PNG Times

01/06/2026

Prime Minister James Marape Leads High-Level Delegation to Kikori for Critical Papua LNG Talks

Prime Minister Hon. James Marape today (Sunday, 31st May 2026) led a high-level government delegation to Kikori District in Gulf Province to advance key discussions on the Papua LNG Project ahead of the anticipated Final Investment Decision (FID) later this year.

The Prime Minister was accompanied by Gulf Governor Hon. Chris Haiveta, Minister for Petroleum Hon. Jimmy Maladina, MP, Minister for Finance Hon. Thomas Opa, and Managing Director of the Mineral Resources Development Company (MRDC), Mr. Augustine Mano.

During the visit, the delegation inspected the newly completed Kikori Heritage Hotel, a landmark investment by MRDC and the first of five planned world-class hotel developments across Papua New Guinea’s major resource-producing provinces, including Hela, Southern Highlands, Western, Gulf, and Central Provinces.

Prime Minister Marape welcomed the development as a significant demonstration of local investment and economic growth within the Papua LNG project footprint.

"The Kikori Heritage Hotel represents the kind of long-term investment that creates opportunities, supports local businesses, and showcases the benefits that can be generated from our natural resources," Prime Minister Marape said.

The leaders also held strategic discussions focused on ensuring that the Papua LNG Project delivers meaningful and sustainable benefits to resource owners, local communities, and the people of Gulf Province. Discussions covered infrastructure development, landowner participation, economic opportunities, and benefit-sharing arrangements ahead of the project's final investment milestone.

Governor Haiveta and local stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to working closely with the National Government and project partners to ensure the successful implementation of Papua LNG while maximizing opportunities for local communities.

Concluding the visit, Prime Minister Marape announced that his next visit to Kikori would include the formal announcement of plans to upgrade the Kikori Airstrip into a modern airport facility, a project expected to improve connectivity, support economic development, and strengthen service delivery throughout the district.

The visit underscores the Government's commitment to responsible resource development, infrastructure expansion, and ensuring that the benefits of major projects are shared with the people who host them.

01/06/2026

CODE Sports reporting Watson has signed for PNG Chiefs 🇵🇬🔥💪🏾
bit.ly/4uv01xY

31/05/2026

🎉 PEOPLE'S PARTY HOSTS FUNDRAISER DINNER IN PORT MORESBY

The People's Party Inc. held a successful Fundraiser Dinner at the Stanley Hotel in Port Moresby on Sunday evening, bringing together party members, supporters, government leaders and stakeholders.

The event was hosted by party leader and Enga Governor Sir Peter Ipatas, who founded the People's Party in 2006.

Prime Minister James Marape and his wife attended the event, alongside several state ministers and members of parliament, demonstrating strong support for the party's fundraising efforts.

Party representatives thanked supporters and stakeholders for their commitment over the past 20 years, highlighting the People's Party's contribution to national development and governance.

The gathering served as an opportunity to celebrate the party's achievements, strengthen partnerships, and discuss its vision for Papua New Guinea's future.

30/05/2026

𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗮 𝗧𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗦𝗲𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗕𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰 𝗟𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘀𝘁

sᴀᴛᴜʀᴇᴅᴀʏ, 30th ᴏғ Mᴀʏ, 2026

By One Agency Group - Australia.

https://lnkd.in/giyZCa_D

: One Agency PNG has marked its launch into the Papua New Guinea market by securing an agreement with Baosen China Town, a landmark K4 billion (AUD $1.2 billion) mixed-use development set to reshape Port Moresby’s real estate landscape.

Led by Principal and Licensee, Mr Kelly Cook, One Agency PNG has been appointed as the sales and leasing agent for the major development, which is being delivered by notable Chinese developer Baosen International Holdings Limited.

Located within Port Moresby’s Five-Mile corridor, Baosen China Town is expected to become one of the most significant private sector property developments undertaken in the Pacific region in recent years. The project will deliver a large-scale integrated precinct comprising retail, residential, hotel and commercial components, supported by Papua New Guinea’s Special Economic Zone framework.

The first phase of the development is already underway and set to include approximately 90,000 square metres of prime leasable retail space, making it the largest shopping mall in Papua New Guinea. The broader project is planned to include more than 600 fully furnished high-security apartments, a 30-storey five-star hotel, Grade-A office space and extensive commercial leasing opportunities.

Baosen International Holdings Ltd, Sales and Marketing Director, Mr Ben Wang welcomed the appointment of One Agency PNG, saying the partnership would support the project’s ambition to attract investors, tenants and commercial operators.

“Baosen International is excited to work with One Agency PNG. We look forward with confidence to their vast local and international real estate network in assisting us to secure potential investors to deliver a major project of this magnitude,” said Mr Wang.

For One Agency PNG, the appointment comes at a defining moment for both the business and the broader property sector in Papua New Guinea. Mr Cook said the agreement reflected both the scale of opportunity in PNG and the growing sophistication of the local real estate market.

“Baosen China Town is the single most ambitious development we’ve ever seen in the Pacific, and to be entrusted as sales and leasing agent for this landmark project is a tremendous honour.”

“We are deeply grateful for the trust placed in us, which is not just a vote of confidence in One Agency — it is a vote of confidence in Papua New Guinea’s investment climate.”

“We look forward to a long and prosperous partnership with Baosen International and to serving the many investors and businesses who will make this new city their home,” he said.

The Baosen China Town development is expected to introduce a new benchmark for commercial, retail and residential real estate in Papua New Guinea, with modern design, integrated security, power redundancy, managed common areas and international-grade property management systems.

For the PNG property sector, the development is expected to create significant opportunities across retail leasing, residential leasing, property management, valuation, facilities management, legal services, construction supply chains and ancillary commercial activity.

The project’s residential component is also expected to address a long-standing undersupply of Grade-A rental housing in Port Moresby, with more than 600 apartments planned as part of the development’s second phase.

One Agency Founder and CEO Paul Davies said the appointment was a significant moment for Kelly Cook, One Agency PNG and the broader One Agency network.

“To launch One Agency PNG and immediately be appointed to represent a development of this scale is an extraordinary achievement,” said Mr Davies.

“Kelly Cook brings deep local knowledge, strong commercial understanding and a clear commitment to raising professional standards in the PNG property market. This appointment reflects the confidence Baosen International has placed in Kelly and his team, and we are very proud to support them as they bring this landmark project to market.

“Baosen China Town is not only significant for Port Moresby, but for the future of real estate and investment across the Pacific. It represents the kind of project that can create new benchmarks, attract new capital and open up opportunities across the broader property sector.”

Mr Davies said One Agency’s model was well suited to ambitious operators in emerging and growth markets, giving business owners the ability to leverage an established international brand while maintaining local ownership, autonomy and market focus.

“One Agency was built to support strong local operators who want the freedom to grow their business in a way that suits their market,” he said.

“In PNG, that means combining Kelly’s local expertise with the strength, systems and reach of the One Agency network. We see tremendous opportunity in the region and are excited by what this appointment means for the future of One Agency PNG.”

The Baosen China Town project is expected to be delivered across multiple phases, with Phase One targeted for completion by the end of 2026 and the full project expected to be completed by 2028.

The project is set to include retail leasing opportunities across hundreds of stores, residential leasing and sales opportunities, office space, hotel infrastructure and supporting services that are expected to contribute to the ongoing professionalization of PNG’s real estate sector.

For One Agency PNG, the appointment provides an immediate platform to establish its presence in the market and demonstrate the strength of its sales, leasing and investor engagement capability.

The launch also reflects One Agency’s continued international growth, with the network now operating across multiple countries and supporting business owners through a flexible license model designed to deliver greater autonomy, profitability and long-term business value.

30/05/2026

CONNOR WATSON SET TO JOIN PNG CHIEFS AS SIGNING No. 003

Reports indicate that Sydney Roosters utility Connor Watson has agreed to join the PNG Chiefs as the club's third official signing.

An official announcement is expected in the coming days.

The reported signing further strengthens the Chiefs' recruitment drive as the club continues its aggressive push to attract established NRL talent and experienced leaders to help build a strong foundation ahead of its entry into the competition.

Watson recently visited Port Moresby, where he inspected facilities and gained firsthand insight into the vision and plans being developed by the PNG Chiefs. The visit is understood to have played a key role in finalising an agreement between both parties.

While official confirmation is still pending, all indications suggest Watson will soon be unveiled as one of the marquee signings for the PNG franchise.

30/05/2026

30/05/2026

29/05/2026

CONNECT PNG REACHES SIMBAI: FIRST VEHICLE CROSSES JIMI RIVER IN HISTORIC MOMENT

In what many are calling a historic breakthrough for rural Papua New Guinea, the first-ever vehicle has successfully crossed the mighty Jimi River by a makeshift banana boat into Simbai, opening a new chapter of hope, connection and economic opportunity for isolated communities.

This extraordinary moment demonstrates the determination, resilience and innovative spirit of the people of Middle Ramu and Baiyer Valley, who refused to allow geography and hardship to define their future.

For decades, communities in this part of the country remained disconnected from basic government services, transport access and economic participation. Today, that story is changing.

Watching the vehicle carefully ferried across the river reminded many Papua New Guineans of the iconic PNG screenplay “Tinpis Run” produced by the Port Moresby Theatre Group years ago. But this is no movie script but this is a real-life modern-day “Tinpis Run” unfolding before our eyes through the determination of ordinary people supported by national infrastructure development.

The Pangu-led Marape-Rosso Government, through the Department of Works and Highways, is implementing the Government’s Connect PNG Program nationwide to connect the unconnected and reaching the unreached parts of the country — kina for kina in delivering real results on the ground .

The Connect PNG Economic Road Development Program is now transforming the dreams of rural communities into reality.

For many villagers, this was the first time in their entire lives witnessing a motor vehicle entering their area. What may appear ordinary in urban centres is a life-changing moment for remote communities that have waited generations for road access.

Road infrastructure is more than just transport. Roads bring teachers, doctors, medicines, markets, agriculture opportunities, business growth, communication services and government presence. Roads connect children to schools, farmers to markets and families to opportunities.

The Marape-Rosso Government’s Connect PNG vision is opening up major economic corridors across the country and empowering rural people to actively participate in national development and economic prosperity.

This historic crossing into Simbai is more than a vehicle crossing a river — it is a symbol of hope, progress and national unity.

It proves that when leadership, determination and community spirit come together, no obstacle is too great and no place is too remote to be reached.

Connect PNG is not just a road program.

Connect PNG is changing lives.

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26/05/2026

TEMPORARY BYPASS TO STRENGTHEN ALOTAU NORTH COAST HIGHWAY ACCESS

Wednesday, 27th May 2026

A stronger temporary bypass will be built along Alotau’s North Coast Highway to ensure safer access into town over the coming months following severe cyclone damage.

Alotau MP Ricky Morris has committed K136,000 to reinforce the current temporary bypass at the washed-out section near Huhuna, which was heavily damaged during Cyclone Maila in April.

The original road section, located just before the incline to Huhuna, was completely washed away by floodwaters, cutting off traffic for several days. An initial emergency bypass constructed after the damage was also washed away, forcing authorities to establish a second temporary route that is currently in use.

Morris said the latest funding will support the installation of multi-plate culverts to strengthen the existing bypass and improve its ability to withstand further weather impacts while a permanent solution is arranged.

A permanent bridge is now being planned for the damaged section, with the project expected to cost around K2 million, in collaboration with the Department of Works and Highways.

Meanwhile, the district has also included broader road rehabilitation works in its disaster recovery report, with the Watunou to Huhuna road section earmarked for upgrades estimated at up to K5 million, covering culvert improvements, drainage works, and general maintenance.

The intervention aims to restore reliable transport access for communities along the North Coast Highway while longer-term infrastructure solutions are developed.