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Pacific leader seeks investment, Australia eyes defence

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Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele (centre) is seen talking to attendees during the 14th Australia-Solomon Islands Business Forum in Brisbane.

The Solomon Islands prime minister has made a concerted pitch for new trade and investment opportunities, as Australia looks to strengthen its security relationships in the Pacific.

Jeremiah Manele says Australia and the Solomon Islands need to partner at a moment of opportunity as well as challenges.

“The global economy is shifting. New markets are emerging,” Mr Manele told at a bilateral business summit in Brisbane on Tuesday.

“It is through partnerships with businesses that we will create jobs, build firms and generate prosperity,” he said, appealing to Australia’s private sector to invest in his archipelago.

The Solomon Islands is one of Australia’s nearest neighbours, but one of the poorest nations on earth, with GDP per capita around a thirtieth of Australia.

Mr Manele is eager for economic growth, with prospects in mining, agricultural and forestry projects.

“We are committed to revitalising our economy, strengthening connectivity, ensuring peace and unity across our islands and investing in our people,” he said.

“But we recognise the government cannot achieve its transformational agenda alone.”

Mr Manele said Australian investment would contribute to the Solomons’ economic transformation and aid infrastructure development via partnerships in construction.

Australia is the biggest supplier of humanitarian and foreign aid to the Solomon Islands and one of its biggest trading partners, alongside China.

Mr Manele pointed to the success of the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, which allows Australian businesses to recruit workers from the Solomon Islands to bridge labour shortages in rural and regional Australia.

He described it as a mutually beneficial scheme that had contributed to the economy of both nations.

But he did not mention the two most vexed issues between the two countries: climate and China’s increasing presence in the South Pacific.

Mr Manele was welcomed to Brisbane by federal Speaker Milton Dick, who subtly appealed for closer defence ties.

While Australia builds its security partnerships in the region, including a treaty with Papua New Guinea, Honiara has appeared less receptive to formal tie-ups with Canberra. 

Mr Dick said while there was “an ocean between us”, Australia was a partner the Solomons could count on, pointing to the two nations’ shared history as World War II allies.

Mr Dick’s father Alan served in the Pacific in World War II.

“He felt then, as my brother and I do, a deep commitment to peace and stability in the Pacific,” he said.

“Economic prosperity and security go hand in hand.”

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Central, Western and Morobe Province yet to Submit Annual Reports

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A display of the three flags of Morobe, Western and Central

The deadline for submitting the 2024 Annual Provincial Performance Report or APPR has lapsed since the 30th of June and only three Provinces are yet to submit theirs.

The Minister for Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs, Soroi Marepo Eoe, commended the majority of provincial governments for adhering to reporting requirements and submitting their 2024 Annual Provincial Performance Reports (APPR) to the Department of Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs (DPLGA).

Under Section 119 of the Organic Law on Provincial and Local Level Governments (OLPLLG), all provincial governments—excluding the National Capital District and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville—are required to submit their APPRs for the preceding year by 30 June.

Minister Eoe explained that each year, the National Government allocates funding to provincial governments to support service delivery across six Minimum Priority Areas (MPAs): Governance, Education, Health, Works and Transport, Law and Justice, and Primary Production.

“Compliance reporting on the MPAs strengthens, accountability and builds trust between provincial governments and the people. It enhances relationships and instils confidence in service delivery,” the Minister said.

Secretary Philip Leo confirmed that 17 provinces have submitted their reports, with only Central, Western and Morobe provinces yet to submit.

“Once these remaining reports are received, the Minister will table the consolidated outcomes in Parliament next year,” Secretary Leo stated.

On 27 May 2025, Minister Eoe presented the Annual Provincial Performance Reports for the years 2018–2022 in Parliament. This was the third presentation of its kind since the Organic Law on Provincial and Local Level Governments was enacted in 1995.

“Over the past decade (2014–2023), only 10 provinces have consistently submitted their APPRs,” the Minister noted.

In the last five years, only seven provinces met the 30 June deadline, while 13 submitted late or failed to submit altogether.

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The Essential Role of PNG’s Mineral Resources Authority

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MRA logo ontop of a backdrop of alluvial mining picture

The Mineral Resources Authority is a government agency responsible for executing all mining-related functions on behalf of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea. The authority is the custodian of the mining sector in PNG. MRA accounts for over 60% of PNG’s export revenue. 

Established right after Independence on September 16, 1975, the Independent State of PNG had its own Parliamentary system with several Members of Parliament appointed to Ministries, including Natural Resources, which had the Department of Natural Resources. 

The department administered;

  1. Mining Development Act 1976
  2. Petroleum (Prospecting & Mining) Act 1976
  3. Continental Shelf (Living & Natural Resources) Act
  4. Mining (Bougainville Copper Agreement) Act, and
  5. Mining (Safety) Act 1977

In 1983, the Ministry of Natural Resources was realigned and renamed, to the Ministry of Mineral and Energy. The department under the ministry was the Department of Minerals & Energy that administered all legislation under the former department of natural resources. 

In 1992, during the reign of Sir Robbie Natalie as the Prime Minister of PNG, the department reviewed the Mining Development Act 1976 that resulted in the creation of a new legislation, which is the current Mining Act 1992. 

In 1998, the Government, under the leadership of former Prime Minister when late Bill Skate was the Prime Minister, the separated mineral resources and petroleum & energy.  resources and their office stations separated. All mineral resources sector and its relevant legislations were placed under the new Department of Mining and petroleum and energy legislations were under the Department of Petroleum and Energy. 

In the year 2000, the World Bank gave USD$10 million loan to the PNG Government for the Mining Sector Institutional Strengthening Project with the primary aim to strengthen the national capacity of national government agencies to attract new foreign investors to the mining sector. One of the recommendations was to establish an Authority, an organization free of political interference with its own funds from the production levies collected from the mines, which led to the birth of the Mineral Resources Authority. 

In 2005, the Government enacted the Minerals Resources Authority Act 2005. This legislation paved the way for the birth of the Mineral Resources Authority (MRA). 

Until 2007, MRA became operational, from its brand new building known as the Sir Paul Lapun Haus, commonly called the Mining Haus. Unfortunately, the building burnt down in 2014. The cause is still unknown. 

MRA currently administer the following legislations;

  1. Mining Act 1992
  2. Mining (Safety) Act 1977
  3. Mining (OkTedi Continuation Agreement) Act 2001. 

MRA FUNCTIONS & APPROACH

On 19th August 1998, the National Executive Council (NEC) considered a Policy Submission requesting approval for the creation of the Mineral Resources Authority through an Act of Parliament. On 9th November 2005 and which came into force on 1st January, 2006.

The Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) is a government institution established to regulate, grow and sustainably manage the mining (minerals) industry to maximize mineral export revenue for PNG. 

MRA’s key functions and responsibilities is to;

  1. Advise Minister on matters relating to management, exploitation, and development of PNG mineral resources in PNG. 
  2. Oversee administration and enforcement of Mining Act 1992, Mining Safety Act, Mining Development Act, Ok Tedi Acts and Bougainville Copper Agreement Act (whose responsibility is now with the Bougainville government).
  3. Promote orderly exploration and development of PNG mineral resources, and administer and manage all exploration and mining tenements in PNG.
  4. Negotiate mining development contracts and MOAs, provide liaison and facilitate meetings between stakeholders of specific exploration and mining projects.
  5. Conduct geo-scientific investigations into PNG geological resources and promote these resources to potential investors and developers.
  6. Provide small scale mining services. 

According to MRA, successful mining and exploration requires a good understanding and respect for the diversity of the country, both win terms of cultures and socio-economic contexts, as well as biodiversity and natural characteristics. 

MRA assists companies in abiding by existing legislation in this regard, and in providing overall advice, and in expertise which has been built up from work conducted throughout PNG.

Meanwhile, MRA is principally a government regulatory institution providing regulatory services to companies holding exploration and ming tenements in PNG. 

MRA is also a scientific institution conducting surveys and explorations to understand better the geology and mineralization of PNG. It is the custodian of all mineral and other earth sciences data in PNG. 

WHAT MRA DOES

The Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) is a government institution established to regulate, growth and sustainably manage the mining (minerals) industry to maximize mineral export revenue for PNG. MRA is the custodian of over 15, 000 volumes of exploration reports and over 900,000 data points of mineral data. It is the first point of contact for any businesses in the mining sector. 

As the mining business encroaches on customary land, local communities are impacted one way or the other, and with the perceptions and expectations on improvement of their lives. The MRA plays an important role in facilitating and managing these perceptions and expectations. It is the middleman for all stakeholders in the mining and exploration and related activities. 

PERMITS

The Tenements Administration Branch is headed by a manager who is also the Registrar of tenements. The Register’s Office administers the PNG Mining Act 1992 which is the Law that regulated mineral exploration and mining in PNG. 

Apart from administering permits, the branch also oversees the revenue from alluvial gold exports. It also maintains a repository of mine production and royalty data. The permitting process will be fully electronic soon should the revised Law is enacted. 

TYPE OF TENEMENTS

There are various types of Mineral Tenements provided for under the Mining Act 1992 which are issued by the Mining Minister on recommendation from the Mining Advisory Council. These tenements are;

  1. Exploration License (EL) – enables the holder to conduct mineral exploration within the area on land and offshore within the State of PNG. The license term is two years subject to extension. The area six is 1 sub block or 3.14 square kilometers minimum. The rights to develop mineral resources within the EL rests with the EL holder. Alluvial Mining lease is held only by naturalized citizens for mining 
  2. Mining Lease (ML) – a mining Lease is generally issued for small to medium scale alluvial and hard rock mining operations. The lease terms up to 20-years and can subsequently be extended for up to 10-years. The area size sis up to 60 square kilometers. Mining lease for hard rock resource development can be held 100% by a foreign entity. Mining lease for alluvial purpose with foreign interests can be had in the ration 49%:51% favouring nationals.
  3. Special Mining Lease – Large and mega mining projects are usually undertaken under a SML. The Mining Minister in considering the size of the mineral deposit, the method of treating it, the infrastructure required for the project, economic consideration and financing of the property may decide on the project being undertaken under mining development contract. The mining development contract is entered into between the State and the project proponent and it captures terms not already captured in the mining law. The decision by the Minister brings about a mining development forum where the terms of the contract are negotiated.
  4. Alluvial Mining Lease (AML) – this lease is held only by naturalized citizens for mining alluvial minerals. The citizen must be the owner of the land over which the lease falls. The area size can be up to five hectares maximum and the term of the lease is up to five years extendable Gold is the alluvial mineral usually mined under an AML. With no alluvial minerals definition in the mining law, it is generally perceived all other alluvial minerals are inclusive. 
  5. Lease for Mining Purpose (LMP) – LMPS are leases that hold infrastructure that support mining projects. The lease is usually issued outside but adjacent to a primary mining tenement, if the primary tenement cannot hold all the infrastructure required for the mining project. The term of the LMP is tied to the term of the primary tenement. The area size of the LMP can go up to 60 square kilometers maximum. 
  6. Mining Easement (ME) – A tenement that serves as an easement for infrastructure that supports a mining project. An easement may overlap other establishments. The intent is to excise certain land areas from the establishments for the purpose of the easement. Easements usually caters for infrastructure that requires narrow lateral extent but covers long distances such as roads, railway, power transmission lines, pipelines, waterways, to name a few.

PROCESS FOR APPLYING FOR A MINING LEASE

  1. Register on the MRA Portal
  2. Submit a lease application with supporting documents including proposals, financial and technical capacity evidence, land title information;
  3. Mining Warden Hearing where community views are recorded, and 
  4. Recommendation by the Mining Advisory Council
  5. Final grant or refusal by the relevant authority. 

MRA Use of Templates/Forms

Form 4: For a standard Mining Lease

Form 5: For an Alluvial Mining Lease

Form 3: For a Special Mining Lease

Form 8/17: Used for application particulars and boundary descriptions

Form TMP1: For online portal registration. 

These forms are available from the MRA website or head office in Port Moresby. 

MRA has five (5) Divisions

  1. Development Coordination Division
  2. Regulatory Operations Division
  3. Geological Survey Division
  4. Corporate Services Division
  5. Office of the Managing Director 

The Managing Director is responsible to the Board for matters relating to administration and institution of the MRA including its day to day operation and activities.  The Managing Director is responsible for the Minister relating to the implementation of the provisions of the Mining Act 1992 and all mining regulatory or policy matters.

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Santos CEO to Headline Flagship PNG Investment Summit in Sydney

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Silver haired caucasian man earing a navy blue suit and tie

Kevin Gallagher, Managing Director and CEO of Santos, is set to lead a global lineup of business executives as the headline speaker at the PNG Investment Leaders’ Summit, a central event of the Papua New Guinea Investment Week 2025.

The summit is scheduled to take place from December 8–11 at the International Convention Centre in Sydney, operating under the theme “Stronger Together – Investing for the Future.”

Gallagher helms one of the world’s leading energy companies, which serves as a cornerstone investor in Papua New Guinea. Santos has a more than 100-year association with PNG and has invested billions of dollars into the nation’s oil and gas sector.

These investments include transformative projects such as the established PNG LNG venture and the upcoming P’nyang Gas Project. These projects are described as being “critical to the nation’s economic growth and energy security.” The company continues to drive sustainable development, create jobs, and generate significant revenue for the country.

Gallagher’s keynote address is expected to offer unparalleled insights into global energy trends, LNG expansion, and investment strategies shaping the Asia-Pacific region. His participation highlights the summit’s role as the premier platform for strategic dialogue between PNG and Australia’s top decision-makers.

The four-day Investment Week aims to unite global investors, industry leaders, and policymakers for high-level discussions focused on unlocking investment opportunities and forging partnerships in PNG.

Current registration figures show strong interest, with over 800 delegates confirmed. Sponsorships have reached 58% capacity, and exhibition booths are 83% booked.

The program includes several dedicated forums and networking events:

  • December 8: International Suppliers Forum, PNG Regulators Forum, and PNG Climate Investment Summit.
  • December 9: PNG Investment Leaders’ Summit (featuring Kevin Gallagher).
  • December 10: PNG Resources & Energy Investment Summit.
  • December 11: PNG Infrastructure Investment Summit and PNG Resources Exploration Forum.

Networking opportunities include the Investment Week Golf Challenge, which also supports charitable initiatives, and the PNGIW25 Gala Dinner for informal engagement.

These sessions are set to showcase investment-ready projects across a wide range of sectors, including mining, oil and gas, renewable energy, infrastructure, and climate solutions.

Organizers are strongly recommending early confirmation to secure participation and maximize visibility, as spaces for delegates, sponsors, and exhibitors remain available but are filling fast.

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Meth on the Rise, Parents Alarmed, Hospital Raises Capacity Concerns

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Port Moresby residents are raising concerns about the growing presence of methamphetamine, commonly known as “meth,” in their communities.

Parents in several suburbs told InsidePNG they fear the drug is now reaching young people and causing worrying changes in behavior.

One mother from Gerehu said she has noticed teenagers staying up for long hours at night and becoming restless during the day.

“We grew up with marijuana around us, but this one looks different. The children don’t sleep, they don’t eat, and they change so quickly,” she said.

Community leaders in Hohola and Boroko shared similar fears, saying conversations about meth are now more common than before.

“In the last year or two, parents keep telling us about something new and more dangerous. It’s spreading fast,” a youth leader explains.

There are serious concerns about the health effects on users and the capacity of PNG’s healthcare system to provide rehabilitation. InsidePNG spoke with Dr. Ludwig Nanawar, acting CEO of Laloki Psychiatric Hospital, who said the country’s health system is not ready to cope with a surge in hard-drug use.

“The hospital lacks the capacity, from the necessary drug rehabilitation centers that offer counselling and reintegration programs trained professionals for rehabilitation, to the necessary medicines specific to treating meth and other hard drug abuse. We are already stretched, and we cannot handle a major influx of patients,” Dr. Nanawar said.

Health workers warn that meth is far more addictive than marijuana and can cause serious long-term damage.

“It changes how the brain works, it leads to aggression, sleeplessness, and even mental illness,” one Port Moresby-based medical officer said.

With no formal rehabilitation centers in Papua New Guinea dedicated to meth addiction, families say they feel helpless.

“We can talk to our children, but if they’re hooked on it, where do we take them for help? We are very worried,” another parent told InsidePNG.

Parents and leaders are now calling on authorities to increase awareness and strengthen policing against the flow of meth into communities. They fear that without action, a generation of young Papua New Guineans could be at risk.

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KPHL’s K3.3M Sponsorship is a Game-Changer for the Kumuls

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The PNG national men’s rugby league team, the PNG LNG Kumuls, has a huge boost for its international season.

Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited (KPHL) announced on Wednesday a three-year renewal of its platinum sponsorship, worth K3.3 million.

This funding is critical for the Kumuls’ international campaign, which includes the annual Prime Minister’s XIII and the Pacific Championships. According to PNG Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) CEO, Stanley Hondina, the sponsorship is vital for managing the team.

“To assemble a national team like the Kumuls with most of its players playing overseas is a costly exercise,” Hondina said.

He added that the sponsorship will go a long way in assisting with travel, accommodation, playing & training gear, back-office support and administration.

The renewed partnership ensures the Kumuls can focus on their upcoming matches.

They’re set to play Australia in the Prime Minister’s XIII on October 12, followed by the Pacific Bowl Championships against the Cook Islands on October 25 and Fiji on November 1.

Wapu Sonk, KPHL’s Managing Director, said the company was happy to renew the sponsorship, reaffirming its commitment to “national pride, youth development and community engagement.

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International

Lessons from the Pacific: Australia Reflects 80 Years After WWII

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Eighty years after the end of World War II, Australians have paused to reflect on the sacrifices made for peace. Commemorations for Victory in the Pacific (VP) Day were held across the nation on Friday, honoring those who served and fell.

In Melbourne, Maureen Bell proudly wore her father Bert Jones’s war medals at the Shrine of Remembrance. She recalled her dad, who served in New Guinea, often telling funny stories to ease the pain of his experiences.

“He said he was called Screamer because they would play AFL football in New Guinea,” she reminisced, later learning the nickname was due to his loud personality.

Despite her pride, Ms. Bell expressed a somber view on the state of the world today.

“It’s important to honor those that have gone before us and made incredible sacrifices,” she said.

“But we don’t seem to learn from it. We keep doing it unfortunately.”

At the Sydney service, Phil Ward honored his father, a survivor of internment and the Burma railway. He described the commemorations as a moment of “enduring gratitude” for those who defended freedom.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paid tribute to the nearly one million Australians who served, 40,000 of whom never returned. He called the war a “nightmare made real” by human beings.

RSL Victoria President Mark Schroffel noted the sorrow that accompanies the victory, remembering the “unsung heroes who never returned home.”

He emphasized the importance of preserving their memory, stating, “Nobody really wins.”

Australia played a vital role in the Pacific theater, initially fighting in Malaya and Singapore before focusing on the defense of the mainland after the bombing of Darwin in 1942.

Federal Veterans’ Affairs Minister Matt Keogh described VP Day as marking the end of “the most devastating global conflict in human history.”

Source: Australian Associated Press

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PNG’s District Development Funds: A Crisis of Secrecy

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A new report by the advocacy group ACT NOW! PNG reveals a systemic and widespread failure of transparency and accountability across Papua New Guinea’s 96 District Development Authorities (DDAs).

The second annual DDA Watch Report, covering the period from July 2024 to June 2025, paints a grim picture of “persistent secrecy” despite nearly K2 billion in annual government funding intended for service improvement and infrastructure grants.

The findings highlight a critical disconnect between rising public investment and a lack of basic oversight and public access to information.

According to Cathy Tukne, Information Coordinator for ACT NOW!, transparency should be non-negotiable.

“Without public plans, budgets, audits, and inspections, how can communities trust their development funds are well spent?”

The report’s key findings highlight a profound communication and accountability crisis:

Bar Graph documenting findings of District Development Authorities
  • Development Plans Remain Secret: While 37 DDAs have launched their five-year development plans (2022-2027), an increase of 16 from the previous year, a staggering 61% of districts still lack one. More concerning, only nine districts have made their plans publicly accessible. Geographically, the disparity is stark: Western Province and Bougainville boast 100% coverage, while entire provinces like Western Highlands, Madang, West Sepik, and Manus have no district plans at all.
  • Acquittal Reports Go Unpublished: Of the 72 DDAs that submitted their 2024 financial acquittals to the Department of Implementation and Rural Development (DIRD), only one, Talasea DDA in West New Britain, published its report. The report notes that 24 DDAs failed to submit their 2024 reports, and 35 are still outstanding from 2023.
  • Audits Are Non-Existent: For the second consecutive year, not a single audit report for any DDA was published. The Auditor-General’s Office cited “capacity constraints” as a key barrier, a finding that raises serious questions about the financial health and integrity of district-level spending.
  • Budgets Shrouded in Secrecy: The report found that 94% of districts are operating without a publicly disclosed budget. Only six DDAs announced a 2025 budget, and none of these were made public. This lack of transparency means citizens have no way of knowing how their tax money is being allocated or spent.
  • No Public Oversight on Projects: Despite DIRD’s mandate to monitor fund usage, no inspection reports on DSIP/DIP projects are publicly available. This failure to publish reports effectively shields project implementation from public scrutiny and accountability.

The report also detailed a communication crisis, with most DDAs being effectively unreachable by the public.

While 92 districts now have a named CEO, only seven have a working email address, and just 20 have a public phone number. The digital footprint is nearly non-existent, with only six DDAs maintaining an active website.

In response to these findings, ACT NOW! has issued a series of urgent “Calls to Action.” The group is advocating for the suspension of funds to districts without public plans or acquittals, and for action under the Leadership Code against officials who fail to publish required documents.

They also call for an expansion of the Auditor-General’s capacity to audit all 96 DDAs annually and for DIRD to step up its monitoring and reporting of projects.

The ACT NOW! report serves as a wake-up call, highlighting that despite increased funding, the foundations of good governance, transparency and accountability, are failing at the district level, undermining the potential for genuine development and citizen empowerment across Papua New Guinea.

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Samoa-Taufua: The Family Pride Behind Payne Haas’s Rugby League World Cup Dream

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In a powerful display of cultural and family pride, Brisbane Broncos powerhouse Payne Haas has revealed the deeply personal reason behind his decision to represent Samoa on the international stage.

The 25-year-old, a four-time representative for the Australian Kangaroos, spoke at Suncorp Stadium about the moment that cemented his choice: the anthems played before a clash with Samoa during the 2023 Pacific Championships.

“There was a moment when I played for Australia when we versed Samoa, the anthems were playing and my mind started racing back to lots of memories with my mum and her making us sing the national anthem of Samoa a lot in the back of the car,” Haas said, a red Samoan ula resting on his shoulders.

“From that moment onwards I wanted to play for Samoa and represent my mum’s side, the Taufua side, and make them proud and my grandparents as well.”

The journey to don the blue of Samoa is a full-circle moment for Haas, who was inspired by his uncle, Mark Taufua, a former Samoan Test player and now a staff member with the team.

“He played for Toa Samoa as well. I remember watching him do the Siva Tau (war dance) and I always wanted to do it,” Haas said.

“We used to always do it in front of the TV. So I get my moment now to play for Samoa, something I always wanted to do. I’m just privileged and blessed.”

Haas, who also has Filipino and Swiss heritage, said his mother, Joan Taufua, gave him her full blessing for the switch.

“It was more my mum and having her blessing. I spoke to her on the phone and she was all for it,” he said.

“To have my mother’s blessing means the world. I just want to make her proud and do our Taufua name proud.”

His decision has been met with respect, even from his former Australian coach. Haas said he spoke with Kevin Walters, who “took the news ‘well’ and understood his reasoning.”

With other top players like Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow reportedly considering a similar move, Haas offered a simple message to them: “Follow their heart.”

“Hopefully we get a few more boys over,” he said.

Haas is set to make his debut for Toa Samoa in the Pacific Cup against Tonga at Suncorp Stadium on October 26. He acknowledged the trailblazing efforts of Jason Taumalolo, who switched from New Zealand to Tonga in 2017 and changed the international landscape.

“He is someone that inspired me to make this move as well,” Haas said.

“I feel like versing Tonga here is just fitting. It is going to be massive. I can’t wait.”

The Pacific Cup is just the beginning. The ultimate goal for Haas and the Samoan squad is the Rugby League World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Australia and Papua New Guinea in 2026.

“I feel like we can win it with the team we have got now,” Haas stated confidently.

“We have great players and it is our goal to win the World Cup.”

Source: Australian Associated Press

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Arts & Culture

Reigning Miss Pacific Islands Arrives for PNG’s 50th Anniversary

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In a momentous occasion celebrating Papua New Guinea’s 50th anniversary of independence, Moemoana Safa’ato’a Schwenke, the reigning Miss Samoa and Miss Pacific Islands, is set to arrive in Port Moresby.

Dubbed “the Pacific’s living crown,” Schwenke’s visit holds deep cultural and historical significance for the region.

Born into a family dedicated to cultural preservation, Moemoana’s life embodies the belief that culture is a superpower.

An artist, dancer, environmental advocate, and UNICEF Pacific Regional Ambassador, she uses her platform to honour ancient traditions while advocating for modern Pacific voices.

Her work, which includes collaborations with institutions like the Australian Museum, blends artistry with advocacy for environmental awareness and youth empowerment.

Moemoana’s reign as Miss Samoa and Miss Pacific Islands 2023–2024 is particularly historic.

She is the first person to follow in her mother’s footsteps, Maryjane McKibbin Schwenke, who held the same titles nearly 30 years ago.

This legacy highlights the enduring strength of Pacific women and the cultural heritage they protect.

Her visit to the Pacific Fashion Summit and GENESIS – PNG Fashion Week 2025 Showcase is not just symbolic; it’s a strategic move to show how fashion can be a vessel for sovereignty and a platform for dialogue.

With Air Niugini as the official air carrier, Moemoana will join other regional and international guests to contribute to this landmark occasion.

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