Kina Bank has officially entered the next phase of its digital strategy with the launch of the Pei Beta Digital Wallet, an upgrade designed to streamline how Papua New Guineans handle their money.
Launched on Friday (April 10), the wallet transforms the previous Pei Beta bill payment platform into a comprehensive financial tool that for customers to make instant peer-to-peer transfers using phone numbers, utilize QR codes for merchant purchases, and access cash out services at registered locations.
Kina Bank CEO and Managing Director, Ivan Vidovich said that the upgrade is a direct response to the growing demand for mobile-first financial solutions in the region.
“We are pleased to introduce the Pei Beta digital wallet as part of our commitment to delivering innovative banking solutions that support the everyday needs of Papua New Guineans,” Vidovich said.
While the wallet currently integrates seamlessly with Kina Bank’s existing online credentials, the bank has ambitious plans to bridge the gap between financial institutions.
Shirly Prasad, Executive General Manager for Payments and Digital Banking, stated that the platform was built on a foundation of speed and inclusivity.
“Pei Beta focuses on providing greater convenience for customers through quicker, instant transactions. This new digital wallet is now available to existing Kina Bank customers, with plans to extend access to customers of other banks via our proprietary digital onboarding solution,” she said.
Key features of the new wallet include:
Instant Transfers: Wallet-to-wallet payments for family and friends.
Utility & Mobile Top-ups: Direct payments for PNG Power Easipay and credits for Digicel, Vodafone, and BMobile.
Merchant Payments: Secure QR code scanning at participating vendors with low merchant fees.
The Pei Beta app is now available for download on the Google Play Store and Apple Store. Customers from other banks are encouraged to register their interest as the bank prepares to open the ecosystem to the wider public.
A Chinese-born Papua New Guinea businesswoman with ties to influential figures in the country will stand trial in Australia for her alleged role in orchestrating an audacious “black flight” plot to smuggle crystal methamphetamine across the Torres Strait.
Mei Lin, 43, was committed on Friday (March 20) to stand trial in the Queensland Supreme Court following a four-day hearing at the Brisbane Magistrates Court. Australian prosecutors allege that Ms. Lin oversaw the storage and transportation of more than 71 kilograms (about 156 pounds) of the drug, which was flown from a remote airstrip in Bulolo, Morobe Province to Australia’s far north in a twin-engine propeller plane in 2023.
Her arrest in Brisbane in early 2024 caused a stir PNG, where she had cultivated a sprawling business empire from her base in the port city of Lae. A 2024 investigation by Inside PNG and the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) revealed that her connections included the country’s former deputy prime minister, and that companies linked to her had even benefited from Australian government assistance to the country.
The looming trial comes as law enforcement grapples with a surge of illicit narcotics trafficking through the Pacific Islands. Transnational criminal syndicates are increasingly utilizing the region as a staging ground, drawn by the highly lucrative drug markets in Australia and New Zealand.
Papua New Guinea, with its vast, rugged geography, developmental challenges, and pervasive corruption, has become an attractive waypoint. Traffickers exploit the porous border to move drugs into Australia’s remote, tropical north before distributing them southward to major population centers like Sydney and Melbourne.
The advancement of Lin’s case follows the reported convictions of at least four Australians, including the crew of the illicit flight.
Papua New Guinean authorities have independently accused Lin of being a central figure in the smuggling syndicate. Eight people, including a local police officer and a soldier, have been charged in the country and are currently awaiting trial.
The days of soldiers blindly obeying orders are over. Following the precedent set by the Nuremberg trials, international law now recognizes a soldier’s right to refuse any order that is immoral, illegal, or unethical. In Papua New Guinea, this right is enshrined under Section 4 of the Defence Act 1974.
Yet, inside the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF), a dangerous trend has emerged. Members who stand by their training and ethos to speak out are being swiftly suppressed. They face sudden transfers, suspensions, or being moved to unallotted positions. Most recently, they are being discharged entirely.
This culture of silence was solidified around March 19, 2026, when Deputy Chief of Defence Force, Brigadier General Opa Lari Opa, issued a directive to cease the circulation of videos or posts regarding recruitment training.
“The only way to protect themselves including the organization is to expose this corruption,” said a current serving officer who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
“I want make it clear that the video in circulation show recruits being questioned on how they got recruited even after exceeding the age limit, was during the recruitment process and not during an investigation. In fact, no internal investigation has yet to be conducted by the PNGDF hierarchy as opposed to what has been stated in the media.”
Evidence now directly implicates the Minister and the Chief of Defence Force (CDF), Rear Admiral Philip Polewara, alongside Chief of Personnel Colonel Rodney Yahamani, who oversees recruitment.
Documents suggest Colonel Yahamani was fully aware of recruitment irregularities but pushed for the enlistment anyway. While Brigadier General Opa pointed out these flaws in a minute to Yahamani dated March 3, 2024, CDF Polewara ignored the warnings. By way of a footnote the very next day, Polewara endorsed the enlistment request.
The fallout has been swift for those seeking accountability.
Lt. Col. Joe Teriken, the PNGDF Chief of Training, has been discharged on dubious grounds. His “offense” was recommending the suspension of basic training to vet recruits and avoid potential mishaps.
Joining him in dismissal are Chief Warrant Officer Benson Eremas, involved in the 01/26 Basic Recruit enlistment, and another Chief Warrant Officer allegedly targeted for a social media post. These men, senior officers and NCOs with over 35 years of service, including tours in Bougainville, maintain that they were simply performing their mandated duties. They were discharged without investigation, charges, or adherence to the Compulsory Retirement process.
The saga was triggered by the public, incensed after filming recruits performing a “duck walk” march at 1-Mile, outside the Goldie River Training Depot. Following the discharge of the officers, a video was posted to Facebook exposing what many now call institutional and systematic corruption.
Another former PNGDF officer stated that the Prime Minister and the National Executive Council (NEC) must act immediately. He warned that this scandal undermines the government’s efforts under the Pukpuk Treaty and has the potential to create disorder among service personnel.
While Defence Minister Dr. Billy Joseph has voluntarily stepped aside amid these allegations, the pressure remains on the hierarchy.
Prime Minister James Marape has announced a high-level investigation, stressing a commitment to transparency. PM Marape stated yesterday that “the government faces a major task in reaching its 2030 target of 7,000 members” and assured that “those individuals will be removed” if found to have bypassed proper processes.
He further addressed the growing perception that merit-based recruitment is being sacrificed for political loyalty and personal connections.
As the investigation begins, the scandal continues to cast a long shadow over the country’s security and regional stability.
Retired Major General, Jerry Singirok is calling on those who are responsible to be held accountable and to be charged criminally as it is criminal behavior.
“The exposure by the whistleblowers in relation to unqualified candidates raises a serious national security issue,” Singirok said.
“At the end of the day, the buck stops with the commander, whether he knowingly or did not know, it’s still in his area because he has to be answerable as to how this whole saga had escalated.”
The Papua New Guinea National Weather Service has issued a high-priority Special Gale Force Wind Warning, effective as of 11:00 AM today, Wednesday, April 8, 2026.
This warning comes as the region faces a dual atmospheric threat. While a Tropical Low develops north of the equator (08.1°N, 155.0°E), regional concerns are heightened by reports from Inside PNG indicating that Cyclone Maila has rapidly intensified into a massive Category 5 storm. The combination of these systems is driving dangerous westerly winds across the northern provinces.
Affected Areas
A Gale Warning is currently in effect for:
Manus
New Ireland
West Sepik
East Sepik
Wind Forecast & Severity
Meteorologists are warning of extreme Northwest winds that could pose a threat to life and property:
Sustained Winds: Gale force speeds ranging from 34 to 47 knots.
Peak Gusts: Winds are expected to intermittently reach Storm Force strength of 55 knots.
With Cyclone Maila reaching Category 5 status in the region, the atmospheric pressure is highly volatile. Residents should be prepared for sudden increases in wind speed and deteriorating sea conditions.
Emergency Safety Measures
Authorities have issued the following mandates for residents in the warning zones:
Halt All Maritime Activities: It is critical that people avoid going out to sea. Small crafts and fishing vessels should remain moored in a secure location.
Coastal Evacuation: Residents of villages along the coastlines are warned to stay away from the edges of the sea. Storm surges and unpredictable wave action are highly likely given the proximity of the developing low and the strength of Cyclone Maila.
Monitor Official Channels: Secure your homes and stay tuned to local radio or the National Weather Service for further updates as this situation evolves.
(This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available from the National Weather Service and emergency responders.)
The Papua New Guinea National Weather Service (NWS) has officially upgraded Tropical Cyclone Maila to Category 5, the highest and most dangerous classification for a tropical system. As of 6:00 AM Wednesday, the storm is packing catastrophic maximum gusts of up to 296 km/h.
The system is currently moving northwest at a slow pace of 6 km/h, positioned approximately 255 km northeast of Rossel Island. Its slow movement increases the risk of prolonged exposure to destructive forces.
Critical Warning Areas
A Category 5 warning is in effect for Milne Bay Province, specifically targeting:
Woodlark Island
Sudest (Tagula) Island
Misima Island
Rossel Island
Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB)
Expected Impacts
The NWS warns that Cyclone Maila will bring life-threatening conditions:
Hurricane-Force Winds: Extreme wind damage to infrastructure and vegetation within 83 km of the center.
Storm Surges: Dangerous coastal inundation and sea swells.
Flooding: Heavy, sustained rainfall leading to severe inland flooding.
Public Safety Directive
Authorities are urging residents in all affected coastal and island communities to seek higher ground immediately and stay away from the shoreline. All maritime activities remain suspended.
The PNG National Weather Service has issued a severe weather warning as Tropical Cyclone Maila approaches the Southern Region. Currently a Category 3 system, the cyclone is expected to track toward Milne Bay by Thursday and could potentially intensify into a Category 4 storm.
The cyclone is currently situated in the Solomon Sea, northeast of Rossel Island, east of Woodlark Islands, and south of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB).
The National Weather Office has warned residents in coastal areas and outer islands to prepare for destructive winds, extreme rain, severe flooding, and dangerous storm surges. Impacted regions include:
Milne Bay and Central Province
National Capital District (NCD)
East and West New Britain
Morobe and AROB
Authorities have advised that all fishing trips and sea transport should be suspended until the storm passes.
Electricity Disruptions Expected
PNG Power Limited (PPL) has issued a warning regarding electricity supply disruptions across the affected provinces. The utility provider is appealing for patience as fallen trees and flooding are expected to impact infrastructure.
PNG Power’s Chief Technical Officer, Tony Koiri, said that severe weather has already caused damage over the last 48 hours in Madang, Morobe, Kimbe, and East New Britain. Flooding at Warangoi, Lake Hargy, and Ru Creek has also contributed to outages.
“Our teams are working tirelessly in Madang, Morobe, Kimbe, and East New Britain to connect communities,” Koiri said.
“Despite the dangerous conditions, PPL staff are maintaining operations at critical sites such as the Warangoi Dam, while also repairing fallen lines and clearing storm debris. Safety remains our top priority, and we urge the public to stay away from fallen powerlines and allow our crews to carry out their work.”
The public is strictly urged not to touch or interfere with fallen poles or lines during or after the storm.
Seasonal Outlook
Milne Bay remains particularly vulnerable to such systems due to its distance from the equator and its islands’ exposure to the open sea. However, PNG National Weather Service Assistant Director Benjamin Malai says that the threat of tropical cyclones should subside by the end of April.
Forecasters expect the cyclone to lose strength as it moves closer to mainland Papua New Guinea and Australia.
(Video: Assistant Director Benjamin Malai provides a weather update)
The long-standing collaboration between PNG Fashion Week and Vision City Mega Mall reaches a new milestone this week as they launch the ninth annual Port Moresby Fashion Week.
Running from April 2–4, 2026, the event transforms Papua New Guinea’s busiest retail hub into a massive cultural and commercial platform. By utilizing a space that sees over 20,000 daily visitors, the event provides local designers and small businesses with immediate access to a vast consumer market.
The program remains free and open to the public, focusing on three core pillars:
Economic Growth: Providing designers and entrepreneurs direct access to customers to turn “visibility into income.”
Youth Empowerment: Building confidence through the Model Citizen Leadership and Runway Workshop and the Little Mr & Miss PNG programs.
Cultural Identity: Showcasing Papua New Guinea’s diverse traditions alongside modern creative design.
Brigette Kassman, Executive Officer for PNG Fashion Week, says the consistent partnership has become a major part of the event’s success.
“Over the past nine years, this partnership has allowed us to build something that is consistent, accessible, and truly impactful for our people. Vision City gives us a space where fashion meets everyday life, where designers can connect directly with customers, and where young people can see what is possible for themselves,” Kassman said.
She added that the initiative transcends the runway.
“This event is not just about showcasing clothing; it’s about creating pathways. We are seeing small businesses grow, young people step into confidence, and communities come together in a way that is both meaningful and sustainable.”
As the event returns this April, it continues to serve as a driver for local commerce and a celebration of the nation’s unique spirit.
Prime Minister James Marape has issued a firm call for an immediate slowdown of eviction exercises across the National Capital District, appealing for “compassion and responsibility” as the state scrambles to find a humane way forward for displaced settlers.
The Prime Minister’s intervention comes amid a wave of court-sanctioned evictions that have left many families in the city’s informal settlements reeling. While acknowledging the legal weight of these orders, Marape urged title holders to hit the brakes to allow the National Government and NCD authorities the breathing room to intervene.
“I respectfully ask all those in possession of court orders for eviction to slow down the process. Let us allow both the National Government and the NCD authorities the time and space to find proper, humane, and lasting solutions for our people,” Marape said.
Addressing the issue, the Prime Minister stated that the growth of these settlements is a direct result of rural-urban migration and the pursuit of a better life. He says, even if legal titles are missing, the human element cannot be ignored.
“Many of our people have come into the city in pursuit of a better life. While some settlements may have been established outside formal legal processes, we must approach this issue from a humanitarian perspective,” he stated.
He expressed concern that the Government has been kept in the dark regarding some of these exercises, leading to a lack of coordination. He emphasized that the state must be given the chance to facilitate “relocation where necessary, with dignity and planning.”
Marape recalled the Garden Hills evictions as a cautionary tale. He highlighted the irony of land being cleared only to sit idle and undeveloped while former residents suffer.
“In some cases, people have been evicted but the land has not been developed. This raises important questions about timing, planning, and responsibility. Land will not run away but people’s lives are directly affected,” the Prime Minister said.
To prevent further aimless displacement, the Government now intends to hold developers accountable. Marape indicated that title holders may soon be required to prove they have the means and intent to build.
“Those holding land titles will be asked to present their development plans as soon as possible. Government is prepared to work with landowners to ensure that development proceeds responsibly, while also ensuring that affected communities are properly relocated,” he said.
The Prime Minister confirmed that formal instructions would be sent to the Police Commissioner, with copies to NCD Governor Powes Parkop, to ensure that enforcement on the ground aligns with this humanitarian stance.
“We must manage urban development in a way that protects both legal rights and human dignity. We cannot allow our people to be displaced abruptly without proper alternatives in place,” Marape stressed.
As the city continues to expand, the Prime Minister’s message to landowners and authorities stands clear; orderly, fair, and lasting solutions must take priority over immediate displacement.
Papua New Guinea’s extractive sector has shown a marked recovery in 2024, with subnational benefits and social expenditure lifting strongly as the country prepares for a critical international transparency audit next year.
The Papua New Guinea Chamber of Resources & Energy (PNG CORE) has formally commended the PNG Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (PNG EITI) following the launch of its FY2024 Annual Report. The launch took place during the Multi-Stakeholder Group (MSG) Quarter 1 meeting at Tuna Bay last Thursday.
The timing of the report is significant, serving as a baseline for PNG’s upcoming EITI Validation scheduled to begin in April 2026.
PNG CORE Senior Vice President, Mr. Kassman, OBE, said the report provides critical insights into the performance of the mining, oil, and gas industries, particularly regarding beneficial ownership and equitable resource management.
“The PNG EITI report clearly illustrates the continued importance of the mining and petroleum sector, and highlights the sector’s contribution to government revenue, exports, jobs and community benefits, while reinforcing the need for transparency and accountability,” Kassman said.
Data within the report reveals that while the sector’s share of GDP dipped to 27.4% in 2023, it climbed back to 28.3% in 2024. This recovery was supported by improved operations across the board, including the reopening of the Porgera mine.
Export contributions remained a key milestone of the national economy, holding a stable and dominant share of 88.3% in 2024. Direct government revenue has also remained consistently high, staying above the K4 billion mark for the last three years.
Mr. Kassman stated that the 2024 figures reflect a resilient sector.
“Between 2022 and 2024, the PNG EITI reports reaffirm the contribution of this sector central to the economy. While there was a slight dip in 2023, the sector recovered in 2024, with export contributions staying strong and government revenues consistently above K4 billion,” he said.
One of the most notable trends highlighted in the data is the surge in benefits flowing directly to local levels. Subnational benefits rose from K953.7 million in 2022 to over K1.46 billion in 2024.
Similarly, total social expenditure saw a significant jump to K649.7 million last year, up from K564.5 million the year prior.
PNG CORE is now urging civil society, government agencies, and resource owners to scrutinize the findings. The full report has been made available on the PNG EITI and PNG CORE websites.
The Melbourne Storm has been rocked by news that Fiji Bati captain Tui Kamikamica is in hospital following a suspected stroke on Monday morning.
The 31-year-old prop, a favorite among many NRL fans here in PNG, suffered a medical episode just a day after returning from the Storm’s clash in Townsville. The club confirmed the news in a statement today:
“He has undergone treatment for a suspected stroke and is recovering in hospital. Tui is receiving the best possible care and is being supported by hospital specialists, alongside the club’s medical staff.”
The news is a massive blow for the Storm, who are already dealing with the loss of forward Eliesa Katoa to brain surgery earlier this season.
Kamikamica, a veteran of 142 games, had recently signed on to stay with Melbourne through 2026. While the Storm are scheduled to fly to Sydney on Thursday for their Good Friday match against Penrith, the focus remains entirely on the health of the big man and his young family.
