pyan Ng thanked Mountain Dew, Mint, Trophy Haus, the Australian High Commission, Hilton Hotel and Events Tech for supporting this year's championships.He said the partnerships have not only strengthened the competition but have also enabled the delivery of international workshops featuring 11 Australian dance professionals.The championships will be held on August 16, with organisers expecting more than 100 dancers and around 600 spectators.

The 2026 Mountain Dew x Wan Squad National Dance Championships will return on August 16, bringing together more than 100 dancers from across Papua New Guinea to celebrate talent, creativity and positive youth engagement.Pacific Industries Director Everett Chue said the championships has become one of the country's leading youth dance competitions since it was launched seven years ago.Speaking during the official sponsorship announcement, Mr. Chue said the event has grown from humble beginnings at the Vision City car park into a nationally recognised competition expected to attract around 600 spectators this year at the Hilton Hotel in Port Moresby.He said the championships provide young people with an opportunity to showcase their talent while promoting confidence, teamwork and healthy competition.Mr. Chue said the event also strengthens community spirit by bringing together teams, schools and supporters from across the country.Pacific Industries, through its Mountain Dew brand and in partnership with Wan Squad, is celebrating five years of support from Trophy Haus, which returns as the official medals and trophies sponsor.Mr. Chue also announced that Mint, through Fone Haus, has joined this year's event as a prize sponsor and promotional partner.He thanked both sponsors for their continued support, saying their contributions have helped the championships grow and provided greater recognition for participating dancers.Mr. Chue highlighted Wan Squad's international achievements, including two World Hip Hop Dance Championship titles in the United States and a third-place finish at the International Dance League in Sydney earlier this year.He said the group's success demonstrates that dance can provide real career opportunities and inspire young Papua New Guineans to compete on the global stage.The 2026 Mountain Dew x Wan Squad National Dance Championships will be held on Sunday, August 16. “If you haven't already bought a ticket to the competition, we will be at Stop and Shop, Waigani Central for the rest of the week, as well as other outlets in Port Moresby. And we're running a promotion where if you buy two Mountain Dew products, you go into the draw to win free tickets, as well as a range of Mint prizes.” 

Customary landownership, workforce development and opportunities for young Papua New Guineans will take centre stage during this year's PNG Resources Week.PNG Chamber of Resources and Energy Executive Director Richard Kassman say the week-long event has been designed to promote meaningful discussions on the future of the country's resource sector while preparing the next generation for careers in mining, petroleum and energy.Mr. Kassman said one of the major topics will be customary landownership, which he described as a unique feature of Papua New Guinea's resource industry.He said with about 95 per cent of the country's land held under customary ownership, landowners remain key stakeholders in resource development.As part of the program, the Chair of the Parliamentary Bipartisan Committee on Customary Land Ownership, Keith Iduhu, is expected to lead discussions on the future direction of customary landownership and its relationship with the Mining Act and Oil and Gas Act.Mr. Kassman said the Chamber wants to improve public understanding of these issues and address misconceptions surrounding landowner participation in major resource projects.National content will also be a major focus throughout the week, covering three key areas—local business participation, workforce development and community investment.Mr. Kassman said Papua New Guinea's resource projects must continue creating opportunities for local companies, investing in skills development and supporting education, health and agriculture in project areas.A key feature of the event will be the Golden Exposition, where resource companies and service providers will showcase career pathways and business opportunities available across the industry.Around 40 secondary schools in the National Capital District, along with universities and tertiary institutions, have been invited to attend dedicated student days.Mr. Kassman said companies have been encouraged to bring their human resources teams to engage directly with students and inspire them to consider careers in engineering, science, trades, aviation, logistics and other professions linked to the resource sector."We want young Papua New Guineans to see the opportunities available in the industry, think about getting the right education and training, and prepare themselves for the jobs of the future," he said.The week will conclude with the PNG Resource Summit, where government ministers and industry leaders will provide updates on existing resource projects, new developments and ongoing exploration activities in the mining and petroleum sectors.

Authorities have restored calm in Kiunga after a large crowd attempted to attack Highlander residents and damage property following a series of fatal road incidents involving members of the Yongom and Nomad communities.Officer Commanding Delta Company, 1RPIR, Captain Roderick Kambual, said more than 100 people from the Nomad area of Western Province entered Kiunga on Monday morning intending to force Highlanders out of the town.Captain Kambual said the crowd's actions were linked to two separate fatal incidents involving alleged drunk driving in recent weeks, in which two members of the Yongom tribe lost their lives."The group came into town targeting Highlanders. They were protesting and wanted Highlanders removed from Kiunga because of the recent deaths," he said.He explained that community leaders had initially encouraged those affected to follow the proper legal process by presenting their grievances through a petition rather than resorting to violence.However, tensions escalated again after a member of the Nomad community was allegedly struck in a separate incident on Sunday, prompting another group to mobilise.Captain Kambual said authorities, together with police and local leaders, intervened before the crowd could destroy homes or attack residents."We managed to calm the situation and stopped the crowd before they could damage property or attack people. We advised them to use the proper channels to resolve their grievances," he said.He said some members of the crowd also attempted to reach the police station, believing the suspect connected to one of the incidents was being held there. Others allegedly headed towards the suspect's residence with the intention of burning the house and harming the suspect's relatives.Authorities responded quickly to both locations, dispersing the crowd before any major violence occurred.Captain Kambual said police, the Papua New Guinea Defence Force, provincial authorities and the town mayor worked together to address the concerns raised by the protesters and restore order.While the immediate situation has stabilised, he warned that tensions remain."The situation is calm now, but it could escalate if more support comes from surrounding communities. We are continuing to monitor the situation and are prepared to respond if necessary," Captain Kambual said.Authorities remain on standby in Kiunga as the situation continues to be monitored to prevent any further outbreaks of violence.

First-time participants at the 9th Papua New Guinea Defence Force Biennial Military Wives Convention say the event has given them confidence, direction and a stronger sense of support within the military community.For Ruth Wual, from Goldie River Barracks’ Long-Range Unit under the Special Forces, the convention has been a valuable learning experience and a platform where women’s voices are being heard.Ruth said attending the week-long gathering for the first time allowed her to connect with military wives from different units and better understand shared challenges.“Women’s voices are plentiful, especially when men also come out and support. It is a good thing this convention came up because it gives us a chance to speak and be heard,” she said.She said one of the key challenges she faces as a young military wife is expressing herself within the system, but the convention has encouraged her to be more confident and open.Ruth also acknowledged the difficulty of dealing with deployments, where husbands are away for long periods.“To be honest, I don’t like it, but I think I will get used to it,” she said.Despite the challenges, she encouraged more young women to join military wives’ activities and build stronger support networks.“Encouraging more young girls to come out and join is important. When issues come up, we can help each other and find solutions together,” she said.Another first-time attendee, Merolyn Yadomwalu from the hosting unit at Force Support Battalion (FSB), Murray Barracks, said the convention has been life changing as it provided her with access to information and support systems she previously did not know existed.Living inside the barracks, Merolyn said she was grateful to finally understand where to seek help when challenges arise.“I am happy to have this convention because I don’t know where to seek information if anything happens to me, my children or my husband. Now I know there is a support system I can run to,” she said.Merolyn said the convention has strengthened her faith and personal resilience, adding that she plans to take what she has learned back to other mothers who were unable to attend.She encouraged other military wives to come forward and participate in similar gatherings, saying experience shared by older wives is valuable guidance for younger women.“We need to come together and learn from mothers who have been in the system. They already have experience, and they can guide us when things come up in the barracks life,” she said.Merolyn also highlighted the importance of social connection between wives from different barracks, saying the convention helps build relationships that can support families if members are later transferred.“Sometimes our husbands get posted to different barracks, so meeting other wives helps us know people and build support wherever we go,” she said.Both women agreed that the convention has created a stronger sense of unity, encouragement and awareness among military wives, especially for younger participants navigating life in the Defence Force community.

A young military wife has shared her experience navigating life in the Papua New Guinea Defence Force community, highlighting the emotional and practical challenges that come with deployments, limited housing access, and learning to adapt to military systems.Pamela Tommy, spouse of Sergeant Tommy from Air Transport Wing (ATW) based at Kiki Barracks under the Air Transport Section, said her journey as a young wife and working mother in the military environment has been both challenging and educational.She said one of her biggest struggles has been coping with long deployment periods, where soldiers are sent on operations for months at a time, often extending beyond expected timelines.“When they go out for operations in the Highlands, sometimes they stay six months, even eight months or more. As a young mother, it was very difficult because I was also working and raising a child,” she said.Pamela explained that living arrangements added further pressure, particularly when families are not housed inside the barracks. She said priority for housing is often given based on family size, which left her renting outside the military compound during her early years of marriage.She said being outside the barracks also created challenges around communication, movement, and accessing support, especially during deployment periods.“We had marriage certificates, but sometimes housing priority depends on number of children. At that time, I only had my first baby, so we were renting outside,” she said.Pamela said the emotional toll of deployment was significant, particularly as a young mother with limited immediate support. Although communication with her husband was possible, she said distance and security protocols often made matters more complicated.“Even when we talk on the phone, there are security procedures and communication channels to follow. Sometimes it felt overwhelming,” she said.Despite these challenges, Pamela said joining a military wives’ association has helped her better understand the system and access support networks within the Defence Force community.She said the association provides a vital platform for wives to raise concerns, seek guidance and better understand military processes, particularly around deployment and welfare matters.Pamela also said attending conventions and engaging with other military wives has helped her grow in confidence and awareness of available support structures.“The association is like the voice for mothers in the barracks. It helps us understand deployment issues, housing matters and how to support each other,” she said.She encouraged young military wives to remain patient, seek help when needed and build strong support systems instead of facing challenges alone.Pamela also shared a personal reflection on adjusting to military life, acknowledging that relationships require understanding and resilience in a demanding environment.“My encouragement to young wives is to be strong, be patient and learn how to support each other. Military life is not easy, but we can help one another through it,” she said.Her story reflects the wider experiences of many military families, where separation, relocation and structured systems shape daily life, but where support networks continue to play a crucial role in helping families adapt and cope.

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale has called on Papua New Guinea to continue playing a leading role in addressing the Pacific's most pressing challenges, emphasizing that stronger regional cooperation is essential for the future of Melanesia.Speaking after bilateral talks with Prime Minister James Marape in Port Moresby, Prime Minister Wale noted that Papua New Guinea's size, resources, and regional influence place it in a unique position to provide vital leadership, both within Melanesia and across the wider Pacific.Wale expressed his gratitude to the Government and people of Papua New Guinea for the warm welcome extended to his delegation. He described his first official visit as Prime Minister as a crucial opportunity to deepen relations between two nations long connected by history, culture, and faith.The relationship between the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea, Wale noted, is rooted in centuries of shared Melanesian ancestry and has been strengthened over generations through church missions, cultural exchanges, and close people-to-people links. He reaffirmed that the Solomon Islands values Papua New Guinea as a trusted partner and seeks closer collaboration on security, economic development, climate resilience, and Pacific unity.A key issue raised during the bilateral meeting was the future of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG). Prime Minister Wale asserted that the regional body has the potential to play a much stronger role in advancing the interests of Melanesian nations, urging member states to work together to improve the organization's effectiveness and decision-making processes.The Solomon Islands Prime Minister also addressed the issue of West Papua, stating that Pacific leaders should continue engaging Indonesia through respectful dialogue while consistently raising concerns about the human rights situation affecting Melanesian people. He added that his discussions with Prime Minister Marape explored ways to encourage constructive engagement with Indonesia without undermining the vital relationships Pacific nations maintain with their regional neighbor.Economic cooperation emerged as another top priority, particularly regarding the development of the Solomon Islands' emerging mining industry. Wale explained that his country is eager to learn from Papua New Guinea's extensive experience in resource development and governance to ensure mineral wealth delivers lasting benefits to local communities.Reflecting on the impact of decades of unsustainable logging in the Solomon Islands, Prime Minister Wale stressed that his government is determined to avoid similar mistakes in the mining sector by tightening governance and promoting responsible investment.To achieve this, he invited Papua New Guinean mining companies and state-owned enterprises to invest in the Solomon Islands, noting that partnerships between Melanesian countries make it easier to resolve challenges through mutual understanding and shared cultural values.Prime Minister Wale welcomed Prime Minister Marape's planned visit to Honiara later this year, noting it will provide an excellent opportunity for both governments to advance discussions and build on the commitments made in Port Moresby.The future of the region, Wale concluded, ultimately depends on Melanesian countries working together, learning from one another, and building partnerships that will benefit their people for generations to come.

Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands have taken a major step toward strengthening their bilateral relationship by signing a new Framework Agreement on Development and Economic Cooperation. The accord will guide collaboration between the two nations from 2026 to 2030.The agreement was finalized following high-level bilateral talks in Port Moresby between Prime Minister James Marape and Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale, who is making his first official visit to Papua New Guinea since taking office.Prime Minister Marape described the meeting as an important milestone for the two Melanesian nations, noting that the agreement provides a clear roadmap for closer cooperation in trade, investment, security, infrastructure, economic development, and regional affairs.He emphasized that Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands have enjoyed decades of friendship extending well beyond their years as independent nations, rooted in a shared Melanesian ancestry, cultural traditions, and Christian values.As both countries move into the next chapter of their nationhood—with Papua New Guinea celebrating its 50th anniversary this year and the Solomon Islands approaching the same milestone in 2028—Marape stressed the importance of strengthening partnerships that will benefit future generations.The high-level discussions focused on mutual challenges, including border security, economic diversification, climate change, regional stability, and the shifting geopolitical landscape in the Pacific.The Prime Minister reaffirmed Papua New Guinea's full support for the Solomon Islands' leadership within the Pacific Islands Forum, stating that the two countries will continue working together to ensure Pacific voices are amplified on critical issues like trade, climate action, and regional security.Marape also highlighted the robust economic links between the neighbors, noting that the Solomon Islands remains the largest destination for Papua New Guinean investment in the Pacific.Papua New Guinea has invested more than K1 billion in the Solomon Islands through companies operating in agriculture, telecommunications, and various other industries. Marape encouraged businesses from both nations to continue exploring cross-border investment opportunities.Additionally, the two leaders discussed establishing closer trade arrangements among Melanesian countries—including Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Fiji, and Vanuatu—to drive economic integration and encourage a greater flow of goods and investment within the region.Marape confirmed that his government will now develop a detailed implementation plan to execute the commitments outlined in the new cooperation framework. He also announced plans to visit the Solomon Islands in the near future to hold further discussions on expanding bilateral cooperation and identifying practical, mutually beneficial projects.The Prime Minister concluded that the partnership reflects a shared commitment to ensuring Melanesian countries work hand-in-hand to promote peace, prosperity, and sustainable development across the region.

Family and sexual violence remains a major concern across Papua New Guinea (PNG), with thousands of cases continuing to be reported each year, according to statistics presented at the 9th Biannual Military Wives Convention.During a Family Sexual Violence Awareness Program hosted at the Don Bosco Technical Institute (DBTI) in Port Moresby city, officers from the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary's Family Sexual Violence Unit shared data highlighting the scale of the issue nationwide.The figures showed that more than 6,900 criminal family and sexual violence cases and over 3,500 civil matters were reported to Family Sexual Violence Units throughout the country in 2025.Between January and May this year alone, more than 5,200 criminal cases and nearly 2,800 civil matters had already been recorded.Among the most commonly reported criminal offences were assault, threatening words, insulting language, threatening behaviour, psychological abuse, aggravated assault, property damage and child neglect.Civil matters frequently reported included adultery, child custody disputes, maintenance issues, separation and cases involving neglect of mothers and children.The presentation also revealed that women continue to make up the majority of complainants in family and sexual violence cases, while men account for most perpetrators reported to authorities.FSVU officers used the statistics to highlight the ongoing need for public awareness, stronger support systems and increased reporting of violence-related incidents.Participants were also educated on the cycle of violence, which includes periods of tension building, violent incidents, denial and reconciliation, often making it difficult for victims to permanently leave abusive relationships.The session explored some of the reasons women remain in abusive situations, including financial dependence, fear, concern for children, family pressure, lack of support, low self-esteem and hope that the perpetrator will change.Officers emphasised that violence should never be accepted as normal and encouraged victims to seek help through the Family Sexual Violence Unit and other support agencies.Military wives attending the convention were urged to use the information gained during the session to educate their families and communities and help create safer environments for women and children.The awareness program concluded with a call for greater community involvement in preventing family and sexual violence and ensuring victims receive the support and protection they need.

Military wives attending the 9th Biennial Military Wives Convention have been urged to take proactive steps to protect their health through regular medical check-ups and cervical cancer screening.The awareness session, presented by Critical Care Nurse Specialist Sr Nathalie Mosh of the Murray Barracks Clinic, highlighted the growing impact of non-communicable diseases and cervical cancer on women in Papua New Guinea.Sr Mosh described cervical cancer as one of the leading cancers affecting women in the country, noting that many cases are detected at an advanced stage when treatment options become more limited.She told participants that cervical cancer remains a significant public health concern in Papua New Guinea, with hundreds of women losing their lives to the disease each year.The presentation explained that persistent infection with the Human Papillomavirus, commonly known as HPV, is the leading cause of cervical cancer. Other risk factors include smoking, weakened immunity, multiple sexual partners, and a lack of regular screening.Women were informed that symptoms may include abnormal bleeding, bleeding after intercourse, pelvic pain and unusual discharge, although early stages of the disease often show no warning signs.For this reason, participants were encouraged to undergo regular cervical screening tests and seek medical advice promptly if they experience any concerning symptoms.The session also highlighted the growing burden of lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, obesity, stroke, heart disease and high blood pressure, which continue to affect many families across the country.Health survey findings from Murray Barracks conducted in 2022 revealed concerning levels of obesity and high blood pressure among women who participated in health checks, underscoring the need for greater awareness and prevention efforts.Military wives were encouraged to adopt healthier lifestyles by increasing their intake of fruits and vegetables, drinking more water, exercising regularly and reducing their consumption of foods high in salt, sugar and fat.Ms. Mosh emphasised that prevention and early detection remain the most effective tools in reducing the impact of both cervical cancer and lifestyle-related diseases.The presentation ended with a call for women to take ownership of their health, support one another and become advocates for regular health screening and healthy living within their families and communities.“Choose health, choose hope and choose life,” participants were told as the session concluded.