A joint television documentary co-produced by Papua New Guinea’s National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) has been given a special award at the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Media Awards TFT (Together For the Planet, Peace and People).
The documentary featured the past, present and future of Papua New Guinea and highlighted the value of the long-standing partnership between the NBC and ABC.
Produced for PNG’s 50th Independence celebrations, the documentary Wan Kantri, The Next 50 Years was planned, filmed, scripted and televised on NBC TV across the country and ABC Pacific around the region.
The awarding of a major international award recognizes storytelling that celebrates culture, resilience, national pride and the continued relationship and knowledge sharing between Australia and Papua New Guinea and its people.
In the documentary, NBC’s Senior Producer and Presenter, Maureen Orea, took viewers on a journey through Papua New Guinea. The team travelled to Goroka in Eastern Highlands province, Kavieng, in New Ireland province, and visited the village of PNG’s founding Father Sir Michael Somare at the Chambri Lakes in East Sepik province.
Ms. Orea said Wan Kantri, The Next 50 Years, was an opportunity to honor her country while strengthening her skillsets through collaboration with Australian media professionals.
“The award is a proud achievement for the teams behind the production, including ABC Australia, NBC and the Media Development Initiative (MDI), which is funded through the PNG–Australia Partnership and implemented by ABC International Development,” said Orea.
She said the project allowed media professionals to see things beyond their own borders.
“We learned from each other, respected each other’s skills, and understood what everyone brought to the table,” said Orea.
“When we work together, we build skills, strengthen relationships, and help the next generation tell their own stories.”
The Together for the Planet, People and Peace Media Awards, was held in Paro, Bhutan on June 17, 2026. Through the project, media professionals from both countries worked together to share PNG stories with audiences across the region.
According to representatives, the Australian Government expressed pride in supporting initiatives that strengthen media capability, deepen people-to-people links, and help Papua New Guineans tell their own stories in their own voices, emphasizing that Wan Kantri, The Next 50 Years demonstrates the power of partnership in sharing PNG’s stories with the world.