NBC New Ireland

30/07/2025

There's a TSUNAMI warning for New Ireland Province for 4:50pm this afternoon. All people along the coastal communities of the Province are urged to take precautions and move to higher grounds.

Tsunami update 2:00pm AEST: A magnitude-8.8 earthquake, which struck off Russia’s Kamachatka Peninsula, has sparked tsunami alerts, watches and warnings across the Pacific.

🇬🇺 Guam has been issued a tsunami warning, with the first wave expected to arrive at 2:30pm AEST.
🇲🇵 The Northern Mariana Islands is under a warning too, with the first wave expected to hit at 2:30pm AEST.
🇵🇼 Palau also has a tsunami watch in place and says waves reaching 0.3 to 1 metre above the tide level are possible for coastal areas at 4:19pm AEST.
🇹🇴 The Kingdom of Tonga is also bracing for impact, with the first wave expected at 7pm AEST. The national disaster risk management office of Tonga warns impact could hit in the next 24-48 hours.
🇦🇸 America Samoa is under an advisory too; their first wave is expected at 6:25pm AEST.
🇺🇸 Hawai’i is expecting its first wave from around 3:17pm AEST.
🇵🇬 Papua New Guinea's northern coast is on alert, with the following estimated arrival times for waves;
- Manus Islands 4:50pm AEST
- Kavieng 4:50pm AEST
- Rabaul 5:50pm AEST
- Kimbe 5:40pm AEST
- Madang 5:50pm AEST
- Wewak 5:30pm Vanimo 5:20pm AEST
🇸🇧 Solomon Islands is under a watch, with locals urged to stay away from coastal areas.
🇼🇸 Samoa has issued a tsunami watch. Members of the public are being urged to stay away from coastal areas.
🇨🇰 Cook Islands authorities warn that waves of 0.3 to 1.0m above the normal tide level are possible across the Cook Islands, arriving this evening.
🇻🇺 There is no threat to Vanuatu.

21/07/2025

The Kavieng Provincial Hospital morgue is closed as of today, Monday July 21st, 2025.

Kavieng Hospital Manager Paul Na'hau says, they will not be accepting dead bodies to be stored at the morgue due to failed cooling system.

The morgue's cooling system stopped working since Saturday July 18th, 2025, forcing the Hospital Managment to call for the urgent removal of bodies.

Seven (7) bodies were removed this morning with the final two (2) yet to be removed, to allow for the wash-down of the morgue before maintenance work is carried out.

Mr Na'hau says, the morgue will be closed for an indefinite period until the cooling system is restored.

19/07/2025

Good people of New Ireland Province. Wherever you are on our beautiful island Province. Make your stand!

Have a blessed day and may your voices be heard. Join the global campaign to reinforce moratorium on Deep Sea Mining in our waters. God Bless all. 🙏🏾

On July 20, people around the world will rise to defend one of Earth’s last untouched frontiers: the deep sea.

As governments gather at the International Seabed Authority (ISA) meeting in Jamaica, a powerful global wave of communities, scientists, and ocean defenders will take to the water in a united call: 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗽 𝗱𝗲𝗲𝗽-𝘀𝗲𝗮 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘀.

This isn’t just about what happens under the surface; this is about our climate, our future, and doing what’s right.

We call on the ISA and world governments to stand with science and safeguard the ocean, not hand it over to mining companies for private profit.

Join the movement:
🏄‍♂️ Take to the water — paddle, swim, surf, or rally onshore
📲 Post and share using
📢 Tag us: on Instagram and on all the other DSCC social media channels.
💻 Take action: DefendTheDeep.org

https://deep-sea-conservation.org/global-activation-against-deep-sea-mining-paddle-out-for-a-moratorium/

17/07/2025

Papua New Guinea’s Local Level Government elections, the most grassroots-level democratic process in the country, are proceeding with little to no presence of formal election observers.

Unlike the National Elections, which attracts international monitoring groups and civil society interest, the LLG elections have largely been ignored —raising concerns over transparency and credibility.

However, one government agency is stepping up, to observe the 2025 LLG election conduct.

The Office of the Registry of Political Parties and Candidates is currently the only state institution actively observing the elections across the country.

They have a team on the ground, to observe and document the administration, and conduct of the 2025 Local Level Government elections.

Director for Policy, Legal and research, Patrick Kaiku says, they are holding discussions with political parties, candidates, and key stakeholders across two districts of Namatanai and Kavieng, to assess the environment in which the elections are being held.

He said, “election observations are very important because yumi bai kisim experience na lessons blong elections ba em bai informim how bai yumi prepare for the next election ah!”

He said we’ve been having elections since 1964 and 50 years later, we are still having issues.

“So mipla kam long Niu Ailan yah, em blong traim blong understandim whether ol political parties or whether environment i allowim pipol long expressim democratic rights blong ol, igo gut or align wantem tingting blong gavman long conductim free na safe elections,” he said.

The team has completed observations in Central Province, Morobe, Madang, East Sepik, Sandaun, Western Highlands, Enga, Southern Highlands, Jiwaka, Eastern Highlands, Northern (Oro), West New Britain, and New Ireland Province.

The observation findings will help the Office of the Registry present strong recommendations to parliamentary decision-makers, with the aim of strengthening future electoral processes, especially at the subnational level.//

Pic: The Team from the Office of Registry of Political Parties.

17/07/2025

Callan Inclusive Education Centre was first to receive New Zealand’s High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, His Excellency Peter Zwart and his delegation Monday morning on his four days visit in Kavieng.

Along with the High Commissioner was Second Secretary Development -Meg Williams, Dr. Ngaire Tihema, and Mr. Johannes Gambo, Program Director-based in Kokopo (ENB) province.

Parents, students and teachers were there early, Monday morning to receive his Excellency, with a warm welcome.

Under the New Zealand’s Volunteer Services Abroad (VSA) program, Callan Inclusive education partnered with New Zealand’s VSA program since 2015. They have been receiving volunteers under the VSA program until 2019, it was suspended due to Covid 19.

The program revived in 2023, with volunteers returning to Callan Inclusive Education centre, where they have mentored, staff, parents, and guardians in vital areas supporting kids and people with disabilities.

In a moving gesture, His Excellency Peter Zwart addressed the small crowd in his native Māori language — a moment that was met with smiles and deep respect. “Mi laik tok tenkyu long welkam blong yupela, mi hamamas tru long kam stap long hia.” he said.

“Its an opportunity for me to come around, escaping Port Moresby, which is a bit of a trap, and whilst Papua New Guinea is also here, actually it’s the first time, I visit the work of Callan Services here, actually I have seen what Callan is doing around the country,” he said.

Mr. Zwart is a former project manager, for Caritas New Zealand, before becoming New Zealand’s High Commissioner to PNG.

The Commissioner was able to hear about the work of VSA volunteers with Callan, the challenges thy Inclusive school is facing, and the success stories of children attending the Inclusive centre.

He was also told that patients with eye and ear are usually sent up to the centre for assistance.

He also saw for himself, the need for a more conducive space for the school going forward.
Program Coordinator Joan Beno, told the commissioner, they hope to move the school to a new location to allow access to students.

Callan Inclusive Education Centre currently has six general teachers, without no specialist. It runs exclusive under the department of education. //

13/07/2025

NZ HIGH COMMISSIONER ARRIVES IN NEW IRELAND PROVINCE

Sunday July 13, 2025.

The New Zealand High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea Peter Zwart has arrived in Kavieng this afternoon for an official visit to New Ireland Province.

He arrives with his delegation, including Deputy Head of mission Charlie Gillard, Counsellor Administration Averil Taylor, First Secretary Development, Laura Holder, First Secretary Political Erika Webb, Second Secretary Development Meg Williams, and officers from office of the High Commissioner Sheila Johang, and their support staff.

The High Commissioner was received at the Kavieng Airport by Provincial Administrator Richard Andia, representing the Provincial Government, along with a local delegation.

A traditional New Ireland welcome, featuring cultural performances and garland, was staged in honour of the visiting diplomat.

The visit is part of ongoing bilateral engagement between New Zealand and Papua New Guinea, with focus on development cooperation and community-level partnerships in the province.

The High Commissioner is scheduled to visit various project sites and meet with local leaders and stakeholders across the province starting tomorrow.

He is expected to complete his official program on Thursday and return to Port Moresby thereafter.//

11/07/2025

3rd Consultation by the Alliance of Solwara Warriors on the Niu Solwara 1 project in Namatanai Town, Stamper Hall. The public is welcome to attend and express their views. Continues

11/07/2025

3rd Consultation by the Alliance of Solwara Warriors on the Niu Solwara 1 project in Namatanai Town, Stamper Hall. The public is welcome to attend and express their views.

09/07/2025

A PNG Electoral Commission staff was detained by Kavieng Police on Thursday July 03, 2025, following the death of an elderly man at Panapai Village, outside of Kavieng town..

The victim, Donnie Chow was ran over by a speeding vehicle, resulting in his instant death.

Eye witness and a Police Officer by profession, Johnny Korong, who is also a local from Panapai village says, the vehicle that caused the accident was a five-door, hired out to the PNGEC office in New Ireland Province.

Mr Korong says, the incident happened around 8pm, on the night of July 03rd, 2025.

Villagers heard a loud bang on the road and they all rushed out to see what was happening, only to see Donnie Chow's lifeless body lying on the roadside after being hit by a speeding vehicle.

The vehicle sped off, but returned to the scene a few minutes later to check.

Mr Korong says, the driver/suspect, Uriah Bais came out of the vehicle and stood speechless, staring at Mr Chow's lifeless body.

To which Mr Korong told him, you killed Donnie.

Realising this, the suspect got on the vehicle and left, together with other PNGEC staff.

Mr Chow's body is now at the Kavieng hospital morgue.

Kavieng police are tight-lipped on the matter and as of today, the Officer incharge of Traffic couldn't verify to NBC whether the suspect is in custody or not.

This incident has raised concerns within the New Ireland Provincial Administration, as to why there is no public statement from Police and PNGEC over this serious incident, that saw a life being lost.//

09/07/2025

A grade 11 male student from Manggai Agro Secondary School was found dead in school yesterday and his body is now at the Kavieng Provincial Hospital morgue.

Chief Executive Officer of Social Sector within the New Ireland Provincial Administration Mr Benson Apelis who is also in charge of all schools in the Province, says,
..the victim's body was found laying motionless on the field with a deep knife wound to the back of his neck.

This was around 4pm - 5pm on Tuesday, July 08th, 2025.

His body was was brought to the Kavieng Hospital morgue at 7:30pm and his parents have also been notified of his death.

Mr Apelis says, the victim had just returned to school yesterday from the holidays, accompanied by his parents.

This victim is from Simberi Island in the Sentral Niu Ailan Local Level Government area.

He was dropped off in school and the parents continued on to Kavieng town, only to received the devastating news later in the evening, of the untimely death of their son.

Apelis says, there is uncertainty surrounding the student's killing with police investigations underway.

He says, police are currently on the ground collecting statements and at the same time, providing security at the school.

Manggai Agro Secondary school is a Untied Church Agency School, and CEO Apelis says, the killing is the first of its kind for schools in New Ireland Province.

Meanwhile Provincial Director of the Division of Education, Patrick Neman says, they do not tolerate violence of any sort in schools, thus, education authorities are working closely with police, and the church to ensure those responsible are caught and dealt with.

Provincial Advisor of the Teaching Service Commission Mr Patrick Timsok says, they will be working closely with their teachers too to identify the root cause of the problems happening in the school.

In the meantime, classes have been suspended for an indefinite period until further notice.//

PC: Mr Benson Apelis talking to NBC

05/07/2025

04/07/2025

*West Coast Central Highway On Target to Meet September 16 Deadline*

West Coast Central People of New Ireland are hardworking, resilient yet humble people. Regardless of the road condition, West Coast Central Constituency has been supplying almost 80% of garden produce to Kavieng Town. Improving West Coast Central Highway will unlock the economic potential and surely the economy will thrive.

Seeing that, the Member for Namatanai and Governor for New Ireland Hon. Walter David Schnaubelt and Member for Kavieng and Minister for Treasury Hon. Ian Ling Stuckey jointly funded the design for the entire West Coast Central Highway of 198km starting from Fangalawa Juntion in Kavieng to Bo Junction in Namatanai. Design has been completed and approved. Following that, the National Government has acknowledged the initiative taken by the Districts to demonstrate seriousness about the West Coast Central Highway by jointly funding the design. In honoring the Districts commitment on the West Coast Highway, National Government has made the commitment to fund the first 30km of the West Coast Central commencing this year.

Of the 30km commitment, 15km will commence from Burukalai to Kokola in Namatanai and the other 15km will commence from Para to Belifu in Kavieng.

On a positive note, works on Kavieng Side has already commenced and is on target to complete sealing of first 8km by September 16th 2025. The opening of first 8km will coincide with 50th independence Anniversary Celebrations.

On Namatanai approach, the contractor has mobilized and just commenced works. It is forecasted to complete the project in December, 2025.

New Ireland Governor Hon. Walter Schnaubelt and Member for Kavieng Hon. Ian Ling Stuckey have welcomed the project as the one that will impact the lives of people of West Central Coast and will certainly improve economy in the province. The road will also unlock the potential for tourism to thrive as West Coast Central is the Host of some of the beautiful sites in the Country. They have given their absolute support to maintain the strong partnership with Department of Works and Highways to see this Impact project through to its completion.

This is under the Connect PNG Program for the New Ireland Corridor with the funding from the National Government.

Under Marape-Rosso Government, the Connect PNG road infrastructure program is touching the lives of people across the country and the people of new Ireland are seeing it after 50 years with the construction of the West Coast road, one of the many forgotten roads in the country.

Department of Works and Highways is managing the project and we thank the New Ireland Government and Kavieng DDA for the partnership.

Minister Solan Mirisim commended the partnership and calls for other Provincial Governments and DDAs to share resources and responsibilities in the efforts of infrastructure development.

Secretary for Works and Highways, Gibson Holemba thanked the cooporation between the Department and New Ireland Government in ensuring that the Road Management Performance Agreement (RMPA) is being implemented in this partnership agreement. New Ireland, Eastern Highlands, and Madang Provincial Governments are the main partners that are currently implementing the RMPAs whilst other provinces are yet to implement their RMPAs.//