AGP Executive Report

Super Rugby Survival Watch: New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters says Moana Pasifika can still be saved, with new potential supporters coming forward and no direct government bailout—just a push for a sustainable business model after the club was put into liquidation. University Sport: Divine Word University (DWU) in Madang will host the 2026 PNG National University Soccer Games (22–26 June 2026). NRL Finance Clarity: PNG Chiefs’ $600m push for the 2028 NRL entry is reframed, with nearly half legally ring-fenced for a multi-nation Pacific strategy rather than day-to-day club spending. Rugby League Fan Culture: Coca-Cola PNG launches a limited-edition Digicel ExxonMobil Cup Rugby League Collectible Series, spotlighting eight iconic match moments. Local Football Results: Madang United claim their first home win in the PNG Premier Soccer League, beating NCD FC 4-1. Arts & Environment: Port Moresby Nature Park kicks off its month-long Trash to Treasure Sculpture Festival for World Environment Day, turning waste into student-made art. Music Spotlight: “Mama Masalai” (Mereani Masani) confirms she’ll perform at the Wan Fire Festival and releases her new single “Mi go.” Community Rugby League: Moni Plus Port Moresby Vipers reclaim the Marum Cup with a 42-12 thrashing of the East New Britain Gurias.

Marum Cup Rugby League: Port Moresby Vipers ended a losing streak with a 42-12 demolition of ENB Agmark Gurias to reclaim the Marum Cup at Santos National Football Stadium, with East New Britain Governor Michael Marum praising the disciplined, attacking display. Club & Community Sport: Madang United also celebrated at home, beating NCD FC 4-1 as Oswald Bade scored twice in the Papua New Guinea Premier Soccer League. PNG Rugby League Fans: Coca-Cola PNG launched a limited-edition Digicel ExxonMobil Cup collectible series, spotlighting eight iconic player moments for supporters to relive the season. Sports Administration: Richard Kassman has been appointed executive director of PNG CORE, tasked with strengthening policy advocacy and stakeholder engagement for sustainable development. Team PNG Funding: PNG Olympic Committee’s justification committee approved a 520-strong Team PNG contingent for the 2023 Solomon Islands Pacific Games, with funding gaps still to be paid by Treasury. Arts & Environment: Port Moresby Nature Park kicked off its month-long Trash to Treasure Sculpture Festival for World Environment Day, turning waste into student-made artworks. Music Spotlight: Mereani Masani (“Mama Masalai”) confirmed she’ll perform at the Wan Fire Festival and release a new single, “Mi go.”

Mission Marge: Maj. Richard Bong’s nephews and staff from the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center are heading to Papua New Guinea to honour the WWII crash site of “Marge,” with plans to support a nearby village by improving school supplies and helping build a water pipeline. Rugby League Collectibles: Coca-Cola PNG has launched a limited-edition Digicel ExxonMobil Cup collectible series featuring eight iconic player moments. PNG CORE Leadership: Richard Kassman has been appointed executive director of PNG CORE, bringing decades of energy, governance and community leadership. Women’s Cricket Spotlight: The PNG Lewas were named “Team of the Year” at the 2026 SP Sports Awards after a historic 2025 run that included ICC qualification milestones. Trash to Treasure Festival: Port Moresby Nature Park kicked off a month-long sculpture festival turning discarded materials into art, with university students leading the creations. Music & Community: “Mama Masalai” (Mereani Masani) is set to perform at the Wan Fire Festival and release a new single, while ECPNG Koki Church received donated musical instruments from the NCD governor. NRL Chiefs Watch: Questions remain over who truly owns and funds the PNG Chiefs as the 2028 NRL debut approaches, even as signings and line-up updates keep fans engaged.

NRL Chiefs buzz: PNG Chiefs ownership questions are back in the spotlight after East Sepik Governor Allan Bird admitted he’s unsure who controls and funds the franchise—raising concerns about long-term stability as the 2028 debut nears. NRL signings: The club keeps building its roster, with English international Matty Lees joining the PNG franchise and Jarome Luai already headlining the talent push. Women’s sport pathways: In Gulf, the Cathy Neap rural talent identification programme used rugby league to boost confidence and leadership for young women, with standout players heading to Port Moresby for further development. Cricket momentum: The PNG women’s Lewas were named “Team of the Year” at the SP Sports Awards, with captain Brenda Tau pointing to the next big target—qualifying for a Cricket World Cup. Music & arts: “Mama Masalai” (Mereani Masani) confirms she’ll perform at the Wan Fire Festival and releases a new single, while Port Moresby Nature Park launches its Trash to Treasure Sculpture Festival. Community creativity: A single mum, Barbara Klewaki, is turning her wig-making hobby into a local business, Nuah Bee, serving PNG women through online orders. Regional news with PNG links: A powerful 7.8 quake hit the southern Philippines, triggering tsunami warnings across parts of the region including Papua New Guinea.

Local Entrepreneurship: Single mum Barbara Klewaki is turning her home-made wig hobby into a full-time business, Nuah Bee – Papua New Guinea Wig Makers, selling customised, locally made wigs via TikTok and WhatsApp. Church & Music: ECPNG Koki Church in Port Moresby received donated musical instruments from NCD Governor Powes Parkop to boost worship services. Arts & Environment: Port Moresby Nature Park launched its month-long Trash to Treasure Sculpture Festival for World Environment Day, with university students transforming waste into art, backed by BSP. Music Spotlight: PNG artist Mereani Masani (“Mama Masalai”) will perform at the Wan Fire Festival and release a new single, “Mi go.” Sport Pathways: Gulf communities backed Cathy Neap’s rural talent programme for women’s rugby league, sending standout players toward Port Moresby development. NRL Chiefs Build-Up: Questions linger over who truly owns and funds the PNG Chiefs, even as signings like Jarome Luai, Alex Johnston and Matty Lees keep the momentum going. Regional Media: NBC will host the 16th Pacific Media Partnership Conference in Port Moresby, focusing on resilient storytelling and safer journalism. Earthquake Alert: A major quake near Mindanao triggered tsunami warnings across parts of the Pacific, including Papua New Guinea, with authorities urging coastal residents to move to higher ground.

Athletics & International Sport: PNG is set to send 12 athletes to the ICTSI Philippine Athletics Championships (June 10–14) in Tarlac, with organisers expecting close to 1,000 competitors from eight countries. NRL Chiefs Build-Up: PNG Chiefs ownership questions are surfacing as Opposition MP Allan Bird admits key details on who controls and funds the franchise are still unclear—while the club keeps stacking talent, including Matty Lees and Connor Watson’s confirmed move to Port Moresby. Women’s Sport Pathways: In Gulf, the Cathy Neap rural talent identification programme used rugby league to empower young women, with six players selected for further development in Port Moresby. Cricket Recognition: The PNG Lewas were named “Team of the Year” at the SP Sports Awards after a historic 2025 run that included ICC East Asia-Pacific T20 success and ODI status. Arts & Environment: Port Moresby Nature Park launched its month-long “Trash to Treasure” sculpture festival, turning waste into student-made artworks with corporate support. Pacific Culture on Stage: Mereani Masani (“Mama Masalai”) will perform at the Wan Fire Festival and release a new single, “Mi go,” as regional music and dance events keep momentum. Media & Storytelling: PNG hosts the Pacific Media Partnership Conference in Port Moresby, focusing on resilient Pacific storytelling amid funding pressure and digital change.

NRL Chiefs Build-Up: PNG Chiefs ownership questions are bubbling up as Opposition MP Allan Bird admits he doesn’t know who controls the franchise or who will fund it long-term, even as the club keeps stacking talent for its 2028 debut. Signing Tracker: The Chiefs’ latest confirmed moves shape an early line-up led by Jarome Luai, with Alex Johnston and Connor Watson already in, and Matty Lees added as Player 004. Women’s Sport Pathways: In Gulf, communities backed the Cathy Neap rural talent programme using rugby league to build confidence and leadership for young women, with six players heading to Port Moresby. Cricket Spotlight: The PNG Lewas were named Team of the Year at the SP Sports Awards after a historic 2025 that included ICC East Asia-Pacific success and ODI status. Arts & Community Events: “Mama Masalai” Mereani Masani will perform at the Wan Fire Festival and release new single “Mi go,” while Port Moresby Nature Park launched its Trash to Treasure Sculpture Festival to turn waste into art. Sports Infrastructure: New softball facilities are set to start at UPNG, with two competition fields planned by October. Media & Culture: NBC hosts the Pacific Media Partnership Conference in Port Moresby, focusing on resilient storytelling and regional collaboration.

Film & Community: Skjaldborg 2026 in Patreksfjörður celebrated its 19th run with documentaries, a town parade that became a conga line, and a limbo contest—while the Grand Jury Prize went to “Return,” a Papua New Guinea–linked homecoming story. Music Spotlight: “Mama Masalai” Mereani Masani confirmed she’ll perform at the Wan Fire Festival and released a new single, “Mi go,” about the emotional weight of breakups. Arts for the Environment: Port Moresby Nature Park launched its month-long Trash to Treasure Sculpture Festival for World Environment Day, with university students turning waste into major works. Dance & Identity: Pacific Dance Festival 2026 opened in Māngere with a diverse line-up that includes Papua New Guinea artists. Rugby League Pathways: Gulf’s Cathy Neap rural talent programme used rugby league to empower young women, sending six standouts to Port Moresby for further development. Sport Awards Momentum: PNG’s Lewas were named Team of the Year at the SP Sports Awards, with captain Brenda Tau pointing to Cricket World Cup qualification as the next big target. Media & Culture: NBC is hosting the 16th Pacific Media Partnership Conference in Port Moresby, focusing on resilient storytelling and regional collaboration.

Wan Fire Festival: PNG artist Mereani Masani (“Mama Masalai”) will perform at the Wan Fire Festival and release a new single, “Mi go,” about the emotional weight of breakups. Trash to Treasure: Port Moresby Nature Park kicked off a month-long Trash to Treasure Sculpture Festival for World Environment Day, turning discarded materials into student-made art with BSP support. Pacific Dance Festival: The Pacific Dance Festival 2026 opens in Māngere with a big Pasifika line-up that includes PNG artists, spotlighting movement, story and identity. NRL Chiefs build-up: PNG Chiefs ownership questions are resurfacing as Alex Johnston prepares for a family move to Port Moresby and the club adds English forward Matty Lees to its 2028 roster. Sports awards momentum: SP Sports Awards crowned sprint king Pais Wisil and football star Ramona Padio, while the PNG Lewas were named Team of the Year after a historic 2025. Grassroots sport: Gulf’s Cathy Neap rural talent programme is sending standout girls to Port Moresby, and UPNG is set to get new softball facilities by October 2026. Media in focus: NBC hosts the 16th Pacific Media Partnership Conference in Port Moresby, with leaders pushing stronger regional storytelling and safer, more resilient journalism.

Wan Fire Festival: PNG artist Mereani Masani (“Mama Masalai”) is set to perform at the Wan Fire Festival, and she’s also dropping a new single, “Mi go,” about the hard emotional work of moving on after a breakup. Trash to Treasure: Port Moresby Nature Park launched its month-long Trash to Treasure Sculpture Festival for World Environment Day, with university students turning discarded materials into big, eye-catching artworks. Pacific Dance Festival: The Pacific Dance Festival 2026 opened in Māngere with a major Pasifika line-up that includes Papua New Guinea artists, spotlighting movement, story and identity across the region. Port Moresby clean-up: NCDC teamed up with Bomana Correctional Services for a city-wide sanitation drive, giving detainees a chance to contribute while improving public spaces. PNG Chiefs build-up: Questions are growing around PNG Chiefs ownership and funding, even as the roster continues to take shape ahead of the 2028 NRL debut. Sports awards glow: The SP Sports Awards crowned sprint star Pais Wisil and cricketer Ramona Padio, while the PNG Lewas were named Team of the Year for a historic 2025. Media in focus: NBC is hosting the 16th Pacific Media Partnership Conference in Port Moresby, with leaders pushing for stronger regional cooperation as Pacific newsrooms face digital disruption and funding pressure. Grassroots pathways: A Gulf rural talent programme is using rugby league to empower young women, with selected players heading to Port Moresby for further development.

NRL Chiefs build momentum: PNG Chiefs CEO Lorna McPherson is drawing attention for the club’s “nation-building” vision as the roster grows, with English forward Matty Lees confirmed as Player 004 and Connor Watson also locking in for 2028. Local rugby league pressure: The SP PNG Hunters’ 2026 Hostplus Cup campaign is under fire for inconsistency and injuries, raising doubts about the pathway to the Chiefs. Women’s sport pathways: Gulf province communities backed the Cathy Neap rural talent ID program for young women in rugby league, while PNGRFL is gearing up a more professional Santos Cup with improved welfare, contracting and safety standards. Cricket celebrates: The PNG Lewas were named Team of the Year at the 2026 SP Sports Awards after a historic 2025, including ICC ODI status. Sport + community support: Justin Olam’s Olam Foundation delivered K30,000 in medical supplies to rural health centres in Chuave. Media and culture: NBC hosts the 16th Pacific Media Partnership Conference in Port Moresby, focusing on resilient storytelling and regional collaboration.

NRL Chiefs future under scrutiny: East Sepik Governor Allan Bird says key details on who truly owns and funds the PNG Chiefs are still unclear, warning that without money and clear leadership the franchise could struggle. PNG Chiefs roster building: Connor Watson confirms he’ll join the Chiefs for 2028-29 after a Roosters-to-Dragons path, while English forward Matty Lees becomes the latest signing as the club targets a strong inaugural push. Women’s sport pathways in focus: Cathy Neap’s rural talent programme in Gulf unites communities to build confidence and identify six standout girls for Port Moresby development, while the PNGRFL Santos Cup conference sets a more professional, safer women’s rugby league season. Cricket momentum: The PNG Lewas are named Team of the Year at the SP Sports Awards after a historic 2025, and they’re now aiming for Cricket World Cup qualification. Sports infrastructure & media training: New softball facilities are set to start at UPNG (two fields by Oct 2026), and a five-day sports media course backs fair, gender-equitable reporting. Rugby league development pressure: The SP Hunters’ inconsistent 2026 campaign—injuries and reshuffled halves—raises concerns about the pathway to the Chiefs’ 2028 debut.

Cricket Spotlight: The PNG women’s cricket team, the Lewas, have been named Carbine Club Team of the Year at the 2026 SP Sports Awards after a historic 2025 run that included the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup East Asia-Pacific title, ODI status for 2025–2029, and big wins over Thailand and the Netherlands—now their next mission is qualifying for a Cricket World Cup. Sports Awards Buzz: Sprint star Pais Wisil took Male Athlete of the Year and People’s Choice, while footballer Ramona Padio was Female Athlete of the Year, and sports media veteran Terry Longbut won Sports Media of the Year. NRL Chiefs Build-Up: Questions remain over who truly owns the PNG Chiefs, but the roster push continues with English forward Matty Lees joining the club’s inaugural plans. Women’s Rugby League: PNGRFL has set the stage for a more professional Santos Cup with upgraded welfare, safety, and a longer preseason. Netball Pathways: Manus-based Chauka Isles secured renewed uniform sponsorship as it expands in Port Moresby’s netball scene. Media & Culture: NBC is hosting the 16th Pacific Media Partnership Conference in Port Moresby, focusing on resilient storytelling and regional collaboration. Community Sport Infrastructure: New softball facilities are set to begin at UPNG, aiming to restore competition-standard grounds by October 2026.

Rugby League & Women’s Pathways: Gulf province’s Cathy Neap Rural Talent Identification Program has wrapped its first phase, spotting six standout girls (18–23) after trials and exhibition matches at Terapo Primary School, with winners set to travel to Port Moresby for further development. NRL Chiefs Build-Up: PNG Chiefs ownership questions are bubbling up, with East Sepik Governor Allan Bird admitting he’s unsure who controls the franchise and warning that without clear backing the project could struggle. Chiefs Signings: The Chiefs keep stacking their inaugural roster, confirming English forward Matty Lees joins Jarome Luai, Alex Johnston and Connor Watson—signalling an aggressive push toward 2028. Sports Awards Spotlight: At the 34th SP Sports Awards, sprint king Pais Wisil took Male Athlete and People’s Choice honours, while football star Ramona Padio won Female Athlete of the Year and the PNG Lewas were named Team of the Year. Media & Community: NBC is hosting the 16th Pacific Media Partnership Conference in Port Moresby, focusing on resilient storytelling and regional collaboration as Pacific newsrooms face digital disruption and funding pressure. UPNG Softball Upgrade: New competition-standard softball facilities are set to begin at UPNG, with two fields and amenities due by October 2026, after Bisini diamonds were taken over for stadium expansion. Women’s Rugby League: PNGRFL has advanced the Santos Cup with a revamped 10-week structure, longer preseason, stronger medical and welfare standards, and clearer player contracting rules.

PNG Lewas’ Big Win: Cricket PNG says the women’s national team were named Team of the Year at the 2026 SP Sports Awards, after a historic 2025 that included the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup East Asia-Pacific title, a PacificAus Invitational win, and ODI status for 2025–2029. NRL Chiefs Momentum: PNG Chiefs CEO Lorna McPherson says the club’s push is also about women’s leadership in sport, as the franchise keeps stacking its inaugural roster with major signings including Connor Watson and Matty Lees. SP Sports Awards Highlights: Sprint star Pais Wisil took Male Athlete of the Year and People’s Choice, while footballer Ramona Padio won Female Athlete of the Year; media veteran Terry Longbut was Sports Media of the Year. Women’s Rugby League Upgrade: PNGRFL’s Santos Cup conference maps a more professional 2026 season with longer preseason, stronger medical and welfare standards, and clearer contracting structures. Softball Facilities for UPNG: New competition-standard softball fields and amenities are set to start soon at UPNG, with construction due to finish in October 2026. Pacific Media in Port Moresby: NBC hosts the Pacific Media Partnership Conference, focusing on resilient storytelling, safety in journalism, and regional collaboration as broadcasters face funding pressure.

NRL Chiefs roster build: PNG Chiefs have locked in English prop Matty Lees as their fourth signing for the inaugural push, joining Connor Watson and others already confirmed, with the club framing the moves as a culture-and-competition statement ahead of 2028. Player spotlight: Connor Watson has also confirmed his PNG Chiefs switch, saying the trip and the people made the decision feel bigger than money. Sports awards glow-up: The 2026 SP Sports Awards in Port Moresby crowned Ramona Padio Female Athlete of the Year and PNG Lewas Team of the Year, while Terry Longbut took Sports Media of the Year and Paias Wisil won Male Athlete of the Year. Women’s rugby league momentum: PNGRFL wrapped up the Santos Cup women’s conference with upgrades to welfare, safety, and a more professional structure for 2026. Softball facilities for UPNG: New competition-standard softball fields are set to begin soon at UPNG, funded by Australia, with completion targeted for October 2026. Media resilience in focus: PNG hosted the Pacific Media Partnership Conference, tackling digital disruption and how Pacific newsrooms can stay sustainable and independent. Community faith & culture: A church dedicated PNG’s new Missionary Training Centre in Port Moresby, marking a milestone for local volunteers preparing for service.