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Eco-Health and Culture, PNG and Timor-Leste Strengthen Ties

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The shared Melanesian heritage between Papua New Guinea and Timor-Leste took center stage at Government House today. Governor General Grand Chief Sir Bob Dadae and President Dr. José Ramos-Horta moved beyond standard diplomacy, pivoting the bilateral conversation toward environmental protection, medical cooperation, and a vibrant cultural export, PNG music.

With both nations housing some of the most diverse ecosystems on Earth, the leaders discussed forming a unified front to protect natural rainforests and ocean biodiversity.

Dr. Ramos-Horta, a Nobel Peace Prize Laureate currently in Port Moresby for the Melanesian Ocean Summit, praised PNG’s role as a global environmental heavyweight.

“We have great respect for Papua New Guinea which along with Brazil and Indonesia, has the largest rainforest biodiversity in the world and it is also home to the largest Melanesian population in the world,” President Ramos-Horta said.

The President also proposed a practical, hands-on partnership to improve public health, suggesting a formal exchange of medical professionals. The goal is to share expertise on tropical diseases common to both regions. By collaborating on the elimination and control of Malaria and Rabies, the President believes both nations can fortify their healthcare systems through shared learning.

Highlighting PNG’s local music talent, President Ramos-Horta revealed that PNG’s cultural influence extends far across the sea. He stated that PNG musicians have a massive, dedicated following in Timor-Leste and expressed a desire to transform this popularity into a formal cultural exchange.

“I want to invite PNG musicians to Timor-Leste. We have quite a big following of PNG music fans in Timor-Leste,” President Ramos-Horta said.

The President also shared a personal wish to return to Papua New Guinea to visit the Highlands region, showing an interest in the PNG’s diverse cultural landscape.

Turning to geopolitics, the President addressed Timor-Leste’s 2025 entry into ASEAN, thanking PNG for its steadfast support of their membership bid. He affirmed that the two nations would continue to back one another in international forums as they navigate the mutual challenges of infrastructure development and human resource capacity.

“I want to assure you of my country’s support to PNG in international and regional forums,” Dr. Ramos-Horta said.

This important visit signifies a growing partnership between two “guardians” of the region’s natural wealth, concluding with a mutual shared vision for a healthier, greener, and more culturally connected Pacific.

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Sport

Ryan Ani: From Raukele to the Barramandis

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A fresh face is joining the PNG Barramandis as they head to Japan for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup East Asia-Pacific (EAP) Qualifier. At just 22 years old, Ryan Ani is ready to make his international debut.

Ani, who hails from Hula and Babaka in the Rigo Coastal area of Central Province, grew up with a cricket bat in his hand. His journey started at the Raukele Cricket Club (RCC) within the Port Moresby Cricket Association, a place connected to his father’s side of the family.

“Cricket ran as our family sport, it was part of our lives. Weekends were mostly about cricket, and I grew up loving the sport,” Ani said.

His rise wasn’t overnight. Ani started playing seriously in 2013 as a 10-year-old in the Under-12 division. He worked his way up through the U15 and U18 ranks, showing the kind of discipline and passion needed to reach the top level.

Beyond the pitch, Ani is proving that you can master both sports and studies. Just last month, he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business and Management from the Institute of Business Studies (IBS) University. For him, the game is about more than just runs; it’s about character.

“What I love about cricket is the discipline, commitment, and dedication. The lessons you learn in life can also apply in cricket. It shapes your morals and values both on and off the field,” he said.

Ani’s ticket to the national team came after a standout performance in the Boroko Motors Isuzu Men’s T20 Smash domestic tournament earlier this year. Now, he wants to use his platform to help the team and motivate the next generation.

“I would love to play more matches and seize every opportunity to support my teammates, while also inspiring others who may or may not know the sport,” he added.

While he is looking forward to the future, Ani often looks back at a defining moment in 2022. Playing for Raukele in the Premier Division, he smashed his first century during a tough chase against Coasters Cricket Club. His team was chasing over 300 runs, and things looked grim.

“All hope seemed to fall, but I didn’t give up. I held my end and gave my team hope. We chased down the total and won the game, that’s my favorite memory,” he recalled.

As the Barramandis begin their campaign in Japan from 8-18 May, all eyes will be on Ani. His debut isn’t just a personal win, it’s a sign of the young talent keeping the spirit of PNG cricket alive.

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Kina Bank Backs Small Business Innovation for 2026

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Kina Bank is doubling down on its support for the country’s budding entrepreneurs, returning as a major sponsor for the 2026 Innovation PNG Awards.

The bank has confirmed it will again lead the Innovation PNG Award for Small Business, building on a partnership established last year. The sponsorship highlights a continued push to bring small-scale digital and operational breakthroughs into the national spotlight.

Kina Bank Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Ivan Vidovich said that fostering a culture of creative thinking is vital for the local economy.

“Innovation is essential to building resilient and competitive businesses, particularly in the small business sector,” Mr. Vidovich stated.

He added that by continuing to support the Innovation PNG Awards, Kina Bank is proud to recognize entrepreneurs who are solving real problems, thinking creatively, and contributing to Papua New Guinea’s economic future.

The Small Business category specifically targets enterprises with fewer than 10 employees. The award is designed to celebrate those developing new products, services, or technologies that create a tangible impact on job creation and community strength.

The race for the 2026 titles will heat up next month:

The official shortlist will be revealed during the TechBrek breakfast in May and the winners will be announced at the Innovation PNG Awards Breakfast on the 3rd of June 2026.

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Kina Bank’s Rangeview Digital Hub Returns with Level 1 Upgrade

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Shopping at Rangeview Plaza just got a little more productive. In a move to blend essential financial services with everyday lifestyle, Kina Bank has officially unveiled its revamped Digital Hub, now operating from a fresh, relocated space on Level 1 of the mall.

The upgraded facility resumed operations on Tuesday, 24 March 2026, moving from its previous spot on the same floor to a more streamlined, dedicated area designed to handle the hustle and bustle of Port Moresby’s retail crowd.

The reopening isn’t just about a change of scenery; it’s part of a broader strategy to ditch the long queues of traditional bank branches in favor of quick, tech-driven solutions.

Open from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, the hub acts as a high-speed service center where customers can jump-start their digital banking journey.

Staff at the site are now processing everything from new account openings and instant Visa Debit card issuances to personal loan applications. For those still navigating the shift to digital, the hub serves as a tech clinic, helping locals register for internet banking and the increasingly popular WhatsApp banking platform.

“These hubs are designed to bring banking closer to where our customers live, work and shop. We’re focused on making our services easier to access while helping customers better understand the products available to them,” said Rayeleene Elston, Kina Bank’s Executive General Manager for Business and Retail Banking.

The Rangeview upgrade is just the first domino to fall. Kina Bank currently operates eight other Digital Hubs across Papua New Guinea, and the bank has confirmed that every single one of them is slated for a similar refresh.

By doubling down on these mall-based hubs, Kina is sending a clear message to the market: the future of banking in PNG isn’t behind a heavy glass teller window, it’s right where the people are.

As the bank continues to modernize its footprint, the focus remains on delivering a simple and convenient experience that proves digital banking doesn’t have to be daunting.

For regular Rangeview shoppers, that means one less trip to a main branch and more time spent getting things done.

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News

National Court Overturns Ombudsman Order Blocking Starlink Licence in PNG

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Gemini Ai generated Image of Starlink satellite over earth.

In a decision handed down yesterday, Justice Purdon-Sully declared a 28 February 2024 Direction from the Ombudsman Commission “ultra vires and consequently null and void.” The Court issued an order quashing the Direction and ordered the Commission to pay the plaintiffs’ legal costs.

The judicial review was filed by the Minister for Information and Communications Technology, Timothy Masiu, alongside NICTA CEO Kila Gulo-Vui, Board Chairman Noel Mobiha, and Director for Licensing and Enforcement Panny Yokope. The Ombudsman Commission was named as the defendant.

The Core of the Dispute

At the center of the case was a four-page Direction issued under Section 27(4) of the Constitution. This provision allows the Ombudsman Commission to issue orders to prevent breaches of the Leadership Code. The Direction instructed the plaintiffs to:

  1. Stop authorising or granting any Network Operator Licence to Starlink Internet Services (PNG) Limited.
  2. Refrain from issuing a licence without prior clearance from the Ombudsman Commission.
  3. Revoke any licence already issued to Starlink pending “further and wider public consultation.”

The Commission warned that failure to comply would amount to misconduct in office, a charge that can lead to dismissal.

Timeline of Events

The licensing process began in August 2023, when NICTA opened public consultations on Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite licensing.

  • 1 September 2023: Starlink lodged its application for an Individual Operator Licence.
  • 29 December 2023: A second consultation on licensing conditions concluded.
  • 18 December 2023: The NICTA Board gave in-principle approval for Starlink’s licences, subject to final terms.
  • 2 January 2024: Minister Masiu made the decision public.

The Ombudsman Commission claimed it received complaints that the licence was issued while consultations were incomplete and that stakeholder submissions had been ignored. Following an exchange of letters, the Commission issued the Section 27(4) Direction on 28 February 2024.

NICTA requested the Direction be lifted in April and June 2024. When it remained in place, the plaintiffs filed for judicial review on 5 August 2024, with leave granted the following month.

The Court’s Findings

Justice Purdon-Sully stated the central issue was whether the Ombudsman Commission had the jurisdiction to issue such a Direction.

While Section 27(4) empowers the Ombudsman to uphold the Leadership Code, the Court emphacized that Supreme Court precedents clarify this power is “quasi-judicial” and must be exercised “sparingly and only in very limited and carefully considered cases.”

The Court found the Direction failed to meet several “key and essential factors”:

  • No evidence of Leadership Code breach: The material showed “technical process concerns” regarding NICTA’s consultation, rather than misconduct by leaders.
  • Insufficient factual foundation: The Direction relied on “diffuse regulatory concerns” instead of facts showing corrupt or improper conduct.
  • Alternative options: The Ombudsman could have used its general investigative powers under Section 219 of the Constitution rather than a “coercive direction” that froze NICTA’s statutory functions.

“The Direction discloses no articulation of how the Plaintiffs engaged with s27(1)(a)-(d),” the judgment stated.

“The materials do not link any leader to improper gain or conflict.”

Implications of the Ruling

The Court further held that suspending NICTA’s licensing role exposed the State to “unnecessary risks or liabilities,” including potential damages claims by Starlink or third parties.

“It is not sufficient for the Defendant to base the use of the power on the strength of a purported misleading ministerial media statement, an incomplete consultation process and what may or may not be revealed during an investigation,” Justice Purdon-Sully wrote. He ultimately described the Direction as “an arbitrary and unconstitutional exercise of power” and “an excess of jurisdiction.”

The ruling removes the legal barriers preventing NICTA from continuing its assessment of Starlink’s licence. The Ombudsman Commission maintains the right to appeal the decision.

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Ok Tedi Welcomes New Graduates to 2026 Development Scheme

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Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) officially welcomed a fresh cohort of talent into its 2026 Graduate Development Scheme (GDS), headlined by seven standout undergraduate scholarship recipients from the PNG University of Technology. These high-achieving graduates are part of a larger intake of 44 professionals joining the company to bolster its future-ready workforce.

The seven scholarship graduates, who specialized in critical fields like civil, mining, and mineral processing engineering, join 37 other peers recruited from various tertiary institutions across the country, including UPNG, Divine Word University, and Pacific Adventist University.

Speaking on the milestone, Morris Nandun, Acting Manager Training and Capacity Development, emphasized that these programs are vital to Ok Tedi’s sustainability goals.

“Investing in people and developing Papua New Guinean capability is a key part of our sustainable priority and social responsibility as a 100 per cent PNG-owned company,” Mr. Nandun said.

“With our mine life extended beyond 2025, investing in education, structured training and workforce readiness ensures we operate sustainably while creating meaningful long-term opportunities for our people”.

For the graduates, the transition from the classroom to the mine site represents both a personal achievement and a commitment to national service.

“The Ok Tedi scholarship motivated us to remain focused and committed throughout our studies,” the graduates said.

“As we begin our careers, we understand the responsibility that comes with the opportunity and are committed to contributing positively to the Company and the country”.

The GDS is designed to support succession planning and safe operations, aligning with the company’s Growth 2050 Strategy to ensure long-term business resilience while delivering value for PNG.

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ABG launches Bougainville Wings, region’s new flag carrier 

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Small beech aircraft, white and maroon in color.

The Autonomous Bougainville Government has launched Bougainville Wings Limited, describing it as Bougainville’s flag carrier and a milestone for the region’s aviation sector.

President Ishmael Toroama officially launched the airline at Buka Airport yesterday.

Bougainville Wings is a joint venture between the ABG and Outback Aviation. The ABG holds a 70 per cent majority share through the Bougainville Public Investment Corporation Limited, while industry partners hold the remaining 30 per cent.

“The aviation industry in Bougainville has long awaited progress and we are looking forward to expand this significant beginning,” President Toroama said in his address.

Bougainville President, Ishmael Toroama standing next to the aircraft, Bougainville Wings.
President of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, Ishmael Toroama, standing beside the aircraft, Bougainville wings. (PHOTO/ABG Media)

He said his government was committed to ensuring the national carrier’s success.

“Under my leadership and the department of Commerce, Trade, Industry and Economic Development, we are committed to making sure that Bougainville Wings is well established and managed to bring revenue to the ABG government, as it is intended.”

The launch was attended by members of the ABG, Commerce, Trade, Industry and Economic Development Minister Hon. Robin Wilson, Bougainville Wings Limited Chairman Mr. Sylvester Kenatsi, the Secretary for the Department of Economic Development, and other invited guests.

Minister Wilson said the airline had moved from planning to operations after securing regulatory approval.

“We are no longer planning, we are operating. Bougainville Wings successfully secured its certificate of Airworthiness from CASA PNG on the 20th of December 2025,” he said.

Bougainville Wings is expected to play a key role in supporting the Bougainville 2052 Vision by improving connectivity across the region, particularly for remote and underserved communities such as Nissan, Buin, Torokina, and the Atolls.

The ABG said the launch marks a “humble yet significant beginning” for Bougainville’s aviation industry, with a focus on sustainability, growth, and expansion.

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ABG to resume Panguna landowner consultations following protest

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Open cut mine at Panguna.

Targeted consultations with Panguna landowners and their representative groups will resume on Monday, April 20, 2026, as the Autonomous Bougainville Government moves to address grievances raised over lack of proper consultation on the EL01 licence.

The announcement follows a protest last Friday by landowners in the Panguna Mine Pit area who opposed the reopening of the mine, citing unconsented entry and lack of consultation with actual mine site owners.

President Ishmael Toroama, who is also Minister for Mining, said engagement activities had been temporarily suspended for two weeks due to Cyclone Maila, which affected accessibility and community readiness.

“The ABG, in coordination with relevant stakeholders, will now recommence its structured engagement program following these disruptions,” President Toroama said.

The consultations will involve Panguna landowners, Community Government representatives, Ward Members, and other local authorities. They mark the continuation of stakeholder and landowner engagement efforts disrupted by the cyclone.

President Toroama said this phase will focus on addressing key issues and grievances identified during earlier consultations. This includes strengthening understanding of the Cooperation Agreement between Bougainville Copper Limited (BCL) and Lloyds Metals & Energy Ltd (LMEL), and clearly outlining the roles and responsibilities of all parties.

“The process will also seek to build consensus among landowners and ensure that engagement is carried out in an inclusive, transparent, and orderly manner,” he said.

In parallel, the ABG, through the Central Parliamentary Committee (CPC), will undertake constituency-level engagements across Central Bougainville focused on the dissemination of factual information on Panguna-related matters. These are intended to strengthen communication between leaders and communities, said President Toroama.

Toroama stated the Representatives from BCL and LMEL will participate in the engagement program to provide further clarification on their respective roles and responsibilities under the Cooperation Agreement.

President Toroama acknowledged there are differing views within the community regarding developments at Panguna.

“A key priority of this engagement process is to promote inclusive participation, including constructive engagement with individuals and groups who may have concerns or who oppose aspects of the current process. The Government remains committed to ensuring that all voices are heard,” he said.

In the announcement made yesterday, the ABG will also provide further clarity on grievance mechanisms available to landowners under the Bougainville Mining Act 2015, as well as those outlined in the Land Access and Compensation Agreement (LACA) signed between Panguna Landowners and Bougainville Copper Limited in late 2024. The agreement applies to BCL and any entity authorised by BCL to undertake activities under the EL01 Panguna licence, including LMEL under the Cooperation Agreement.

“The Autonomous Bougainville Government reiterates its commitment to a peaceful, inclusive, and transparent process that reflects the aspirations and best interests of the people of Bougainville,” President Toroama said.

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16kg Marijuana Shipment Intercepted at Jacksons Airport

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A passenger traveling from Western Highlands Province was arrested and charged for smuggling 16kg of marijuana into Port Moresby.

On Thursday, 09th April, airport ground handlers noticed two unusual packages arriving from Mt Hagen on Air Niugini flight PX 189 and immediately alerted National Airports Corporation Aviation Security.

AVSEC then monitored the arrival hall and identified the passenger, traveling under
a false identity, who picked up the packages. He was escorted for security re-screening, where 16 kg of marijuana wrapped in two 8kg packages were confirmed.

The suspect was detained and handed over to Airport Police.

This incident follows two earlier security incidents;

  • On Sunday, 05th April, AVSEC, working with Air Niugini Security and Police, confiscated 20.2 kilograms of marijuana from a passenger arriving from Tari Airport.
  • On the same day, AVSEC officers intercepted undeclared 12 live 9mm rounds of ammunition from another passenger, traveling to Goroka from Port Moresby, who was immediately referred to Police for investigation.


NAC’s Acting Managing Director Dominic Kaumu said these consecutive detections highlight a disturbing frequency of large quantities of drugs being smuggled through domestic airports.

He said the National Airports Corporation (NAC) recognizes the urgent need to strengthen security screening and access control measures, particularly at outer airports which have emerged as high-risk gateways.

“Our teams together with other airport stakeholders have acted with vigilance and professionalism in stopping recent threats, but the growing number of incidents is deeply concerning. NAC is tightening screening, strengthening access controls, and improving intelligence sharing across all airports. We remain committed to working with partners to protect travellers and ensure airports do not become conduits for criminal activity,” said Kaumu.

NAC commends Air Niugini’s ground handling staff who had initially noticed and reported the unusual and suspicious cargo.

NAC is appealing to the public for cooperation and support in reporting suspicious activities throughout all airports.

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Nadzab Land Development Authority Board Sworn In

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The ambitious vision to transform the Nadzab area into a bustling urban and economic area has officially transitioned from policy to practice. On Thursday, April 2, 2026, the Nadzab Land Development Authority (NLDA) Board was formally sworn in, marking a historic turning point for Morobe Province and Papua New Guinea’s land development landscape.

Established under the Nadzab Land Development Authority Act 2025, the NLDA is backed by a robust legal framework following strategic amendments to the Land Act, Land Registration Act, Physical Planning Act, Survey Act, and Valuation Act. Together, these legislative changes provide the teeth necessary for the Authority to manage large-scale urban development effectively.

The newly minted board brings together a wealth of expertise from the private and public sectors. Leading the charge as Chairman is Dr. Charles Yala, representing property development and finance. He is joined by:

  • David Wissink: Representing resource sector developers.
  • George Gware: Representing the private commercial and logistics sector.
  • Benjamin Samson: Secretary for Lands and Physical Planning (representing the State).
  • Morobe Provincial Administration Representative.

Two additional members are expected to be appointed during the board’s inaugural meeting. This team is now mandated to spearhead the master planning, infrastructure coordination, and investment mobilization required to bring the Nadzab Township to life.

Speaking on behalf of Secretary Benjamin Samson, Deputy Secretary for Customary Land, Lazarus Malesa, emphasized that the NLDA is the engine room of this vision.

“This is a momentous step forward for land development in the country. The authority is the one that will drive the actual development of the project itself,” Malesa said.

As a flagship initiative under the National Land Partnership Program, the project is designed to act as a pressure valve for Lae, reducing urban congestion while creating fresh economic corridors. Critically, it aims to integrate customary landowners directly into the development process.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Lands and Physical Planning, John Rosso, made it clear that while the government sets the stage, the private sector will be the primary builder.

“Government, we do what we do best, that is policy and guidelines. The work of building should be left to private industry. They do it more efficiently than us,” Rosso said.

Minister Rosso further stressed that the project’s success hinges on three pillars: investor confidence, secure land tenure, and genuine landowner engagement.

By empowering the NLDA, the government is signaling a commitment to sustainable growth where customary landowners aren’t just bystanders, but active participants in the future of the Nadzab hub.

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