Papua New Guinea approves contentious defence treaty with Australia: officials

Papua New Guinea's cabinet has approved a contentious mutual defence treaty with Australia, officials told AFP on Thursday, as Canberra seeks to deepen ties with Pacific nations and counter Beijing's rising influence. The deal will see the two...

Papua New Guinea approves contentious defence treaty with Australia: PM

Papua New Guinea's cabinet has approved a contentious mutual defence treaty with Australia, the Pacific country's prime minister said Thursday, as Canberra seeks to deepen ties with the region and counter Beijing's rising influence. The deal will...

Lae’s largest-ever team doubles tourney launched

THE Lae Tennis Club (LTC) Team Tournament 2 Doubles entered its third day of competition last night at the Lae Golf Club, marking a significant milestone for tennis in the city. The tournament kicked off on Monday with Division A matches, followed...

Rugby and Rivalry: Use Sports Diplomacy to Counter China in the South Pacific

Notes to the New CNO Series By Jason Lancaster Despite U.S. and allied development aid contributions dwarfing PRC contributions in the South Pacific, the PRC has made significant regional gains in influence. PRC competition means the region can no...

Guam at the Pacific Islands Forum: ‘Business as Usual’ Despite External Partner Ban 

At this year’s Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders’ Meeting, the story that seemed to capture headlines was the decision by this year’s host, Solomon Islands, to disinvite all external partners from attendance. The reporting around this decision...

Indonesian envoy explores trade prospects in West New Britain

West New Britain governor Sasindran Muthuvel presenting a give to Indonesia ambassador to PNG, Adriana Supandy (NBC News) Indonesia’s ambassador to Papua New Guinea, Andriana Supandy, has begun a two-day visit to West New Britain Province aimed at...

Japanese-Funded project enhances disaster preparedness in North Bougainville

A recently launched initiative, funded by the Government of Japan and implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Bougainville Disaster & Emergency Directorate (BDDE), is significantly improving disaster early warning...

Starmer Charts Path to a New Britain

Starmer sets out his vision of “national renewal” as he denounces Nigel Farage’s “politics of grievance” at Labour conference Keir Starmer has mounted his fiercest attack yet on Nigel Farage, accusing the Reform UK leader of peddling a “politics...

Papua New Guinea at 50: Growth, Challenges, and Crossroads Ahead - WestPac

At independence in 1975, Papua New Guinea (PNG) emerged as a young nation of 2.8 million people, transitioning peacefully from Australian administration with optimism grounded in the Charter of National Unity. Rich in natural resources like gold...

Leaders hold talks on revival of Ilimo farm outside Port Moresby

CENTRAL Governor Rufina Peter and International Trade and Investment Minister Richard Maru have discussed a way forward in reviving the Ilimo Farm outside Port Moresby. The Ilimo Farm was once a huge supplier of chicken and eggs in Port Moresby....

Re-elected Bougainville leader vows to push for independence from Papua New Guinea

President Ishmael Toroama has retained the Bougainville presidency following the 2025 election. 26 September 2025 Photo: Autonomous Bougainville Government Bougainville's re-elected president is confident of achieving independence from Papua New...

POMCCI Business Breakfast with delegation from New Caledonia

POMCCI Breakfast with New Caledonia Delegation Wed 29 October 2025 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM An official visit by a business delegation from New Caledonia, led by the President of the Government of New Caledonia, Mr. Alcide Ponga, will include around...

TTV Solomons Named Official Broadcaster for FIBA Melanesian Cups

HONIARA (SOLOMON ISLANDS) - Our Telekom Company LTD through its Telekom Television service has been appointed as the host broadcaster for the upcoming FIBA Melanesian Cup and FIBA Women’s Melanesian Cup, set to take place in Honiara from October...

POM AFL enters business end of the season

IT is finals footy at the Colts AFL oval in Port Moresby this Saturday. The Moni Plus Port Moresby AFL competition enters first round and teams will be vying to advance onto the next stage. Association president Douglas Lai said it is exciting to...

Australia’s risk in PNG: why the Pukpuk Treaty could backfire

Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea James Marape, from left, Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkachenko, PNG Defense Minister Billy Joseph, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles and Pacific Island Affairs...

Port operator invests heavily as Papua New Guinea’s economy strengthens

Motukea International Terminal outside Port Moresby. Credit: ICTSI BAPNG: Can you provide an update on trade volumes and key drivers? Robert Maxwell (RM): Imports are up 13 per cent year on year and exports are up 9 per cent year on year [to...

University of Papua New Guinea students against Frieda project

EAST Sepik students at the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) are against the opening of the Frieda project in West Sepik. Vice-president of the East Sepik students Francy Mandau said the reason for their rejection is that the livelihood of 80...

“We May Never See Another Leader Like Him”: Banduwang Mourns Wenge

The Banduwang people of Nawaeb District have paid tribute to the late Morobe Governor, Luther Akisawa Wenge, as his body was flown from Port Moresby into Lae this morning. Among them was Vero Andrew, from Ward 13 Aihi, who said her tribesmen...

Revamped Pacific Ocean portal strengthens climate and marine decision-making

MARKING a double celebration, Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister James Marape addressed the United Nations General Assembly on his country’s 50th year of independence and UN membership. Marape wove a compelling story of national unity, hard-won...

Headhunter Nandex calls on youths to take up kickboxing

PAPUA New Guinea Kickboxing Federation (PNGKBF) president Stanley Nandex has urged youths to embrace sports, especially kickboxing, as a path to success, discipline, and personal growth. Speaking to The National, Nandex (tagged the “Headhunter”...