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Prime Minister James Marape has described the official visit of New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon as a “historic and defining moment” in bilateral relations, reaffirming a shared commitment to peace, prosperity and Pacific solidarity.
The visit, from 4 to 6 August, marked a milestone in Papua New Guinea’s diplomatic history as Mr Luxon became the first New Zealand leader — and only the second foreign leader after Australia’s Anthony Albanese in 2023 — to address the National Parliament.
Welcoming his counterpart and delegation to Parliament House in Waigani, Marape called the visit a “powerful reaffirmation of a friendship rooted in integrity, trust and shared Pacific values.”
“This day, we do not just welcome a neighbour — we welcome a family member,” he said. “New Zealand stood with us in 1975 when we gained Independence and has walked alongside us for the last 50 years. This visit renews that vow of partnership and positions us to move forward together for the next 50 years.”
A friendship forged in shared history
Marape paid tribute to New Zealand’s role in PNG’s nation-building — from helping form the civil service, health and education systems to its peace-building role during the Bougainville Crisis and support after the 2001 Bougainville Peace Agreement.
This year, the two countries launched the Papua New Guinea–New Zealand Statement of Partnership 2025–2029, a strategic framework built on five pillars: political and regional collaboration; economic and trade engagement; education and labour mobility; peace and security, particularly in Bougainville; and climate action and environmental resilience.
“This partnership is not built on aid or handouts,” Marape said. “It is built on mutual respect and a shared vision for transforming lives, uplifting communities and creating opportunity for the next generation.”
Delivering on shared ambitions
Bilateral talks between the leaders focused on initiatives aligned with PNG’s 50-year development vision, including:
Expanding New Zealand’s Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme to take in over 10,000 Papua New Guinean workers, with skilled labour pathways.
Increasing New Zealand business investment in agriculture, infrastructure and energy in PNG.
Boosting vocational training and youth employment.
Supporting peaceful dialogue and implementation of the Melanesian Agreement on Bougainville.
Scaling up climate resilience projects and renewable energy cooperation.
Thousands of New Zealanders currently live and work in PNG, while a growing Papua New Guinean diaspora contributes to New Zealand’s communities and economy. Marape said such people-to-people ties strengthened both nations.
“In a world of turbulence, we seek friends who lead not through might, but through right — and New Zealand is such a friend,” he said, underscoring the two nations’ role in the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. “We are committed to stand together — to protect our oceans, defend our democracies and ensure no Pacific child is left behind.”
Bougainville peace: NZ’s enduring role
Luxon’s visit came just weeks after the Burnham Consultations in Canterbury, hosted by New Zealand and moderated by former governor-general Sir Jerry Mateparae, with United Nations support. The talks advanced post-referendum dialogue between the Autonomous Bougainville Government and the PNG Government.
New Zealand, a signatory witness to the Bougainville Peace Agreement, has been a consistent peace partner since hosting the first Burnham talks in 1997, facilitating neutral dialogue and deploying an unarmed Truce Monitoring Group.
In June, both sides agreed to present the 2019 referendum results — alongside the moderator’s report and bipartisan committee findings — to the PNG Parliament, a step towards deciding Bougainville’s political future.
“New Zealand’s role as a neutral facilitator and peace partner remains indispensable,” Marape said. “Their commitment at Burnham reaffirms our shared dedication to a lasting, homegrown solution.”
A golden season of diplomacy
The Luxon visit opens a historic sequence of engagements as PNG celebrates its 50th Independence Anniversary.
In early September, the country will host UN Secretary-General António Guterres for a four-day visit — the first by a UN chief in PNG’s history, and the longest stay anywhere in the Pacific. He will address Parliament before the anniversary celebrations on 16 September, which are expected to draw leaders from across the Pacific and beyond.
“This marks a historic moment that recognises PNG’s growing role in regional peace, climate action and sustainable development,” Marape said.
The Prime Minister has called on citizens to embrace the anniversary year with unity: “We are privileged to live during this milestone year. Let us come together with one heart, one mind, one nation.”
SME growth and trade opportunities
The New Zealand Prime Minister also attended the New Zealand Economic Support Morning Tea on 6 August, where International Trade and Investment Minister Richard Maru thanked Wellington for its support of PNG’s small and medium-sized enterprises.
Through the Business Link Pacific (BLP) programme, New Zealand provides PNG businesses — particularly women-owned and rural enterprises — with advisory services, concessional loans and grants.
Maru noted that New Zealand had also funded major market upgrades in Gordons, Kimbe and Lae, which he said directly support informal vendors and SME operators. “Markets are where most of our SMEs and mothers from the informal sector sell their products,” he said. “We want this to be replicated in the rest of the provinces and districts in the country to support our mothers and sisters.”
He outlined the PNG Government’s own commitment, which includes over K100 million annually for SME loans and new grant funding for the Women’s Microbank (Mama Bank). He also announced a National Executive Council decision to offer competitive K100,000 grants to help SMEs export to overseas markets.
Mr Maru proposed anchoring the PNG–NZ relationship in a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement to support SME growth, entrepreneurship and trade, while firmly stating that PNG would not join the PACER Plus agreement.
“We are a big island nation,” he said. “We have the resources, we have the population, we have our own issues and our own national interest that must be catered for.”
Looking ahead: unity and purpose
In his Parliament address, Luxon paid tribute to PNG’s progress since Independence and affirmed New Zealand’s commitment to the shared Pacific vision. He highlighted cooperation on climate change, renewable energy and labour mobility, and said the friendship was “anchored in trust, shared history and mutual respect.”
Marape, in closing the visit, stressed that the PNG–NZ partnership was “not just transactional — it is transformational.”
“Together, we are building something that transcends politics — a legacy of peace, purpose and Pacific partnership,” he said. “May the bond between our peoples deepen. May the mountains of PNG and the shores of Aotearoa rise together. And may the next 50 years be a testament to what we can achieve — side by side, wantok to wantok,” Marape said.
The Cook Islands and the United States have agreed to strengthen cooperation on scientific research and the responsible development of seabed mineral resources, marking a significant milestone in their partnership as the Pacific nation celebrated its 60th anniversary of self-government on 4 August.
The joint announcement reflects the shared recognition of the critical role seabed minerals play in developing and powering modern technologies. The Cook Islands, a regional leader in exploring its vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), views these resources as key to long-term economic growth and prosperity for its people.
The United States has begun discussions with the Cook Islands Government to support research that will guide exploration and ensure responsible development within the nation’s EEZ. US-linked companies are already at the forefront of deep seabed mineral research and exploration in the islands, underscoring the countries’ strong shared interests in the sector.
“This collaboration marks a new chapter in our relationship since we established diplomatic ties in 2023,” the two governments said in a joint statement. “We affirm our commitment to scientific advancement, mutual prosperity, economic self-reliance and environmental stewardship as we partner to map and research the Cook Islands’ seabed mineral resources.”
With its expansive maritime resources, the Cook Islands brings the natural endowment, while the United States contributes advanced oceanic research capabilities and technology. Together, the countries aim to ensure that exploration and development are underpinned by “gold standard science” and global best practices.
Both governments pledged to advance responsible seabed minerals development, deepen global understanding of the deep ocean and set a high benchmark for transparent management of seabed resources.
BOULOUPARIS, New Caledonia — Christopher Gygès, member of the New Caledonia government responsible for energy, led the launch of several renewable energy projects in Boulouparis on Friday, 18 July at 10 a.m. at the TotalEnergies Renouvelables Pacific site.
Joined by Pascal Vittori, mayor of Boulouparis, as well as representatives from TotalEnergies Renouvelables France, Akuo Energy and Enercal, Gygès unveiled the Boulouparis Grande Batterie and the 60 MWp Boulouparis 3 photovoltaic farm — two key components of New Caledonia’s accelerating clean energy transition.
In 2016, New Caledonia adopted its Energy Transition Plan (STENC). A revised version, known as STENC 2.0, was approved by Congress in August 2023. It focuses on decarbonising the metallurgy industry, promoting carbon-free mobility and improving energy efficiency.
Three major private sector-led projects in Boulouparis are central to achieving STENC 2.0’s objectives:
Completion of Phase 3 of the Boulouparis photovoltaic farm
The upcoming construction of the Boulouparis Large Battery
Infrastructure upgrades by Enercal to support these developments
“These private initiatives are among the largest national and European projects,” said Gygès. “They demonstrate a genuine desire to green New Caledonia's energy mix and above all to provide affordable, carbon-free energy both to Caledonians and to the metallurgy sector.”
The projects are also expected to boost energy independence, create jobs and stimulate the construction sector.
“With this 15 billion [CFP franc] in private investment (approx. US$135 million) and the 200 jobs subsequently created, we have the opportunity to build a sector with the added bonus of training young Caledonians who will be able to sustain this sector of activity,” Gygès added.
TotalEnergies and Enercal sign agreement for Boulouparis 3
Following the commissioning of Units 1 (12 MWp) and 2 (16 MWp + 10 MWh storage) in 2017 and 2019, TotalEnergies and Enercal have signed the power purchase agreement (PPA) for Unit 3, a crucial step towards launching this next phase. Once completed, the three units will form the largest photovoltaic site in New Caledonia and one of the five largest in France, with a combined capacity of nearly 90 MWp.
Europe's largest battery project in final phase
Akuo Energy’s Boulouparis Large Battery project is now in its final financing stage. Designed as one of the largest electricity storage systems in Europe, the battery will offer 150 MWh of capacity and 50 MW of output over three hours.
The battery will provide key technical capabilities tailored to local needs:
Load transfer: storing solar energy during the day and releasing it in the evening to avoid peak loads
Grid support: regulating frequency and voltage
Black start: enabling grid restart after outages
Thermal substitution: quickly replacing fossil fuel plants with renewables
Accelerated integration of renewables: by adding more controllable capacity
The project is also grounded in community participation, with local groups GDPL Wiwa and Wije holding shares. Risk management measures include a full hazard study and close cooperation with the Civil Security Risk Management Department (DSCGR) and the Boulouparis fire brigade.
Enercal upgrades infrastructure for integration
To connect the solar plant and battery to the Grande Terre transmission network, Enercal is expanding the capacity of its Boulouparis source substation — the key link between high-voltage transmission and medium-voltage distribution networks.
The substation’s capacity has been increased from 45 MVA to 100 MVA, enabling it to handle the full output of local renewable projects. This expansion ensures:
Enhanced power transformation capabilities
Maintenance flexibility without disrupting supply
Additional improvements to the existing station include:
Secured emergency power supply
Reliable electrical protection and control systems
Integration of renewable power plant management into Enercal’s telecommunications
A local emergency control system for restarting the battery and power plants after incidents
Parallel work on the grid will allow both the Boulouparis 3 solar plant and the storage battery to connect seamlessly to the substation, including:
New connection points
A 33 kV underground line between Boulouparis 3 and the substation to export solar power
A 33 kV underground line between the battery and the substation for charging and discharging operations
Thanks to Enercal’s network upgrades, both solar generation and battery storage will be centrally managed from Enercal’s control centre in Nouméa. This centralised oversight will optimise solar production and ensure it is available when Caledonian households need it most.
Fiji’s Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, Tomasi Tunabuna, has reaffirmed his determination to strengthen the country’s agriculture sector, calling for commitment and collaboration from all corners of the industry.
Speaking to stakeholders, Tunabuna said that the sector’s growth depends on the sustained efforts of farmers, agribusinesses, industry partners and government agencies working together to introduce innovative practices, boost productivity and reinforce food security.
“Agriculture is more than just a source of food—it is the backbone of our communities and a key driver of our economy,” he said. “If we remain committed, innovative and united in our vision, we can build a sector that is stronger, more sustainable and more prosperous for future generations.”
He underscored the importance of a resilient, modern agriculture sector for economic growth, rural livelihoods and climate resilience, noting that the ministry will continue to support initiatives that empower farmers and promote sustainable farming systems.
Tunabuna acknowledged the expertise and dedication within the ministry, saying he was “privileged to lead a dedicated team” committed to farmers’ empowerment. Reflecting on past challenges, he admitted that limited funding had hindered progress in previous years, but said recent support and vision were helping secure the resources needed to deliver tangible results.
The minister also recognised the value of partnerships with other government agencies, particularly the ministries of Trade, Cooperatives, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Communications, Rural and Maritime Development, iTaukei Affairs and Health.
“There are programs in place that have enabled us to work together, especially in assisting our farmers and processors,” he said. “I believe that moving forward, our relations will continue to strengthen as we align our efforts towards sustainable agricultural growth and improved livelihoods for our people.”
Looking ahead, Tunabuna said the ministry will pursue further engagement with trading partners and seek new markets for Fijian-grown produce to increase recognition and reach. He stressed that expanding market access would boost farmers’ incomes and enhance Fiji’s position in regional and global agricultural trade.
He urged farmers and stakeholders to join the ministry in modernising the sector, adopting climate-smart methods and increasing production to meet both domestic and export demand.
“Collective action and shared responsibility are key to unlocking the full potential of Fiji’s agriculture industry,” he said.
Fiji’s digital journey is set to accelerate as the government launches a phased rollout of 5G technology, starting this year in the nation’s busiest cities before extending to rural and maritime communities.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Communications Manoa Kamikamica unveiled the Cabinet-endorsed 5G Spectrum Assignment and Rollout Strategy in Parliament, vowing that no Fijian will be left behind in the push for faster and more reliable mobile internet.
“The 5G structure requires infrastructure. This means fibre backhaul, three-phase power and modernised core networks,” he said. “In areas where 5G is not feasible yet, we’re prioritising infrastructure upgrades so every Fijian, regardless of location, has access to meaningful internet.”
The strategy will unfold in three phases over four years. Phase One (2025–2026) will focus on economic and tourism hubs—Suva, Nadi, Lautoka and Denarau—ensuring that businesses, emergency services and tourism operators can immediately access high-speed 5G networks. Phase Two (2026–2027) will extend coverage to Nasinu, Lami, Labasa and Savusavu, with an emphasis on supporting development in the Northern Division. By 2028, Nausori, Sigatoka, Navua, Ba, Tavua, Rakiraki, Korovou and Taveuni are expected to come online, with targeted investment to strengthen connectivity on Taveuni.
Operators licensed to deliver 5G will pay a base price of $2.92 million per 100 MHz block, but the government has adopted a commitment-based pricing model to encourage broader coverage. Companies rolling out services in remote and underserved areas between 2025 and 2028 will qualify for a coverage-based discount. Flexible payment terms allow 60 percent of the cost—after discounts—to be paid upfront, with the remainder spread over time. Performance-based incentives are also on the table.
Revenue from the spectrum assignment will be channelled into public services and digital equity: 50 percent to the Government Consolidated Fund, 30 percent to the Universal Service Obligation Fund to improve access in remote areas, and 20 percent to the Telecommunications Development Trust Fund to grow Fiji’s digital economy.
“This plan is not just about speed. It’s about making sure our farmers, our students, our health centres and our remote island communities can all benefit from the same opportunities,” Mr Kamikamica said.
The 5G rollout is expected to transform sectors from e-health to remote education. Faster, more reliable connections will enable telemedicine, real-time virtual classrooms, smart logistics and Internet of Things deployments in agriculture and utilities. Businesses across Fiji stand to modernise operations, expand market reach and deliver digital services at scale.
Still, challenges remain. Infrastructure upgrades demand significant investment in towers, small cells and backhaul connectivity. Policymakers must balance rollout speed with affordability and coverage while addressing technical concerns such as electromagnetic safety and signal interference. Digital literacy programmes may also be needed to help households and enterprises make the most of the new technology.
By giving the green light to 5G, Fiji is signalling its intent to embrace the next generation of telecommunications infrastructure, positioning itself as a technology leader in the Pacific. As the first connections go live in 2025, the nation’s path to becoming a fully connected digital society will begin—one tower, one town and one village at a time.
In recognition of World Mangrove Day, Loloata Island Resort led a coastal rehabilitation activity involving resort guests, local staff and volunteers, highlighting its ongoing commitment to marine conservation, ecological restoration and sustainable tourism.
The event saw the planting of 58 Aegialitis annulata seedlings in polybags and the transplantation of 15 mature specimens along the shoreline between Overwater Suites Rooms 2 and 3. The initiative was guided by the resort’s resident marine biologist, Donnya Gordon and conservation officer, Elijah Haru, who provided guests with hands-on education on mangrove ecology and climate resilience.
The selected planting site was chosen based on ecological suitability, with Aegialitis annulata already present and thriving in the area. According to Donnya Gordon “This species is highly adapted to the site’s salinity levels, rocky substrate and exposure to wave action, giving it a greater likelihood of survival and long-term ecological contribution.”
The activity drew participation from a diverse group of guests, including a mother and her four sons, three young cousins—one of whom expressed aspirations to become a marine biologist—and two Papua New Guinean social media influencers, Patronella Gawi and Dagia Aka. Their presence added a vibrant and engaging dynamic to the event, which was marked by an atmosphere of collaboration, curiosity and shared environmental purpose.
Guests received an introduction to the critical role of mangroves in maintaining coastal health, including their function as nurseries for juvenile marine organisms, natural carbon sinks and buffers against coastal erosion. Special emphasis was placed on Rhizophora stylosa, a dominant front-zone mangrove species with extensive ecological value in the region.
The activity was part of a broader programme initiated by Loloata Island Resort in collaboration with the Conservation and Environment Protection Authority (CEPA), local community members and students from the International Education Agency (IEA). The programme aligns with the resort’s long-term sustainability strategy, which includes regular coral planting, reef monitoring and educational outreach.
“Loloata is situated in an area increasingly impacted by development pressures and consistent plastic pollution ,” said Elijah Haru. “It is essential that we not only protect the remaining natural habitats, but also take proactive steps to rehabilitate degraded areas. Our initiatives aim to do just that—while also involving the next generation in environmental stewardship.”
The resort maintains a robust monitoring system for all conservation activities, including daily observations and data collection by the environmental team to assess survival rates and inform future restoration efforts. These efforts are critical to strengthening the resort’s coastal resilience and supporting the biodiversity of surrounding marine ecosystems.
Looking ahead, Loloata Island Resort intends to expand its guest engagement in conservation programmes. “We believe experiential education is a powerful tool,” said Donnya Haru. “When guests participate directly in planting mangroves or restoring coral reefs, they leave with a deeper appreciation of their role in protecting the planet.”
The event underscored Loloata’s position as a leader in conservation-oriented hospitality in Papua New Guinea, and reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding coastal ecosystems through science-based restoration, public awareness and inclusive participation.
Weir is pleased to announce the appointment of Mick Henderson as Regional Managing Director for the Minerals Division in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, effective immediately.
Mick brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of delivering results across Eastern Australia and the Pacific Islands. His deep regional insight and customer-first mindset underscore Weir’s commitment to supporting mining and resources customers with innovative solutions, responsive service, and operational excellence.
Since joining Weir in 2017, Mick has led teams across Queensland, Papua New Guinea, New South Wales and the Pacific Islands. Most recently, as Director – East, he focused on delivering value to mining and resource customers in the region through tailored service and support.
In his new role, Mick will focus on expanding Weir’s regional presence, strengthening customer partnerships and ensuring consistent delivery of high-performance solutions across the full product portfolio.
“I am dedicated to driving Weir’s mission by working collaboratively to deliver innovative, sustainable solutions and superior service. With our talented team, I am inspired to build on our strong foundation and reach new heights together,” said Mick Henderson.
Founded in 1871, The Weir Group PLC is one of the world’s leading engineering businesses, with a purpose to make its mining and infrastructure customers’ operations more sustainable and efficient. Weir’s highly engineered technology enables critical resources to be produced using less energy, water and waste, while reducing customers’ total cost of ownership.
Weir is ideally positioned to benefit from structural trends that support long-term demand for its technology, including the need for more essential metals to support economic development and carbon transition. The Group has approximately 12,000 employees operating in over 50 countries, with a presence in every major mining region of the world. Find out more at www.global.weir.
Filji Minister for Immigration Viliame Naupoto met with New Zealand’s Minister for Customs Casey Costello in Suva as part of the overall effort by both countries to enhance bilateral cooperation, particularly in the areas of border and regional security.
During their discussions, Naupoto and Costello s exchanged views on strengthening collaboration to combat transnational crimes including drug and human trafficking, as well as the need to improve mechanisms for real-time data sharing and coordinated border intelligence. The ministers also highlighted the importance of a united regional response to growing threats such as cybercrime and irregular migration.
Naupoto expressed Fiji’s interest in enabling ePassport access through New Zealand’s SmartGate system—similar to the arrangement already in place with Australia—which would streamline the travel experience for Fijian passport holders and support more efficient border control processes.
For her part, Costello reaffirmed New Zealand’s commitment to deepening cooperation with Fiji, acknowledging Fiji’s central role in Pacific border security.
“Fiji is not only a close friend but also a critical partner in our shared efforts to safeguard the Pacific. We are committed to enhancing our joint capabilities to detect and prevent illegal activities while at the same time making legitimate travel more efficient for our people,” she said.
She further noted that improved information exchange and the sharing of best practices between agencies would be key to lifting both nations’ ability to respond swiftly and effectively to evolving border challenges.
“This visit reaffirms our shared values, mutual trust and the importance of working together as Pacific partners,” she said.
