AGP Executive Report

Hiri Moale Festival: Gulf Province is stepping up in PNG’s Sept 8–13 Hiri Moale Festival, with a Sept 10 “Hiri Cultural Showcase: Completing the Story” at Sir Hubert Murray Stadium highlighting the full two-way Gulf of Papua trade links. Rural healthcare: Katim Tasol Foundation is testing a telemedicine-led “Lighthouse” model at Indagen Health Sub-centre in Morobe, aiming to give remote health workers easier access to second opinions through training and better infrastructure. Work travel pathway: Australia’s PALM scheme has confirmed 10 eligible countries for work placements, including Papua New Guinea, alongside Fiji, Kiribati, Naoero, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu. Community safety upgrade: Warangoi in East New Britain is getting new police duplexes and a house for officers, funded via the Special Police Assistance Program to strengthen community policing and response times. Healthcare access by air: Air Niugini backed cleft lip and palate surgeries for 17 Bougainville patients (including 13 children) via a Buka outreach with Port Moresby specialists. Culture & fashion: Lufa Basket founder Judy Ejampi made her national runway debut at PNG Fashion Week 2026, bringing Indigenous bilum, cane basket and hand-loomed pieces to the main stage. Digital ministry training: SDA church members in Milne Bay and Northern Mission trained in digital media and live streaming to reach more people through smartphones and social platforms. Tourism trade link: Fiji’s High Commission is inviting PNG buyers and tourism operators to its Oct 7–9 Trade and Tourism Expo in Port Moresby, with B2B sessions on Oct 6.

Air Niugini & Bougainville Health: Air Niugini backed cleft lip and palate surgeries for 17 Bougainville patients (including 13 children), with specialist teams from Port Moresby General Hospital and support that cut travel and logistics barriers. Safety at Sea: A banana boat capsized near Pigeon Island with 14 aboard; nine rescued, one body recovered, and four missing as searches extend and officials cite overloading and worsening weather. Tourism & Culture in PNG: The 70th Goroka Show drew 600+ international visitors, with standout performances like Simbai beetle attire from Madang. Fashion Spotlight: Lufa Basket founder Judy Ejampi made her national runway debut at PNG Fashion Week 2026, bringing Indigenous bilum and basket craft to the main stage. Community & Skills: Adventist church members in Alotau trained for digital ministry, learning video, live streaming and faith content creation. Sports Pathways: PNGRFL Academy expands into six more provinces (including East Sepik), pushing a wider rugby league talent pipeline. Regional Travel Trade: Fiji announced a Trade and Tourism Expo in Port Moresby (Oct 7–9) to connect PNG buyers with Fiji tourism and businesses.

Air Travel & Safety: Air Niugini has cut Mt Hagen flight capacity again during Kagamuga runway maintenance, with only 18 passengers allowed per service until around Oct 5; travellers are advised to route via Goroka or Lae, and the airline has added extra Goroka flights. Health & Community Access: Air Niugini backed a cleft lip and palate surgery outreach in Bougainville, helping 17 patients (including 13 children) receive treatment at Buka General Hospital by transporting specialists and equipment. Culture & Tourism: PNG Fashion Week 2026 spotlighted Lufa Basket founder Judy Ejampi, whose runway debut brought Indigenous bilum, cane basket and rug craftsmanship to APEC Haus in Port Moresby. Education & Excursions: Central’s KK Legacy Christian Learning Centre students toured Port Moresby to explore aviation careers, conservation at Nature Park, and research at UPNG’s Sir Michael Somare Library. Sports Pathways: PNGRFL Academy is expanding into six more provinces (including East Sepik), opening a clearer rugby league pathway for young players across the country. Maritime Tragedy: A banana boat capsized in East New Britain with 14 aboard; one died and four remain missing, while life jackets are credited with preventing worse losses. GBV & Justice: UNICEF and PNG leaders urged moving gender-based violence policies into practical action, including safer homes and faster access to protection and support services.

Air Niugini & Mt Hagen Travel Disruption: Air Niugini has cut Mt Hagen flight capacity to just 18 passengers per service due to runway maintenance at Kagamuga Airport, with restrictions expected until about Oct 5; travellers are being advised to consider routing via Goroka or Lae. Healthcare Access in Bougainville: Air Niugini backed a life-changing cleft surgery outreach in Buka for 17 Bougainville patients (including 13 children), helping reduce the cost and travel burden of specialist care. PNG Fashion & Culture: Lufa Basket founder Judy Ejampi made her national runway debut at PNG Fashion Week 2026, spotlighting Indigenous bilum and basket craft from thousands of weavers and artisans. GBV Must Move Into Action: A Bel Isi PNG forum heard calls to turn GBV and family sexual violence policies into practical services—faster protection orders, stronger justice access, and better provincial referral systems. Maritime Safety Alert: East New Britain police report one dead and four missing after a banana boat capsized with 14 passengers near Pigeon Island; life jackets are credited with preventing worse losses. Tourism & Regional Links: Israeli tourists visited the Goroka Show and other PNG highlights, while Australia also confirmed PALM scheme eligibility for PNG workers.

PNGRFL Academy Expansion: The Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) Academy is set to grow fast, adding six new provinces—Chimbu, East Sepik, Madang, Jiwaka, New Ireland and Southern Highlands—taking the program closer to its goal of covering all 18 provinces by 2028. East Sepik Pathway: East Sepik’s school rugby league community says the new academy pathway is a major step for young players, with volunteers continuing to travel long distances to keep matches running. Air Niugini Capacity Cut: Mt Hagen flights are temporarily limited as Kagamuga runway maintenance reduces seating to just 18 passengers per service, with travellers advised to consider routing via Goroka or Lae. Maritime Safety Alert: A banana boat capsized near Pigeon Island with 14 people onboard—one dead and four still missing—while authorities stress life jackets helped prevent worse outcomes. Tourism & Culture: The Simbai Beetle Attire drew crowds at the 70th Goroka Show, while Israeli visitors toured Eastern Highlands and Mt Wilhelm. Humanitarian Focus: UNICEF says peace in PNG must mean everyday safety and dignity for women and children, amid high rates of violence. Labour Mobility: Australia has listed 10 countries eligible for its Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme, including Papua New Guinea.

Human Trafficking Crackdown: Papua New Guinea Police rescued 39 Indonesian trafficking victims in Port Moresby and arrested four Chinese nationals, after investigators traced a social-media fraud scheme that lured people with fake job offers before confining them in a downtown property. Maritime Safety Alert: East New Britain is reeling after a banana boat capsized with 14 people onboard near Pigeon Island—nine rescued, one dead, and four still missing—while police say life jackets helped prevent more deaths. Tourism & Culture: The 70th Goroka Show drew major attention, with Simbai beetle-attire performances and international visitors, including an Israeli tour group that also planned hikes and cultural stops. Air Travel Update: Air Niugini cut Mt Hagen flight capacity to just 18 passengers per service due to Kagamuga runway maintenance, with travellers urged to consider routing via Goroka or Lae. Community & Wellbeing: UNICEF called for peace to be felt in everyday safety and dignity, highlighting high rates of violence against women and children in PNG. Regional Mobility: Australia released the full list of 10 countries eligible for its Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme, including PNG. Conservation Boost: Bezos Earth Fund announced US$25 million in grants to protect Pacific marine areas, including support for PNG-led ocean conservation.

Goroka Show Spotlight: Madang’s Simbai beetle attire wowed crowds at the 70th Goroka Show, with 100+ cultural groups and 600+ international visitors in three days of performances. Air Travel Update: Air Niugini has cut Mt Hagen flight capacity to just 18 passengers per service during Kagamuga runway maintenance, with travellers urged to consider routes via Goroka or Lae. Maritime Safety Alert: East New Britain police report a banana boat capsized with 14 aboard near Pigeon Island—one dead and four missing after nine rescues; life jackets were credited with preventing worse losses. Tourism & Culture: Israeli tourists visited Goroka and other PNG highlights, including Mt Wilhelm and cultural performances, as they look to bring more visitors from Israel. Women’s Safety Message: UNICEF says peace in PNG must mean safety and dignity for women and children, citing high rates of intimate-partner violence and its harm to families and education. Pacific Mobility: Australia released the full PALM eligibility list for 10 countries, including PNG, under its Pacific Labour Mobility scheme. El Niño Impacts: Frost and prolonged dry weather are already damaging crops and shrinking water supplies in parts of PNG, raising food and water insecurity fears. Local Business Push: PM Marape says districts must allocate 10% of funding to SMEs, with tourism and other local sectors highlighted as key growth areas. Heritage Stay Open: Kikori Heritage Hotel officially opened, framed as a boost for jobs and tourism in Gulf Province.

Maritime Safety Alert: Four people remain missing after an overloaded boat carrying 14 passengers capsized in rough seas off East New Britain, with one death and nine rescued as searches continue. Tourism & History: A US naval historian says Solomon Islands isn’t fully marketing its WWII sites, urging operators to target veterans groups and promote lesser-known trails like Maruyama and Barana Village. El Niño Relief: PNG Prime Minister James Marape heads to the UN General Assembly as K2.5 million per district is released for El Niño emergency relief, including drought and water shortages. Ocean Conservation Funding: Bezos Earth Fund announced US$25 million in grants to protect tropical Pacific marine areas, including projects in Papua New Guinea. Local Business Support: PNG districts are told to direct 10% of funding to SMEs, with tourism highlighted as a key opportunity in some areas. Travel & Culture: PNG Fashion Week 2026 opened in Port Moresby at APEC House, positioning fashion as a driver for business, culture and tourism. Sports & Travel Links: PNG’s Tifaimoana Samoa secured a Netball World Cup spot in Sydney after beating PNG, while PNG boxers trekked the Kokoda for war-history lessons.

El Niño Impacts: Frost and prolonged dry weather are damaging crops and shrinking water supplies in PNG’s highlands, with communities warning food and drinking-water shortages could spread. Maritime Safety: One man died and four people were missing after a banana boat capsized in rough seas between Kokopo and the Duke of York Islands; nine survivors were rescued and treated in Rabaul. Regional Security & Travel: PNG defence leaders are set to engage at the South Pacific Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Fiji, with discussions on maritime security, organised crime and climate resilience. Tourism & Heritage: A US historian says Solomon Islands is under-marketing its WWII sites, urging more targeted promotion of lesser-known trails—an angle PNG tourism operators may want to watch. Business & Local Growth: PM Marape says 10% of district funding is meant for SMEs, including tourism-focused districts, and urges people to work through district administrations. Culture & Travel Events: PNG Fashion Week 2026 opened in Port Moresby, positioning fashion as a bridge to business, culture and tourism. Sports: Tifaimoana Samoa booked a spot at the 2027 Netball World Cup in Sydney after beating PNG, while PNG’s Kokoda trek camp highlighted sport and national pride. Health Partnerships: New pediatric surgery cooperation is set to expand access to complex procedures via Paradise Private Hospital and partner hospitals.

El Niño Relief for PNG: Prime Minister James Marape is heading to the UN General Assembly in New York while emergency funding is released for El Niño impacts—K2.5 million to every district for immediate drought and water relief, with District Development Authorities told to identify needs fast. Pacific Defence Talks: Defence Minister Paul Goldsmith will travel to Fiji for the South Pacific Defence Ministers’ Meeting, pushing military collaboration and interoperability, plus joint focus on disasters, illegal fishing and drug smuggling. Tourism & Culture Spotlight: PNG Fashion Week 2026 opened at APEC House in Port Moresby, positioning fashion as a bridge to business, culture, tourism and jobs. Health & Travel Access: A new pediatric surgical partnership links Paradise Private Hospital with Kind Cuts for Kids Australia, PMGH and Western Highlands Provincial Hospital to bring complex life-saving operations to children. Community Safety: PNG Police in Rabaul are seeking public help after the BNBM warehouse robbery, including suspects believed injured and needing medical attention. Sports & Regional Travel: PNG’s Kapuls kick off the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup in Suva against Vanuatu, with the tournament also serving as a FIFA tier-one event. Heritage Travel Story: Tanya Olek visited the Lae War Memorial Cemetery to reunite her family’s WWII story with the grave of her grandfather, Leigh Grant Vial. El Niño Food Stress: Reports highlight frost and prolonged dry conditions damaging crops and shrinking water supplies in PNG highlands, raising fears of wider local food insecurity.

SME Push for Rural PNG: Prime Minister James Marape says each district must set aside 10% of funding for Small and Medium Enterprises, with tourism flagged as a key opportunity in some areas and other districts focusing on agriculture, forestry and fisheries. He also urges business owners to work through MPs and district administrations, not to travel to the PM’s Office for support. Security Alert in Rabaul: PNG Police in East New Britain ask relatives and associates of suspects in the BNBM warehouse robbery to come forward, noting some may need urgent medical attention after the Independence Eve attack. El Niño Hits Highlands Hard: ABC reports frost plus prolonged dry weather are destroying crops and shrinking water supplies in parts of PNG, raising fears of wider food and water insecurity. Kikori Hotel Opens: Minister Soroi Eoe marks the grand opening of the Kikori Heritage Hotel, calling it a catalyst for jobs and growth in Gulf Province. PNG Tourism & Culture Calendar: PNG Fashion Week 2026 opens in Port Moresby, positioning fashion as a bridge to business, culture and tourism. Adventure on the Kokoda: PNG boxers take part in a Kokoda track camping program with Adventure Kokoda, learning teamwork and the history behind the route. Sports Tourism Moment: The MSG Prime Ministers Cup kicks off in Suva with PNG’s Kapuls facing Vanuatu, with the tournament also tied to FIFA world rankings points.

El Niño hits PNG food security: Frosty, dry conditions linked to El Niño are damaging highland crops and shrinking rivers, with communities in Central Province reporting gardens wiped out for months and growing worries about wider food and drinking-water shortages. Kikori tourism push: Gulf Province marked the opening of the Kikori Heritage Hotel, with Minister Soroi Eoe saying it will help drive jobs and local business growth in one of PNG’s remote tourism and economic corridors. PNG Fashion Week 2026: Port Moresby’s APEC House hosted the opening of PNG Fashion Week 2026, positioning fashion as a bridge to business, culture, tourism and employment through markets, summits and runway shows. Pediatric surgery partnership: Paradise Private Hospital and Kind Cuts for Kids Australia signed an MoU to strengthen specialist paediatric surgical services with Port Moresby General Hospital and Western Highlands Provincial Hospital. Kokoda sports camp: Eleven PNG boxers trained on the Kokoda Track in a Kokoda-history camping program aimed at teamwork, national pride and learning from the sacrifices of PNG servicemen. Visa-free travel updates for the region: PNG travellers may benefit indirectly as Australia, New Zealand and the UK publish expanded transit and faster-clearance lists—useful for planning multi-stop trips. Independence message in Milne Bay: Alotau’s 51st Independence celebrations urged locals to take ownership of land, resources and tourism potential to reduce reliance on foreign influence.

Health & Care: Paradise Private Hospital has signed a new pediatric surgical partnership with Kind Cuts for Kids Australia, Port Moresby General Hospital and Western Highlands Provincial Hospital, aiming to bring complex, life-saving operations to children in PNG. Sports & Tourism: PNG Fashion Week 2026 opened at APEC House in Port Moresby, pitching fashion as a bridge to business, culture and tourism, with markets, summits and runway shows across the two-day program. Climate & Food Security: El Niño-linked dry weather is already triggering localized crop and water shortages, with frost damaging highland gardens and raising fears of wider food insecurity. Local Economy: Kikori’s new Kikori Heritage Hotel has opened, with Minister Soroi Eoe saying it will drive jobs and opportunities for youth, farmers, artisans and small businesses. Travel & Mobility: The US has listed Papua New Guinea among countries eligible for the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program, letting eligible travellers apply for entry without a standard US visa. Community & Faith: Thousands gathered for the ELCPNG Women’s Conference in Port Moresby, with the Governor-General attending the opening ceremony at Sir John Guise Stadium.

Kikori Hotel Boost: Minister Soroi Eoe officially opened the Kikori Heritage Hotel, calling it a spark for jobs and local business growth in Gulf Province. Fashion Meets Tourism: PNG Fashion Week 2026 kicked off at APEC House in Port Moresby, positioning the runway as a bridge to culture, tourism and employment. El Niño Hits Highlands: ABC reports frost and prolonged dry weather are destroying crops and shrinking water supplies in Central Province, raising fears of wider food insecurity. Visa Ease for Travellers: The US published the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program list, including Papua New Guinea, making entry to Guam and CNMI simpler for eligible citizens. Luxury Diving Getaway: Arenui Liveaboard is being promoted as an ultra-luxury way to dive Indonesia’s Coral Triangle. Tourism & Community Finance: TISA Bank expanded agency banking in Amazon Bay via a financial inclusion drive, bringing services closer to remote communities. Sports Spotlight: PNG’s Kapuls begin the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup in Suva against Vanuatu, with the tournament also tied to FIFA world rankings points.

Independence & Local Control: Milne Bay MP Ricky Morris told Alotau’s 51st Independence crowd that real freedom means taking ownership of land, resources, and building local businesses—so PNG can shape its own economic future. Tourism & Culture Spotlight: Kikori’s new Kikori Heritage Hotel opened with a push for jobs and growth, while PNG Fashion Week 2026 kicked off in Port Moresby with fashion positioned as a bridge to tourism, business, and employment. Climate Stress on Travel & Food: El Niño-linked frost and dry conditions are damaging highland crops and shrinking water supplies, raising fears of wider local food insecurity. Visa & Travel Access: The US published the 12-country Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver list, including Papua New Guinea, and Australia also announced lower specialist-skills visa fees for PNG and other Pacific nations. Sports & National Pride: Sports Minister Kofi Adams says Ghana’s Black Queens are not owed any outstanding bonuses or per diems, as they prepare for the 2027 World Cup play-offs. Community Services: TISA Bank expanded agency banking in Amazon Bay, bringing formal banking closer to remote villages.

Police & Community: Lae’s Chief Inspector James Luan marks 40 years in the force, serving his whole career in Lae since joining in 1985. Disarmament Push: A call is growing to extend PNG’s illegal firearms amnesty by another two weeks after encouraging surrender numbers. Lutheran Women’s Conference: Thousands of Lutheran women and families gathered in Port Moresby for the ELCPNG Women’s Conference, with strong participation from across provinces including cyclists arriving via the new transnational highway. Sports & Travel: PNG’s Kapuls kick off the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup in Suva against Vanuatu, with the tournament also serving as a FIFA tier-one event. Tourism & Culture Development: Port Moresby’s Baosen “Chinatown” project at Five Mile is set to blend retail, hospitality and lifestyle into a new urban precinct for residents and visitors. Finance for Remote Areas: TISA Bank expands access through agency banking in Amazon Bay, helping communities open accounts and handle deposits without long trips. Food Security Watch: Frost and El Niño-linked conditions are damaging gardens in Central Province, adding pressure to already fragile local food supplies. Safety & Mobility: PNG police reserve recruitment is set to strengthen manpower, with Northern Province piloting the programme.