AGP Executive Report

Independence Celebrations in Milne Bay: Alotau kicked off a three-day program for PNG’s 51st Independence anniversary, with cultural dances, sports, and live performances, plus a unity-focused convoy through town ahead of Wednesday’s main events. Bougainville Mining Tensions: On Bougainville, an arson attack hit equipment at the Panguna mine camp linked to Lloyds Metals and Energy, triggering a shootout and arrests, while President Ishmael Toroama says plans to reopen the mine will continue. Tourism & Culture Push: Central Province’s CMACF festival in Bereina is drawing crowds with performances and SME stalls, showing how cultural tourism can feed local business. Sports Travel Spotlight: PNG’s Kapuls and Bilums have arrived in Fiji for the MSG Prime Ministers Cup (Sept 17–Oct 3), with the Bilums defending champions and the Kapuls aiming to go one better. Travel Safety Watch: East New Britain police commander Amanda Kates urged communities to heed safety warnings after a deadly Pomio boat accident and highlighted ongoing youth violence concerns around schools. Visa & Travel Moves: Australia has published updated Work and Holiday visa age/eligibility details (subclass 462), while PNG’s passport holders get a reduced fee from July 1, 2026.

Bougainville Mine Tensions: Two people were shot and several arrested after an arson attack on equipment at the Panguna mine camp, as Bougainville pushes to reopen the long-shuttered copper and gold project despite opposition. Port Moresby Security: Police plan a major operation for the Digicel Cup Grand Final after warnings about ticketless crowds and social media threats, with checkpoints and mass-arrest powers on standby. Tourism & Travel Policy: Australia has published updated Work and Holiday visa rules (subclass 462), including age and eligibility details that matter for young PNG travellers planning work-and-travel. Regional Medical Travel: Tongan patients are being treated in Fiji after doctors said specialist heart care wasn’t available at home—another reminder of how Pacific medical tourism is growing. Culture as a Draw: Central Province’s CMACF festival in Bereina is blending performances with SME stalls and public info on agriculture and fisheries, showing how cultural events can drive visitor spending. Sports Travel: PNG’s Kapuls and Bilums have arrived in Fiji for the MSG Prime Ministers Cup, with the Bilums defending champions and both teams chasing strong regional results. Tourism Industry Talk: A push is growing to better align aviation and tourism policy in PNG, with Air Niugini flagged as a key tourism asset. Indigenous Voices: In the Philippines, Indigenous-led media groups like Tangguyob Collective are expanding coverage to protect land rights and amplify community stories.

Visa & travel access: Australia has published fresh Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462) rules for young travellers, setting the age range at 18–30 and outlining eligibility steps for passport holders from countries including PNG, with extra hurdles for China, India and Vietnam. Port Moresby experiences: Wisdom Travels is spotlighted for a guided Port Moresby tour that takes visitors to key history and culture stops like Bomana War Cemetery, the National Museum, Parliament House, Koki Market and Ela Beach. Sports tourism: PNG’s Kapuls and Bilums have arrived in Fiji ahead of the MSG Prime Ministers Cup (Sept 17–Oct 3), with the Bilums defending champions and the Kapuls chasing a better finish. Roads & regional growth: Marape says improved highway connectivity and tourism investment are helping Kikori step into a new economic era, highlighted by the opening of the Kikori Heritage Hotel. Agriculture support: Marape announced concessional loan support via the National Banking Corporation for coffee, cocoa and copra farmers along major highway corridors. Safety & policing: Port Moresby police are ramping up security for the sold-out Digicel Cup grand final, warning fans to avoid trouble areas around the stadium and Boroko. Maritime inquiry: A formal marine inquiry has begun into the MV Anjeanette disaster in Honiara after a fire, sinking and total loss of the vessel. Culture as business: Central Province’s CMACF festival in Bereina is drawing crowds and linking cultural performances with SME stalls and public awareness on agriculture, fisheries and taxation.

Community Safety Update (East New Britain): East New Britain PPC Amanda Kates says investigations continue after a deadly Pomio boat accident in August, while police also moved to contain school-related youth altercations in Kokopo. Tourism & Business (Central Province): The Central Music Arts and Culture Festival opened in Bereina, Kairuku, blending performances with SME stalls and public awareness from agencies like the Cocoa Board and Fisheries Authority. Airline & Tourism Policy: A new push argues Air Niugini should sit under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture—linking aviation and tourism planning more tightly. Bougainville Mining Security: Bougainville President Ishmael Toroama condemned an attack on the Panguna mining camp and says authorities will identify suspects as plans to reopen the mine move ahead. Roads Driving Travel (Kikori): PM James Marape highlighted the opening of the Kikori Heritage Hotel and new connectivity as a boost for tourism and economic growth. Sports Crowd Control (Port Moresby): Police and PNG Rugby League are ramping up security for the sold-out Digicel Cup grand final, urging fans without tickets to stay away. Culture to the World (Orchids & Music): NCD Governor Parkop urged the PNG Orchid Society to take the industry international, while the National Cultural Commission backed reggae cultural ambassador Anslom Nakikus for overseas music work. Travel Access (eVisas): A report lists 54 countries offering eVisas to Nigerians, including PNG—useful for regional travel planning.

Infrastructure & Tourism Push: Prime Minister James Marape says Kikori is entering a new era, pointing to road connectivity and tourism investment as key drivers after opening the Kikori Heritage Hotel. Roads Connecting Communities: Marape also highlighted the Pangu Highway and other Highlands road links as “nation building” that helps farmers and small businesses move produce to market faster. Culture to the World: NCD Governor Powes Parkop urged the PNG Orchid Society to take PNG’s orchid and flower industry global, with partnerships and international showings in places like Singapore and Japan. Music & Travel Support: The National Cultural Commission backed reggae cultural ambassador Anslom Nakikus with K20,000 for Jamaica and onward travel to Vanuatu for international music work. Event Security for Visitors: Police in Port Moresby are tightening security for the sold-out Digicel Cup grand final, warning travelling fans to avoid the city areas without tickets. Regional Travel Interest: West Sepik businesses are being encouraged to explore Indonesia’s Trade Expo in October, with Vanimo’s border position making it a practical gateway. New Direct Flight: Ok Tedi has launched its first direct charter from Tabubil to Brisbane, cutting delays and boosting FIFO travel reliability. Medical Tourism Nearby: Fiji is positioning itself as a Pacific medical tourism hub, with PSH Hospitals welcoming patients from PNG and other neighbours. Travel Access Updates: Nigerians can apply for eVisas to 54 countries including PNG, while Australia’s First Work and Holiday visa list includes PNG for eligible young travellers.

PNG Travel & Culture: Porebada Primary School in Central Province marked its 70th anniversary (Sept 8–10) with a look back at decades of education from the London Missionary Society through PNG’s independence era. Tourism & Branding: NCD Governor Powes Parkop urged the PNG Orchid Society to take PNG’s orchids and flower industry global—suggesting partnerships and show tours to Singapore, Thailand, Japan and the US. Events & Safety: Police in Port Moresby are ramping up security for the sold-out Digicel Cup grand final on Sunday, warning fans without tickets to stay away and promising visible patrols around the stadium and Boroko. Getting Around PNG: PM James Marape highlighted the new Pangu Highway and other road links as “nation building,” saying better roads help farmers reach markets and families reach schools and clinics. Air Travel for Work: Ok Tedi has launched its first direct charter flight from Tabubil to Brisbane, cutting delays and boosting FIFO travel reliability. Regional Travel Interest: West Sepik businesses are being encouraged to explore Indonesia’s Trade Expo (Oct 14–18) via the Vanimo consulate. Medical Tourism Nearby: Fiji is positioning itself as a fast-growing medical tourism hub, with PSH Hospitals in Nadi treating patients from across the Pacific, including PNG.

PNG Tourism & Nature Spotlight: NCD Governor Powes Parkop urged the PNG Orchid Society to take Papua New Guinea’s orchid and flower industry global, calling for partnerships with tourism groups and international stakeholders after the 2026 National Orchid and Flower Show. Security for Visitors: Police in Port Moresby are ramping up a major operation for the sold-out Digicel Cup grand final, warning travelling fans to avoid the capital if they don’t have tickets, with checkpoints around the stadium and Boroko. Getting Around PNG: PM James Marape highlighted how new and upgraded roads are meant to connect communities and help farmers reach markets faster, pointing to the Pangu Highway and other infrastructure as Independence approaches. Business & Travel Links: Ok Tedi Mining has launched its first direct charter flight from Tabubil to Brisbane, cutting delays and creating a new hub for its fly-in, fly-out workforce. Culture on the Move: The National Cultural Commission backed reggae cultural ambassador Anslom Nakikus with K20,000 for international music engagements in Jamaica and Vanuatu. Wildlife Discovery: Scientists have rediscovered the “lost” spinach pipefish in PNG’s Ramu–Sepik river system after decades, thanks to work with local communities.

Digicel Cup Grand Final Security: Port Moresby police are ramping up checks for Sunday’s sold-out Digicel Cup decider between PRK Mendi Muruks and ENB Agmark Gurias, with checkpoints around the National Football Stadium and Boroko. Commander Benjamin Turi says fans without tickets should stay away, warning of mass arrests for groups causing trouble and action against social media threats, while alcohol-fuelled bad behaviour won’t be allowed inside. NRL PNG Chiefs Boost: PNG Chiefs have locked in BSP as their front-of-shirt sponsor on a record three-year deal, backing the club’s 2028 NRL entry and promising pathways for juniors and women’s sport. Roads Open Up Travel: PM James Marape continues his Independence push by touring newly connected routes, including the Pangu Highway, stressing that roads and bridges cut travel time, lower costs, and help farmers and small businesses reach markets. Mining Travel Milestone: Ok Tedi has started its first direct charter flight from Tabubil to Brisbane, aiming to cut airport delays and improve FIFO travel reliability. Culture on the Move: The National Cultural Commission has provided K20,000 support for reggae cultural ambassador Anslom Nakikus ahead of international music work in Jamaica and Vanuatu. Adventure Guide: A travel feature highlights PNG as a gateway via Jacksons International Airport, with domestic flights and boats key for reaching provinces, and May–October flagged as the best season for trekking and diving.

NRL & PNG Chiefs: PNG Chiefs have landed BSP as their official principal foundation partner, a record three-year front-of-shirt deal worth about AU$15m, as the club gears up for its 2028 NRL debut. Roads & travel access: PM James Marape is pushing “people-focused” infrastructure, including the newly opened Pangu Highway linking Port Moresby to Mt Hagen, arguing better roads cut travel time and costs for farmers and families. Mining travel milestone: Ok Tedi has launched its first direct charter flight from Tabubil to Brisbane, aiming to reduce airport delays and improve FIFO travel reliability for Western Province operations. Culture on the move: The National Cultural Commission has approved K20,000 support for cultural ambassador reggae artist Anslom Nakikus, backing his international music engagements from Jamaica to Vanuatu. Safety at major events: PNG Rugby Football League says it will strengthen security at the Santos National Football Stadium for the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup grand final while keeping a family atmosphere for fans travelling in for the match. Adventure travel guide: A fresh travel feature spotlights PNG as a “culture and adventure” destination, highlighting Jacksons International Airport access, domestic flights/boats, and the May–October dry season for trekking and diving. Election funding concern: Police and PNGDF told a parliamentary elections committee they’re still awaiting election-preparation funding, raising questions for next year’s GE27 readiness.

PNG Air Travel & Tourism: Ok Tedi has launched its first direct charter flight from Tabubil to Brisbane, cutting airport delays by 3–4 hours and creating a new hub for its fly-in, fly-out workforce—an Independence-week boost for Western Province travel links. Infrastructure & Community Travel: Prime Minister James Marape is on a road push along the newly opened Pangu Highway, urging Highlands farmers and businesses to use improved roads and bridges to get goods to market faster and reach schools and clinics. Education & Visitor Experience: Marape also commissioned the University of Goroka’s new K130 million administration building and student forum square, positioning upgraded facilities as a key step for better teacher training. Culture & International Travel: The National Cultural Commission has provided K20,000 support for reggae cultural ambassador Anslom Nakikus, backing his Jamaica and Vanuatu music engagements. Safety & Security: Port Moresby police leadership says the capital is shifting toward proactive community policing as major events and next year’s election planning loom. Sport Tourism: The PNG Chiefs have secured BSP as principal foundation partner for their 2028 NRL entry, with a record sponsorship deal expected to fuel training pathways and wider PNG participation. Business Travel: West Sepik businesses are being encouraged to explore Indonesia’s Trade Expo Indonesia 2026 in October, with Vanimo’s border position highlighted as a key advantage. Climate & Travel Conditions: Palau scientists report haze linked to smoke transported from fires across Australia, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea—dry El Niño conditions could worsen regional air impacts. Travel Docs Watch: Australia’s Pacific Engagement Visa list includes PNG, Solomon Islands and other Pacific nations, offering a permanent residence pathway for eligible citizens.

Roads & Growth: PM James Marape says PNG’s next push is about using new and upgraded roads to help farmers and small businesses get produce to market and families reach schools and clinics. Highway Milestone: He also completed a 1,300km road trip along the newly opened Pangu Highway, linking Port Moresby to Mt Hagen, calling for unity and productivity ahead of Independence Day. Elections Funding Gap: Police and PNGDF told a parliamentary committee they’ve not received election-preparation funding yet, warning timelines for tenders and hiring are tight. Safety & Tourism Caution: Authorities are highlighting the risks of swimming in off-limits areas after a child was attacked by an alligator in Florida’s restricted reserve—another reminder for travellers to follow local rules. Culture on the Move: The National Cultural Commission provided K20,000 support for reggae cultural ambassador Anslom Nakikus ahead of work in Jamaica and travel to Vanuatu. Sports & Sponsorship: PNG Chiefs announced BSP as principal foundation partner in a record NRL sponsorship deal, backing pathways for juniors and women’s participation. Travel Trade Links: West Sepik businesses are being urged to explore Indonesia’s Trade Expo (Oct 14–18) via the Vanimo consulate meeting. Air Travel Boost: Air Niugini is set to resume Auckland–Port Moresby nonstop service from 17 Nov 2026, with a new NZ sales & marketing lead appointed. Education Investment: PM Marape commissioned UOG’s K130m Central Administration Building and student forum square, stressing improved teacher training and learning outcomes. Regional Security Watch: Fiji’s justice minister warned prisons could be exploited by transnational criminal networks without safeguards, with PNG among the corrections officials meeting in Suva. PNG in the Spotlight: Port Moresby police chief says the capital is working toward a more liveable, safer city through proactive community policing as major events approach.

Pangu Highway Push: PM James Marape completed a 1,300km road trip to Mt Hagen on the newly opened Pangu Highway, saying infrastructure is the way to unite PNG ahead of Independence Day on Sept 16. Election Readiness: Police and PNGDF told a parliamentary elections committee they’re still waiting on election-preparation funding, warning they can’t legally spend money until released. Safer Cities: Port Moresby’s police chief says the capital can be made more liveable and safe, with a shift toward proactive community policing and neighbourhood programmes. Violence Response: Australia’s inaugural Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Commissioner Micaela Cronin has joined the board of Femili PNG, supporting crisis accommodation and survivor services in Lae, Goroka and Port Moresby. Prison Security Warning: Fiji’s justice minister says prisons across the Pacific could be exploited by organised crime networks unless safeguards are strengthened. PNG Chiefs Tourism & Sport: PNG Chiefs’ NRL entry keeps building momentum, with BSP named principal foundation partner in a record sponsorship deal, while Air Niugini marks Independence with 51 free return airfare giveaways. Travel Safety Alert: A crocodile caretaker died after a fatal attack at Adventure Park in Port Moresby, reigniting calls for stricter wildlife handling safety. Air Access for PNG: Air Niugini is set to resume nonstop Auckland–Port Moresby services from Nov 17, 2026, boosting direct travel links.

NRL & Sponsorship: The PNG Chiefs have landed BSP Financial Group as their official Principal Foundation Partner in a landmark deal, with BSP set to become the front-of-shirt sponsor and help fund pathways for juniors, training centres and women’s participation as the club prepares for its 2028 NRL entry. Education & Tourism: Prime Minister James Marape commissioned the University of Goroka’s new K130 million Central Administration Building and student forum square, pushing for better teacher training and stronger learning outcomes. Air Travel & Access: Air Niugini is celebrating PNG’s 51st Independence Anniversary with 51 free return airfare giveaways, while the airline also resumes its Auckland–Port Moresby service from 17 November 2026. Expedition Travel: Pearl Expeditions released its 2028 sailing collection, including revamped PNG itineraries packaged Cairns-to-Cairns and new charter flight access to cut transit time. Sports (OFC): The OFC U-19 Men’s Championship semi-finals in Apia decide the two teams heading to the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2027. Safety Alert: A crocodile attack at Adventure Park in Port Moresby killed a caretaker after a feeding incident went wrong, sparking renewed calls for tighter wildlife handling safeguards.

NRL & PNG Tourism Momentum: The PNG Chiefs have landed a record NRL sponsorship, with Bank South Pacific signing a three-year front-of-shirt deal worth about $15 million—another big signal for rugby league travel and fan interest ahead of their 2028 entry. New Routes for Small-Ship Travel: Pearl Expeditions’ 2028 sailing collection adds charter flight options from Cairns and Darwin, including new Darwin–Sorong links to open access to Tanimbar and Kei Islands, plus revamped PNG itineraries packaged Cairns to Cairns. Air Connectivity Boost: Air Niugini is resuming its Auckland–Port Moresby nonstop service from 17 November 2026, and has appointed Russell Williss in NZ to drive sales as the airline marks a major long-gap return. Independence Travel Perk: To celebrate PNG’s 51st Independence Anniversary, Air Niugini is giving away 51 free return airfares via a customer story campaign. Safety Reminder for Visitors: A crocodile attack at Adventure Park in Port Moresby killed a caretaker after harrowing footage showed the animal dragging him into a pool. Road Access Upgrade: PM Marape led PNG’s first-ever road convoy on the newly completed Pangu Highway, linking Port Moresby to Lae for the first time. Climate & Travel Planning: IOM-led assessments are underway to map El Niño impacts across water, food, health, shelter and displacement—useful for travellers and operators planning safer, smarter routes.

Pacific Engagement Visa: Australia has published the official list of 12 countries eligible for its new Pacific Engagement Visa, including Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Fiji and Vanuatu—an option aimed at strengthening long-term people-to-people links. PNG Air Travel Boost: Air Niugini is giving away 51 free return airfares for the 51st Independence Anniversary, encouraging travellers to share the stories behind their journeys. Hiri Moale Festival Flights: Air Niugini will also sponsor the 2026 Hiri Hanenamo quest winners with return trips to Fiji, Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands as the festival begins in Port Moresby. Tourism Ambassador Move: PNG Tourism Minister Belden Namah backs a proposal to make Jarome Luai a roving Pacific tourism ambassador, with plans to promote PNG attractions like the Kokoda Track and Milne Bay. Safety Warning for Visitors: A crocodile attack at Adventure Park in Port Moresby killed a caretaker after harrowing footage showed the worker dragged into a pool during a feeding incident. Road Travel Milestone: Prime Minister James Marape led PNG’s first road convoy on the newly completed Pangu Highway, linking Port Moresby to Lae for the first time. Governance Watch: ICAC has arrested and charged RPNGC Deputy Commissioner Samson Kua over alleged misuse of travel account funds.

PNG Fashion & Culture: OFAE Arts is set for PNG Fashion Week 2026 at APEC Haus (Sept 18–19), bringing Gulf Province-inspired designs built around identity and heritage. Independence Travel Perk: Air Niugini is offering 51 free return airfares for the 51st Independence Anniversary—share your story and fly home. Road Access Boost: Prime Minister Marape led PNG’s first road convoy on the new Pangu Highway, linking Port Moresby to Lae via Gulf and Morobe for the first time. Tourism Push: Air Niugini backs the Hiri Moale Festival, sponsoring Hiri Hanenamo winners with return trips across Fiji, Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands. Safety Alert: A crocodile attack at Adventure Park in Port Moresby killed a caretaker after a feeding incident went wrong. Climate Planning: IOM-led El Niño assessments are rolling out to identify communities most in need across water, food, health and shelter. Sport Pathway: PNG Binatangs U15 squad will travel to Queensland for the AFL Queensland State Academy Carnival (Sept 21–23).