AGP Executive Report

Music-meets-nature: A newly discovered New Guinea groundsnake has been named Lielaphis slashi after Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash, with the Field Museum saying the non-venomous species won’t harm humans. Rugby League World Cup access: UK culture secretary Lisa Nandy has criticised the tournament’s paywall on Premier Sports, arguing fans should be able to watch free-to-air as the event runs across Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea. Local sport spotlight: Special Olympics PNG will hold its Walk for Inclusion Walkathon on Oct 24 in Port Moresby, aiming to boost respect and opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities. Community sport pathways: Goilala’s Team Goilala talent search will visit Independence Day celebrations in Tapini, Guari and Woitape to scout athletes locally across multiple codes. PNG arts & culture: Divine Word University has kicked off awareness activities for its 30th Anniversary Festival of Legacy and Vision with motorcades in Rabaul, Port Moresby and Madang. International music pride: PM James Marape praised Wame Blood’s nomination at the 2026 Pacific Music Awards in Auckland as a win for PNG’s growing creative scene.

Sports & Inclusion: Special Olympics PNG’s Walk for Inclusion Walkathon is set for Oct 24 in Port Moresby, with a 5km route from Sir John Guise Stadium and a big push for “choose to include” for athletes with intellectual disabilities. Local Sport Spotlight: The PNG Open returns Aug 27–30 at Royal Port Moresby Golf Club with defending champion Cory Crawford leading a deep field, including PNG’s Morgan Anato after his historic amateur run last year. Nature & Culture Crossover: A newly discovered New Guinea ground snake has been named Lielaphis slashi after Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash, adding another biodiversity story to PNG’s rich wildlife profile. Women’s Football: The Black Queens’ World Cup play-off draw puts them against Ecuador, Uzbekistan and Papua New Guinea in a mini-tournament running Nov 24–Dec 5, 2026. Rugby League Media Fight: UK culture secretary Lisa Nandy has criticised plans to put the Rugby League World Cup behind a paywall, after Premier Sports secured exclusive UK/Ireland rights. Community & Safety: Police presence and patrols helped keep crowds safe during the 66th Mt Hagen Culture and Agriculture Show, after clashes were reported around the city. Arts & Music: Wame Blood has been recognised for representing PNG at the 2026 Pacific Music Awards in Auckland, with Prime Minister Marape praising the nomination as a milestone for PNG’s creative scene. Sports Development: Goilala officials will bring talent scouting to Independence Day celebrations across Tapini, Guari and Woitape on Sept 16, aiming to widen access for athletes from remote wards.

Rugby League World Cup TV fight: UK culture secretary Lisa Nandy has criticised plans to put the 2026 Rugby League World Cup behind a subscription paywall, after Premier Sports secured exclusive UK and Ireland rights—an issue for Pacific fans, including Tonga, as matches run Oct 15–Nov 15 across Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea. Sport safety spotlight: At last year’s Pacific Mini Games in Palau, 11 safeguarding cases (from bullying to sexual harassment) were officially recorded, with most victims girls and women and many affected athletes. University anniversary buzz: Divine Word University kicked off its 30th Anniversary “Festival of Legacy and Vision” with motorcades in Rabaul, Port Moresby and Madang, building public excitement for upcoming events. Local football funding: PNGFA has allocated nearly K500,000 to the Lae Football Association to upgrade facilities and push football development in the northern region. Music recognition: Wame Blood’s nomination at the 2026 Pacific Music Awards in Auckland was praised by Prime Minister James Marape as a win for PNG’s growing creative industry. Fashion industry momentum: Papua New Guinea Fashion Week is spotlighting seven local designers and brands on the international stage.

Rugby League World Cup TV fight: UK culture secretary Lisa Nandy has urged organisers to keep the Rugby League World Cup on free-to-air after Premier Sports secured exclusive UK and Ireland rights, replacing the BBC’s past coverage. Pacific Rugby League push: Fiji has officially joined the Pacific Rugby League Partnership, signing in Parliament and joining PNG, Samoa and Tonga, with a $250m Australian-backed plan focused on schools, safe community competitions, and talent pathways. Local sport talent scouting: Goilala’s Team Goilala will bring athlete selections to Independence Day celebrations across Tapini, Guari and Woitape, covering rugby 9s, volleyball, boxing, soccer, touch football, rugby 7s, basketball and athletics. Community sport and safety: Police boosted security at the 66th Mt Hagen Culture and Agriculture Show, managing crowds and responding to clashes to keep visitors safe. Music spotlight: PNG’s Wame Blood has been praised by Prime Minister Marape for representing the country at the 2026 Pacific Music Awards in Auckland. Fashion on the rise: PNG Fashion Week is credited with pushing seven local designers onto the international stage.

Divine Word University 30th Anniversary: DWU has kicked off its Festival of Legacy and Vision with colourful motorcades in Rabaul, Port Moresby and Madang, bringing together students, staff, alumni and cultural groups ahead of key exhibition events. Rugby League World Cup TV fight (UK): UK culture secretary Lisa Nandy has urged organisers to keep the Rugby League World Cup off the paywall after Premier Sports won exclusive UK and Ireland broadcasting rights. Mt Hagen Show security: Police stepped up visible patrols and crowd management at the 66th Mt Hagen Culture and Agriculture Show, responding to clashes and helping keep locals and visitors safe. Youth through sport (PNG): Western Clydesdales rookie Jesuah Winni has become an ambassador for Youth in Action for Humanity, aiming to use rugby role models to inspire PNG children. PNG film spotlight: NCDC backed the local movie Black Python through the NCDC Youth Expo and Walk, highlighting a creative industry that’s “gone dormant” and now waking up. Sheraton arrives in PNG: Sheraton Port Moresby Stanley Hotel & Suites opened, marking Sheraton’s debut in Papua New Guinea with 394 rooms and new dining offerings. Pacific rugby league expansion: Fiji formally joined the Pacific Rugby League Partnership, joining PNG, Samoa and Tonga under a $250m Australian-backed development push.

Youth & Sport: Western Clydesdales rookie centre Jesuah Winni has become an ambassador for Youth in Action for Humanity (YAH), aiming to give PNG children lasting, positive memories through sports role models. Public Safety: Police stepped up patrols and crowd management during the 66th Mt Hagen Culture and Agriculture Show, responding quickly after clashes in parts of the city. Rugby League (PNG on the global stage): UK culture secretary Lisa Nandy criticised Rugby League World Cup 2026 being paywalled, after Premier Sports secured exclusive UK and Ireland rights for the tournament across Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea. Regional Rugby League Development: Fiji has officially joined the Pacific Rugby League Partnership, signing the Statement of Intent in Parliament and linking up with PNG, Samoa and Tonga under a major Australian-backed grassroots-to-elite plan. Football Development: PNGFA has allocated nearly K500,000 to the Lae Football Association to upgrade facilities and grow the game in the northern region. Creative Industry: NCDC backed the local film Black Python, supporting young filmmakers and showcasing PNG stories to the public.

Rugby League World Cup TV: Premier Sports has locked in exclusive UK and Ireland broadcast rights for RLWC2026, with matches across Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea kicking off 15 October. Pacific Rugby League Partnership: Fiji has formally joined the Pacific Rugby League Partnership after Rabuka and Sports Minister Jese Saukuru signed in Parliament, joining PNG, Samoa and Tonga under a $250m Australian-backed plan. NRL Chiefs recruitment twist: Star rugby brothers Treyvon and Kadin Pritchard have rejected the PNG Chiefs offer, opting for long-term deals in Rugby Australia instead. PNG film spotlight: NCDC backed the local movie Black Python at the Youth Expo and Walk, with Governor Powes Parkop praising the team for reigniting filmmaking. Hospitality milestone: Sheraton Port Moresby Stanley Hotel & Suites officially opens, bringing a 394-key Sheraton to PNG’s CBD and linking to Vision City Mega Mall. Sports development funding: PNGFA has allocated nearly K500,000 to the Lae Football Association to upgrade facilities and expand football in the northern region. Boxing partnership: The Sanctuary Hotel becomes John “The Ring Monster” Ume’s first PNG commercial partner, offering a base for recovery and training. PNG fashion on the rise: PNG Fashion Week is pushing seven local designers onto the international stage, with masterclasses planned. Music recognition: Wame Blood’s Pacific Music Awards nomination has been praised by Prime Minister Marape as a win for PNG’s growing creative industry.

Hospitality & Tourism: Sheraton Hotels & Resorts has officially debuted in Papua New Guinea with the opening of the Sheraton Port Moresby Stanley Hotel & Suites, a 394-key property linked to Vision City Mega Mall and positioned as a new hub for business and leisure travellers. Rugby League (Pacific): Fiji has formally joined the Pacific Rugby League Partnership after signing the Statement of Intent in Parliament, joining PNG, Samoa and Tonga, with a $250m Australian-backed push focused on schools, community competitions and talent pathways. PNG Rugby League (NRL pathway): The PNG Hunters are set for a big home round as Vene Manuma edges toward a possible debut, while the wider PNG Chiefs NRL build-up continues to shape recruitment talk. Music & Culture: Wame Blood’s Pacific Music Awards nomination has been celebrated by Prime Minister James Marape as a sign of PNG’s growing creative reach. Film: NCDC has backed local filmmaking through the launch of the PNG movie Black Python at its Youth Expo and Walk. Fashion: PNG Fashion Week is spotlighting seven local designers on the international stage, with masterclasses aimed at raising the bar. Sports Spotlight: Boxer John “The Ring Monster” Ume lands a new PNG commercial base deal with The Sanctuary Hotel as he prepares for his next fight. Travel & Identity: A travel writer reflects on why Melanesia keeps pulling people back, pointing to expedition-style tourism as a way to explore PNG without the overtourism crush.

Pacific Rugby League Partnership: Fiji has officially signed on to the Pacific Rugby League Partnership, joining PNG, Samoa and Tonga, with a $250m Australian-backed push for school rugby league, grassroots competitions and even NRL/NRLW matches in Pacific island nations. Football Development: PNGFA has allocated almost K500,000 to the Lae Football Association to upgrade facilities and expand the game in the northern region. Rugby Union Spotlight: Multi-code legend Israel Folau turned up in Port Moresby to back Valley Hunters and boost grassroots rugby union. PNG Fashion: PNG Fashion Week is putting seven local designers on the international runway, with masterclasses and more global exposure planned. Film & Creative Industry: NCDC backed local movie Black Python through the Youth Expo and Walk, spotlighting young talent in the capital. Sports Business: The Sanctuary Hotel has become John Ume’s first official PNG commercial partner, offering a base for recovery and training. Community Sport Upgrade: BSP’s 50for50 Givim Bek is upgrading Port Moresby’s Kira-Kira Cricket Oval into a mini cricket stadium. Women’s Recognition: Westpac Outstanding Women Awards celebrated leaders across sports and arts, with Stella Ipang taking the overall top honour. El Niño Impacts Schools: Some PNG schools are shortening class times and scaling back outdoor activities as heat and water limits bite.

Football Funding: PNGFA has allocated almost K500,000 to the Lae Football Association to upgrade facilities and expand the sport across Lae and the northern region, with attention on the condition of Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium and the PNGFA National Technical Academy. Rugby Union Boost: Multi-code icon Israel Folau has arrived for a Valley Hunters fundraiser and a feature appearance in the Capital Rugby Union, backing grassroots rugby union in PNG. Fashion Spotlight: PNG Fashion Week is pushing seven local designers onto the international stage, including international photography masterclasses and runway pathways that connect provincial, national and global exposure. Film & Creative Industry: NCDC backed local film Black Python through its Youth Expo and Walk, spotlighting the director-producer Spencer Peter Wangare and the return of PNG filmmaking energy. Sports Infrastructure: BSP’s 50for50 Givim Bek initiative is upgrading Port Moresby’s Kira-Kira Cricket Oval into a mini cricket stadium, with community leaders marking the groundbreaking. Women’s Recognition: Westpac Outstanding Women Awards honoured more than 200 nominees, with Stella Ipang taking overall winner and Private Sector honours. Defence Partnership: PNG and Australia are moving toward recruitment of PNG nationals into the Australian Defence Force under the Pukpuk Treaty, with a pathway discussed for up to 10,000 people. Kava Deal: Calmer Co secured an exclusive global distribution agreement for kava extract ingredients, with minimum purchases around A$25m over three years.

NDIS Reform Watch: Australia’s NDIS minister Jenny McAllister says she’s “confident” a deal with the Coalition can be reached to rein in the costly scheme, with a crackdown already driving record banning orders. Defence Pathways: PNG youth could gain new routes into Australian military careers as the Pukpuk Treaty deepens cooperation, including a pathway for up to 10,000 PNG recruits. Boxing & Hospitality: Port Moresby’s The Sanctuary Hotel becomes boxer John “The Ring Monster” Ume’s first PNG commercial partner, backing training and recovery. Local Film Boost: NCDC backs the Wewak-to-Port Moresby creative push with the launch of PNG film Black Python, spotlighting young talent and production. Women’s Football Development: PNGFA wraps a Wewak programme using football for education and life skills, training teachers and volunteers and ending with a women’s festival for girls. PNG Sports Spotlight: SP PNG Hunters prepare for a home farewell round, with rookie Vene Manuma pushing for a debut. Fashion & Creative Skills: PNG Fashion Week announces international fashion photography and content creation masterclasses in Port Moresby, aiming to level up local creatives. Esports Going Global: PNG Esports will send men’s and women’s teams to Oceania qualifiers, including PNG’s first women’s Mobile Legends squad. Hospitality Milestone: Sheraton Port Moresby Stanley Hotel and Suites opens, marking Marriott’s second property in PNG and a major new events hub.

Boxing & Local Business: The Sanctuary Hotel in Port Moresby has signed on as John “The Ring Monster” Ume’s first official PNG commercial partner, offering a dedicated recovery and training base (with Rapopo Plantation Resort in East New Britain also in the mix). Film & Youth Creative Industry: NCDC backed the local movie Black Python through its Youth Expo and Walk, spotlighting director-writer-producer Spencer Peter Wangare and NCDC’s push to revive PNG filmmaking. Women’s Football (Regional Spotlight): PNGFA wrapped a Wewak women-and-girls football development programme with OFC “This Is How We Football” training and a festival for about 100 girls, using sport for leadership, health and safety. Fashion & Creative Pathways: PNG Fashion Week continues to build international routes for local designers, with William Bray highlighted for showcasing in Brisbane and Fiji before returning for PNG events. Sport (NRL/PNG Chiefs): The PNG Hunters’ home round is set to be emotional, with Junior Kumuls prospect Vene Manuma in the extended squad as he eyes a possible debut. Cricket (Community Upgrade): Port Moresby’s iconic Kira-Kira Cricket Oval is getting a major upgrade into a mini cricket stadium via BSP’s 50for50 Givim Bek initiative. Esports: PNG Esports will field men’s and women’s teams at Oceania Regional Qualifiers on Aug 22, with the women’s Mobile Legends squad making its first international appearance.

Local Film Spotlight: NCDC backed PNG’s growing screen scene by supporting the local movie Black Python during the NCDC Youth Expo and Walk, with Governor Powes Parkop praising the director-producer Spencer Peter Wangare and the film’s return to entertainment and recreation. Women’s Football Development: PNGFA wrapped a four-day women-and-girls football programme in Wewak, pairing OFC “This Is How We Football” training with a festival for about 100 girls, focused on leadership, safety and life skills. PNG Fashion & Creative Pathways: Designer William Bray is leading PNG Fashion Week’s push for connected routes from provincial stages to regional and international runways, while the week also announced fashion photography and content creation masterclasses for local creatives. Sport & Community Pride: The Kira-Kira Cricket Oval in Port Moresby is set for an upgrade into a mini cricket stadium via BSP’s 50for50 Givim Bek initiative, backing future players. Esports Growth: PNG Esports will field men’s and women’s teams at Oceania Regional Qualifiers on Aug 22, including PNG’s first women’s Mobile Legends: Bang Bang national team aiming for finals in Los Angeles. International Curiosity: The Permian Museum posted a new Ancient Alien Artifacts photo gallery tied to meteorite research linked to Papua New Guinea, inviting public and scientific review.

PNG Fashion & Creative Pathways: PNG Fashion Week is pushing international masterclasses and runway opportunities, with designer William Bray spotlighting how local fashion can travel from Brisbane and Fiji back to provincial fairs. Sporting Pride & Community: BSP’s 50for50 Givim Bek is upgrading Port Moresby’s iconic Kira-Kira Cricket Oval into a mini stadium, backing the next generation of players. Women’s Football in Wewak: PNGFA wrapped a four-day women-and-girls development programme in Wewak, using OFC “This Is How We Football” training plus a festival to build confidence, leadership and safety. Music Recognition: Prime Minister Marape congratulated Wame Blood for representing PNG at the 2026 Pacific Music Awards in Auckland. Esports Growth: PNG Esports will send both men’s and women’s teams to Oceania Regional Qualifiers, including PNG’s first women’s Mobile Legends: Bang Bang squad aiming for finals in Los Angeles. Climate Impact on Schools: El Niño has forced shortened school days in parts of PNG, with officials adjusting schedules and outdoor activities to manage heat and water limits. NRL Chiefs Business Moves: The PNG Chiefs say they’re preparing to unveil founding corporate sponsors, calling on local business to back the franchise’s wider economic spin-offs.

PNG Chiefs & NRL business: PNG Chiefs CEO Lorna McPherson says the franchise is moving toward unveiling inaugural corporate “Founding Partners,” urging local companies to back the NRL push that could bring major economic spin-offs. NRL star news: Brian To’o has landed in PNG and is already being framed as the start of a bigger Chiefs rebuild, with fresh talk around how the club’s tax-free-style incentives and roster depth could reshape the competition. Women’s football in PNG: PNGFA wrapped a four-day women’s football development programme in Wewak, using OFC “This Is How We Football” training and a festival to build girls’ confidence, leadership and safety skills. Cricket upgrades: Port Moresby’s iconic Kira-Kira Cricket Oval is set for a major upgrade into a mini cricket stadium via BSP’s 50for50 Givim Bek initiative. Fashion & creative training: PNG Fashion Week is rolling out international-level fashion photography and content creation masterclasses in Port Moresby, while designer William Bray continues to spotlight PNG fashion on regional runways. Boxing spotlight: NBC TV will air Sheilla Yama’s title defence bout tonight from 7:30 PM. Sports policy & travel: Marape is seeking dialogue with the US over a new $20,000 visa bond that’s catching PNG travellers out. Esports: PNG Esports will field men’s and women’s teams at Oceania qualifiers on Aug 22, including PNG’s first women’s Mobile Legends: Bang Bang international squad. Pacific music pride: Marape congratulated Wame Blood for representing PNG at the 2026 Pacific Music Awards in Auckland.

Sports & Star Power: Dual-code legend Israel Folau has arrived in PNG for a Valley Hunters fundraising push, set to feature in the Capital Rugby Union clash at Sir John Guise Stadium. NRL Franchise Buzz: The PNG Chiefs keep turning heads after landing Brian To’o, with fresh debate around how expansion deals shape the competition. Women’s Football: PNGFA wrapped a four-day women-and-girls football development programme in Wewak, using OFC “This Is How We Football” training to build leadership, safety and life skills. Boxing on TV: NBC will replay Mt Hagen’s Sheilla Yama’s IBF title defence in Auckland tonight at 7:30pm. Fashion & Creative Pathways: PNG Fashion Week highlights designer William Bray’s international runway journey, while also rolling out fashion photography and content creation masterclasses. Film for PNG Screens: Chinese animated feature All Wishes Come True! opens in Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea on Aug 13. Community Sport Upgrade: Port Moresby’s Kira-Kira Cricket Oval is set for a major upgrade into a mini cricket stadium via BSP’s 50for50 Givim Bek.