Tahiti United FC head coach Samuel Garcia says early goals in each half proved costly after his side went down 4–0 to Auckland FC.Garcia said Tahiti United prepared well and showed good structure, particularly in the first half, but conceding early after kick-off in both halves disrupted concentration and game plans. He acknowledged Auckland FC are operating at a higher level and described the match as an important learning experience for his players. Tahiti United FC player Tevita Waranaivalu echoed that view, admitting there is a gap between the two sides but expressing confidence in the team’s long-term growth. He said the squad is developing in a professional environment and believes continued training, unity and experience will help them improve. Auckland FC head coach Luke Casserly said Tahiti United applied strong pressure early but improved decision-making and execution in the second half allowed his side to capitalise on key moments. He praised the team’s defensive structure and the impact of substitutes, noting that early goals in both halves gave Auckland a decisive lift. Auckland FC player, James Bayliss wearing number eight, was named Player of the Match after scoring and playing a key role in Auckland FC’s dominant performance.

National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) Director General Dr Nelson Simbiken says Papua New Guinea (PNG) has the research knowledge and technologies needed to respond to climate change, but limited funding and access to information remain major challenges. Dr Simbiken made the comments during the first National Press Club for 2026 on Wednesday, 28th January 2026, in response to a question from PNG HAUSBUNG on whether current research investments adequately address the growing impacts of climate change on smallholder farmers and national food systems. He said NARI has been involved in climate change research across the country for more than a decade, noting that Papua New Guinea is highly vulnerable to climate shocks. “Because our country is very vulnerable to climate shifts, even small changes can result in increased pest and disease outbreaks and greater impacts on already vulnerable communities,” Dr Simbiken said. He said NARI has generated critical data and research findings to support government responses to climate-related shocks with technologies developed to suit different environments and levels of climate impact. “We have all the information necessary to support the government to address climate shocks,” he said. “That information is available at NARI research stations, and we are continuously advising the government on the impacts and how they can be addressed.” However, Dr Simbiken acknowledged that access to this information remains limited, particularly for farmers in remote areas. “One of the key gaps is that our technologies and research information are not yet fully digitized, which means farmers cannot easily access them from their own locations,” he said. Dr Simbiken also raised concerns about long-term funding for agricultural research, pointing out that while commodity research institutes such as the Coffee Research Institute and the Cocoa and Coconut Research Institute receive funding through export levies, NARI relies largely on recurrent government funding. “For more than 10 years, NARI received very limited public investment in capital expenditure,” he said. He said government support has improved in recent years allowing NARI to begin rebuilding rundown infrastructure and invest in research capacity but stressed that the funding is not guaranteed. “We are now seeing government investment coming in to support research, but this is only temporary,” Dr Simbiken said. “What we need is sustainable research funding not only for NARI, but across the entire National Agricultural Research System.” Dr Simbiken said NARI is recommending government intervention through an agriculture innovation grant scheme which would provide long-term fiscal support to strengthen research, innovation and extension services for farmers. He said sustained investment in agricultural research is essential to protect smallholder farmers and ensure national food security, as climate impacts intensify.

Papua New Guinea’s agriculture sector is set to undergo a major transformation under a new long-term strategy designed to shift the country from subsistence farming to a commercially driven economy. National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) Director General Dr Nelson Simbiken says the “Reset@50” initiative is a strategic review and forward-looking framework that will guide agricultural research and development in Papua New Guinea over the next 50 years. Dr Simbiken said the initiative is a critical pillar in implementing the National Agriculture Sector Plan 2024–2033, which aims to improve food security, strengthen rural livelihoods and drive economic growth. He said Reset@50 is not simply a review of past performance but a comprehensive effort to modernize the national agricultural research system and reposition agriculture as a robust and commercially viable engine for national development. “Agricultural research is the foundation of how we move the sector forward,” Dr Simbiken said, noting that PNG must move beyond incremental improvements and establish a coordinated, high-impact research system that responds to changing market demands. As part of the reform, NARI is reviewing its legislation to address long-standing technological and policy gaps that have limited the scaling and commercialization of research outputs. Dr Simbiken said the proposed amendments to the NARI Act will strengthen governance and accountability, improve operational efficiency and create legal pathways for research institutions to commercialize innovations and partner more effectively with the private sector. He said a new National Agricultural Research System (NARS) policy framework will also be introduced to ensure alignment across government agencies, universities, research institutions, NGOs and the private sector. The framework aims to reduce duplication, encourage collaboration and direct investment into priority value chains with the greatest potential for commercial growth. Dr Simbiken said Reset@50 represents a shift in NARI’s role from being solely a research institution to becoming a strategic coordinator of the national agricultural innovation ecosystem. He said the initiative is essential to transforming rural farmers into commercial producers, creating jobs and building a sustainable agriculture-based economy for Papua New Guinea.

Fear, cultural pressure, and economic dependence, continue to hinder many survivors of family and sexual violence from reporting abuse, despite the availability of police and support services.Acting Director of the Police Family Sexual Violence Directorate (FSVD), Chief Sergeant Eremugo Job said that many women come forward only when violence has escalated to life-threatening levels. “Some survivors wait until the abuse becomes very serious or until someone is badly injured or killed which by then, may already be too late,” said Chief Sergeant Job. The barrier to reporting is often built on the fear of retaliation from both perpetrators and their extended families. “Women are threatened by their partners, pressured by family members and frightened that violence will continue or even lead to death if they report.” Chief Sergeant Job said cultural practices including bride price, play a significant role in silencing survivors. “Because bride price has been paid, some families believe the woman must submit no matter how badly she is beaten.” “This suppresses her right to speak and seek help.” Economic dependence is another major factor. Because many women are unemployed and rely on their husband as the sole breadwinner, they fear losing financial support for their children if the man is arrested. According to the FSVD, survivors also withdraw cases due to family pressure, mediation arrangements and compensation payments made outside the justice system. “Some cases are withdrawn because families want to sort the matter out of court.” “Others are compensated before the survivor returns to withdraw the case.” Chief Sergeant Job stated that survivors often request only an Interim Protection Order instead of criminal charges, hoping the violence will stop. “Most women still love their husbands. They want the violence to stop, not to destroy their family. They want their men to change.” However, he warned that withdrawing cases often leaves survivors vulnerable. “When cases are withdrawn, perpetrators may return to the same behavior, sometimes worse than before.” The impact of domestic violence extends beyond the immediate victim and affects entire families and communities. “Children go hungry, miss school, suffer trauma, and families break apart.” “When a father is in custody or injured, the whole household suffers.” Moreover, he stressed that addressing family and sexual violence requires collective action and long-term commitment. “We need strong advocacy and awareness everywhere, schools, churches, workplaces, communities and through the media.” He also called for legal and cultural reforms to strengthen protection for survivors. “We must change harmful beliefs, promote shared gender responsibility and reconsider practices like bride price that suppress women’s voices.” Meanwhile, he urged survivors to seek help early and confidentially and to report the matter at the first sign of abuse. “Share your problem with someone you trust and let the police and our partner agencies protect you.” Furthermore, he reaffirmed the commitment of the Family Sexual Violence Directorate to survivors across the country. “Family Violence Police are here to protect lives. We will guide and protect survivors until their case is finalized in court.”

Family and Sexual Violence (FSV) police officers play a critical role far beyond arrests, guiding and protecting victims from the moment a complaint is lodged until a final court order is issued.Acting Director of the Family Sexual Violence Directorate, Chief Sergeant Eremugo Job, says FSV officers take full responsibility for the safety and wellbeing of every survivor they handle. “The responsibilities of FSV officers go above and beyond expectations. We guide, protect and assist the victim from the very beginning of the case right through to the court order, and even beyond,” Chief Sergeant Job said. He explained that each FSV officer is assigned to take full charge of a victim’s case, ensuring safety, security and continuity of care throughout the justice process. “Victim safety is our number one priority. Each officer is responsible for their victim until the matter is finalized in court,” he said. According to Chief Sergeant Job, once a report is made, FSV officers act immediately by arresting the perpetrator, arranging medical treatment at a Family Support Centre if required and securing safe accommodation through approved safe houses. “We make sure the matter is dealt with there and then. If the victim needs medical attention, we take her to hospital. If she needs protection, we arrange a safe house, so she is safe and free from interference as a witness,” he said. While victims are in safe houses, officers conduct investigations and prepare Interim Protection Orders (IPOs). FSV officers also accompany and guide victims through court proceedings. “If the victim is nervous, traumatized or unable to speak for herself, the FSV officer stands beside her at the witness box to guide and represent her,” Chief Sergeant Job said. The FSVD handles both criminal and civil matters under the law. Criminal cases include physical assault, grievous bodily harm, murder, sexual offences such as marital rape, incest and child sexual abuse, threatening behavior, emotional and psychological abuse, financial abuse, spiritual abuse and stalking. Civil matters include child and mother maintenance, divorce, adultery, enticement and child adoption. Chief Sergeant Job said family and sexual violence is widespread across the country. “It happens every hour when you look at the entire population. Many people are not equipped with knowledge of human rights, gender-based violence and the law,” he said. He added that while physical violence is often visible, emotional and verbal abuse is the most common and frequently ignored. “Swearing and degrading words cause serious emotional and psychological damage, but many people take it lightly and do not report it,” he said.

Family and sexual violence continues to have devastating impacts on women, children and entire communities across Papua New Guinea says the Police Family Sexual Violence (FSV) Directorate.The acting Director, Chief Sergeant Eremugo Job, shared with PNG HAUSBUNG the impacts of FSV on the family unit and what is being done to address this unfortunate situation in Papua New Guinea (PNG). He said most FSV cases often result in death, permanent injuries, trauma and the breakdown of families. “From our experience, we see women die, suffer permanent injuries, lose employment, become disabled or disfigured. Children become terrified, emotionally tormented and withdrawn,” he said. He said violence in the home directly affects children’s wellbeing and development. “Children who witness violence become aggressive, disobedient and fearful. They struggle to concentrate at school, lose interest in learning and isolate themselves from other children,” Chief Sergeant Job said. When children are victims or witnesses to FSV, officers work closely with Child and Family Services, NGOs and community-based organizations to ensure protection, counselling and shelter. “Children are the most vulnerable and they suffer because of adult actions. We can apply for protection orders, arrests and referrals for counselling and care,” he said. Despite the availability of support, many women hesitate to report abuse due to fear, stigma and cultural pressure. “Women fear retaliation from the perpetrator or his relatives. Some are unemployed and depend on their husband as the breadwinner. Others fear shame, divorce or losing their children,” Chief Sergeant Job explained. He said bride price, cultural expectations and pressure from extended families often make situations worse. “Most of the time, extended families support the perpetrator, even when he is clearly wrong. That makes the violence continue,” he said. Chief Sergeant Job also highlighted challenges faced by FSV officers, including limited resources, manpower shortages and lack of specialized facilities. “We need vehicles, boats for the provinces, dedicated FSV office buildings, trained officers, computers and internet access. Domestic violence happens every day, and we are still far from meeting the demand,” he said. Despite these challenges, Chief Sergeant Job said strong partnerships with health services, NGOs and safe houses continue to provide crucial support for survivors. “Medical services are free, safe houses are free, and counselling is provided. Our partners work very closely with us to protect victims,” he said. He urged survivors not to wait until violence escalates. “Family Violence Police are here to stay. Report the abuse early, apply for an IPO and let us protect you before it becomes worse or someone loses their life,” he said. Chief Sergeant Job also called on men, families and communities to play an active role in prevention. “Men must lead by example. Communities, churches, leaders and families must take responsibility. Violence is not culture, and it is not love,” he said. He stressed that lasting change requires education, awareness and the rejection of harmful cultural practices. “We must teach respect and responsibility from the home, from a young age. Violence can be prevented if everyone plays their part,” Chief Sergeant Job said.

The spirit of rugby league is set to thrive once again in Goilala with the launch of the Goilala Rugby League 9s Tournament now officially open for registration.This year’s event aims to bring together local talent, ignite community pride and strengthen the sporting culture of the district. The tournament is open only to players of Goilala heritage, providing a platform to nurture and showcase the region’s rich sporting talent. With an entry fee of K500 per team, the competition offers K10,000 for the Cup winner and K5,000 for the runner-up. Registrations will close on January 21st, 2026. Tournament Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Steven Kauva Francis said the event is more than just a sporting competition, it’s about empowering the youth and building community spirit. “The Goilala Rugby 9s Tournament is about giving our young people purpose, pride and opportunity,” Francis stated. “We’re investing in the next generation of Goilala athletes, players who can one day represent not only their district but also the country. We want this tournament to be a pathway for them to shine.” As one of the region’s most anticipated grassroots competitions, the Goilala Rugby League 9s will feature senior categories for both men and women with plans to include junior divisions from next year. Rugby league 9s is a fast-paced variation of the traditional 13-a-side game, placing emphasis on speed, agility and skill, and offering an ideal platform for scouts and coaches to spot emerging talent. Rugby league officials and selectors are expected to attend, making this an important event for aspiring players aiming to progress to higher levels of the sport. Beyond the field, the tournament holds deeper significance for the Goilala community. The event promotes youth empowerment, strengthens community unity and encourages healthy lifestyles, while also stimulating the local economy through small business involvement and tourism. The tournament has already gained notable backing with Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko MP, committing K20,000 to support the event. Organizers are also calling for further assistance from business houses and government offices across NCD and Central Province to help make the tournament a success. “This is not just rugby, it’s community building,” Francis emphasized. “We want families to come together, young people to stay active and focused and Goilala to be recognized for its passion, discipline, and potential.” For interested teams or individuals, registration forms and contact details can be found on the Goilala Rugby League Facebook page or by reaching out directly through the organizers listed contacts. The Goilala Rugby League 9s Tournament promises exciting competition alongside a celebration of Goilala’s unity, resilience and talent, laying the groundwork for even greater sporting success in the years ahead.

For thousands of people living in Papua New Guinea’s most remote communities, access to the outside world remains a long and difficult journey, often involving hours of walking just to send a message or call for help.Pastor Matt Allen knows this reality all too well. Now a pastor at a Baptist Church in Port Moresby, Pastor Allen spent 11 years living and working in one of the country’s most isolated locations, Kotidanga village in Gulf Province, a four-day walk from Menyamya and three days from Kerema.“There was zero internet access,” he said. “There still is none.” During his time in Kotidanga, Pastor Allen served as a missionary and pilot, flying a Cessna 206 for medical evacuations and logistics across the region. His mission station also operated a registered rural health centre, treating more than 11,000 patients annually. “We treated everything from a runny nose to heart attacks,” he said. “But the most common medevac was always mothers in labour.” He recalls days when he flew multiple emergency missions back-to-back, often transporting women who had already been in labour for more than 36 hours. “By the time they reached us, the baby was usually gone. The flight was just to try and save the mother.” Communication in Kotidanga relied largely on HF radio, which Pastor Allen describes as unreliable and limited to scheduled call times. A satellite phone later provided minimal email access, but at extremely slow speeds and high cost. “At best it was less than 10 kilobytes per second. It took two minutes just to receive one text-only email,” he said. A brief attempt by Digicel to establish a mobile tower around 2012 ended within months due to land disputes. “Even today, people still have to walk two to four hours up a mountain just to find a signal,” he said. He said the people in Kotidanga started using Starlink around 18 months ago, testing the satellite internet service. With speeds of around 200 megabits per second and low latency, he says Starlink far exceeds anything currently available in PNG. “There’s nothing that touches those speeds here not even fibre optics.” He describes the service as transformational for rural health, education and governance. “A health extension officer in a remote clinic could do a live video call with a doctor instead of guessing treatment,” he said. “Teachers wouldn’t have to travel to town just to check their pay. Schools could access free learning platforms like Khan Academy.” When Starlink services were later switched off, he says communities were immediately cut off again. “They’re back to darkness, hand-carrying letters or climbing mountains,” he said. He points to a recent plane crash at Kanabea airstrip as an example, where it took someone walking over an hour to alert authorities because there was no communication. “That happened just hours ago,” he said. “This is the reality.” Pastor Allen says he believes government leaders must urgently reconsider digital access for rural PNG, where an estimated 87 percent of the population lives. “People in the bush can no longer wait for fibre or mobile towers,” he said. “It’s time to step out of the stone age and come into the modern age.” While aware of ongoing regulatory and legal issues surrounding Starlink, he says his focus remains on the people affected. “If it were allowed again, I’d get five of them,” he said. For Pastor Allen, internet access is not about convenience, it is about dignity, safety and opportunity. “It means connection. It means education. It means saving lives,” he said. “It means coming into the modern age.”

The Rhinos Sydney Wesley Tournament has officially commenced with the kickoff today in Port Moresby city’s Bava Park.Tournament Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Jordan Selagi revealed that several teams have already emerged as strong contenders. “The Lasallians are definitely one to watch and they are coming off a win at the Firelight Sevens a few weeks ago, so they are full of confidence,” he said. He also highlighted last year’s finalists, who narrowly missed out on the title after a draw, decided by points difference. “That result is still fresh for them, and I expect that they will come back with a lot of hunger this year.” He expressed confidence in the host teams, stating that both Rhinos 1 and Rhinos 2 have the quality to compete strongly. “Those two sides have depth and experience, and they can match up against anyone in this tournament.” Early matches have already shown the physical nature of the competition, particularly around the ruck. “You can see the bigger bodies really working hard for possession and that has made the games exciting to watch.” Fans have also been encouraged to keep an eye on the Newtown Chiefs on field two. “They got a very dangerous and balanced squad. With Jonah Kautu coaching them, they bring a mix of speed, strength and size from both 7s and 15s rugby.” Beyond the on-field action, the CEO emphasized that the tournament is about more than winning. “The most important thing is bringing everyone together, the community feeling, families coming out, enjoying the event and reinforcing the values of rugby union.” He further highlighted that the tournament plays an important role in youth development. “Rugby keeps our young people focused and engaged, teaching them discipline, teamwork and commitment.” As the tournament continues, the Rhinos Sydney Wesley Tournament is shaping up to be a celebration of competitive rugby and strong community spirit.

Pactrade has extended the festivity cheer to children at the paediatric cancer ward at the Port Moresby General Hospital, bringing them smiles while they go through their treatments.Pactrade Marketing Manager, Ms. Idella Tago said the decision to visit was inspired by an earlier encounter with Dr Benjamin Daur, the doctor in charge of the paediatric cancer ward. Ms. Tago said the visit was both emotional and meaningful, leaving a strong impression on the team. “It struck a nerve with us. It was something wholesome and we thought we would make a commitment to come back and visit again with whatever little we could,” she said. Beyond cancer support, Pactrade is also involved in other charitable activities, including the donation of maternity kits through its Nappy Time brand to the maternity ward on a quarterly basis. She said the initiative forms part of Pactrade’s broader sponsorship and charity drives aimed at supporting vulnerable members of the community. Ms. Tago said the company plans to make the visit an annual event, with the possibility of extending it to twice a year. “We’ll do it annually, and we might do it biannually – one at the end of the year and another in the middle of the year,” she said. It’s the festive season and Ms. Tago encouraged the public to remember those in need during Christmas. “Christmas is always a time for giving and what better way to do that than to give to the needy,” she said.

The NAUFM Brekki team, Dezza, Micky and Shooky visited the Children’s Cancer Ward on Wednesday bringing smiles, comfort and encouragement to young patients undergoing cancer treatment this festive season.The team donated toys, books and warm clothes and spent some time with children and families who often face long hospital stays while battling life-threatening illnesses. Doctor in charge of the paediatric cancer unit, Dr Benjamin Daur said the visit highlighted the importance of community support for children receiving treatment. “Paediatric cancer is often neglected in our society,” Dr Daur said. “These children come from all over the country, many after long and difficult journeys and support like this makes a real difference to their emotional wellbeing.” Dr Daur explained that the unit sees around 100 children each year, with 60 to 70 new cases diagnosed annually. The most common cancers treated include leukemia, lymphoma and retinoblastoma, all of which can be managed locally if diagnosed early. He said many children arrive at the ward already very sick due to late diagnosis and limited access to specialized services in the provinces. “Once they come in and start treatment, we see real improvement,” he said. “They begin to look and feel like children again.” Treatment often involves months of chemotherapy with some children staying at the ward for up to six months or longer. Despite challenges, Dr Daur noted that children generally respond well to treatment compared to adults. The NAUFM team said the visit was part of their commitment to giving back to the community and raising awareness about childhood cancer. The visit served as a reminder that beyond medical treatment, compassion, awareness and community involvement play a vital role in helping children and families cope during one of the most difficult times of their lives.

West Sepik Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Sailas Kwaino says police in the province have officially launched their Christmas operations, despite a delayed start earlier this month.Chief Superintendent Kwaino said police operations were scheduled to begin on December 15th, but preparations were temporarily affected by the funeral program of the late Minister for Works and Highways in Telefomin District. But operations were formally launched yesterday Tuesday 23rd December. He said maintaining law and order remains challenging particularly due to West Sepik’s location along the Papua New Guinea–Indonesia border. “Like any other province, we face law and order issues. However, our situation is more complex because of transnational border-related activities,” PPC Kwaino said. He identified the movement of contraband and illegal goods including counterfeit products and firecrackers as a major concern with items smuggled across the border and transported by sea and road to other regions in the country. PPC Kwaino confirmed that firecrackers are banned from being transported out of Vanimo to other provinces and that offenders are dealt with under customs laws. “The agency responsible for dealing with the smuggling of firecrackers is Customs, and offenders are charged under the Customs Act,” he said. He acknowledged that limited manpower and mobility make border policing difficult especially along coastal areas and remote land routes. “Our mobility at sea is limited and we have a very large area to cover. Some areas have no police presence at all,” he said. Despite these challenges, PPC Kwaino said the province does not experience tribal fighting, unlike other regions. Common offences include the production of homebrew and illicit drugs.PPC Kwaino also announced a province-wide liquor ban, which will remain in effect until January 6th, 2026, as part of efforts to maintain peace during the festive season. He said key challenges for police include limited transport, poor communication networks in remote areas and inadequate resources to respond to crimes such as human trafficking, drug smuggling and the illegal movement of firearms and ammunition. Meanwhile, in his Christmas message, PPC Kwaino urged residents to celebrate responsibly. “I appeal to the people of West Sepik to celebrate Christmas in a peaceful way and not disturb the peace of our communities,” he said. He also warned against the use of firecrackers, saying police efforts have helped reduce noise pollution and disturbances in Vanimo and other parts of the province during the festive season.