AGP Executive Report

PNG Chiefs sponsorship surge: Coca-Cola Europacific Partners PNG has joined as a premier partner for the Chiefs’ 2028 NRL debut, with Coke branding set for the men’s jersey sleeves and a multi-year deal covering match-day, media, digital, hospitality and community activations. PNG Chiefs kit deal: Struddys is confirmed as official apparel and kit partner, designing and manufacturing the Chiefs’ inaugural playing jersey and merchandise for the first four NRL seasons (2028–2031). PNG Chiefs commercial build-out: The club’s partner line-up is now BSP, Struddys and Coca-Cola as it prepares to reveal its official logo on Oct 21 and launch its first jersey to the public the next day. Sport for social change: Former Wallabies captain Will Genia says Morobe rugby union clubs can help tackle family and sexual violence, using the sport’s community reach for respect, healthy relationships and speaking up. Violence prevention push: Genia’s message was shared during meetings with Femili PNG and FSV services in Lae. Game fishing spotlight: Trukai renews sponsorship of the Game Fishing Association PNG National Titles with K50,000 annually for four years, ahead of the 50th titles in Lae (Mar 20–28, 2027). MSG Games momentum: The MSG Games Charter is endorsed for an inaugural 2029 event on a four-year cycle, expanding Melanesian sport beyond football. Bilums in the spotlight: PNG’s Bilums beat Solomon Islands 5-1 to reach the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup women’s final unbeaten. Broadcasting Pacific voices: Pasifika TV, with SPREP, is rolling out Pacific Climate Change Week coverage across the region, including pre-COP31 events in Fiji and Tuvalu. Finance licences: BPNG issues service licences to DealCorp Finance and PayItNow PNG, stressing customer trust as the foundation of financial systems.

PNG Chiefs x Coca-Cola: The club’s 2028 NRL push just got a major boost, with Coca-Cola Europacific Partners signing on as a premier partner. The deal puts Coke branding on the men’s jersey sleeves from 2028, makes it the exclusive non-alcoholic ready-to-drink partner, and covers match-day, media, hospitality and community activations. PNG Chiefs x Struddys: Struddys has also been locked in as the official apparel and kit partner, set to design and manufacture the Chiefs’ inaugural playing kit and merchandise for the first four NRL seasons (2028–2031). PNG Prime Minister’s XIII v Australia: A new-look PNG squad meets Australia on Oct 3 in Port Moresby, with Sylvester Namo leading and coach Wellington Albert drawing heavily from the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup. Women’s rugby league on the rise: PNG’s Bilums powered past the Solomon Islands 5-1 to stay unbeaten and set up the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup final on Oct 3. World Cup planning: The 2027 Women’s World Cup format and qualifying pathways are outlined, while England and Wales squads for the tournament include PNG’s own in Pool B. Bougainville cocoa festival: The 10th Bougainville Chocolate Festival closed with a push for a “farm-to-bar” industry that turns beans into higher-value local products. Arts & culture: PNG Fashion Week’s Pacific Fashion Summit at APEC Haus spotlighted Pacific fashion as both creative and commercial power.

NRL Chiefs Sponsorship Boom: The PNG Chiefs keep stacking big-name partners ahead of their 2028 debut, with Coca-Cola Europacific Partners signing on as a premier sponsor and set to feature on the men’s jersey sleeves, plus match-day, media, digital and hospitality rights. Kit and Apparel Push: Struddys has been locked in as the official apparel and kit partner, tasked with designing and producing the Chiefs’ inaugural playing kit and merchandise for the first four NRL seasons (2028–2031). World Cup Setback for Kumuls: Alex Johnston is reported to be missing the October World Cup after knee and finger surgery plans, forcing coach Jason Demetriou to rethink his backline options. Masters Netball to Gold Coast: PNG’s Masters Team 40+ has been named for the Pan Pacific Masters Games in Australia, with players drawn from the PSNA’s weekly netball community. Independence Rugby League 9s Tightens: The Powes Parkop Independence Rugby League 9s has narrowed to the final stages, setting up do-or-die qualifiers across Cup, Plate and Bowl divisions. Bougainville Cocoa Festival Wraps: The 10th Bougainville Chocolate Festival ends with a push for a “farm-to-bar” industry that turns beans into higher-value local products. Pacific Fashion Spotlight: PNG Fashion Week’s inaugural Pacific Fashion Summit at APEC Haus brings designers and industry leaders together to grow Pacific fashion as both creative and commercial force.

NRL Chiefs Sponsorship: Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) has signed on as PNG Chiefs’ premier partner, with Coke branding on the men’s NRL sleeves from 2028 and exclusive non-alcoholic ready-to-drink rights, plus match-day, media and community activations. Player Branding Twist: Jarome Luai will still be the face of Pepsi in PNG, while wearing Coke on-field for the Chiefs—an unusual crossover explained as separate individual and club contracts. Merch & Kit Milestone: The PNG Chiefs’ inaugural jersey will be unveiled for public viewing in Port Moresby on Oct 21, designed and manufactured by Struddys as official apparel and kit partner for the first four NRL seasons (2028–2031). Women’s Rugby League: Wales named NRLW duo Tayla Preston and Siân Williams in its 2026 Women’s Rugby League World Cup squad, alongside Women’s Super League stars. Bougainville Cocoa Festival: The 10th Bougainville Chocolate Festival wrapped in Buin with a push for a “farm-to-bar” industry that turns cocoa into local value. Pacific Media & Climate: Pacific newsroom leaders adopted a declaration demanding better access to loss-and-damage climate information and stronger government accountability. Sports Pathways & Rugby Reform: PNG’s Peter Tsiamalili Jnr called for better administration and clearer pathways in rugby union, questioning accountability around past funding. PNG in Combat Sports: NBC will broadcast PNG fighters John Ume and Kondup Samson Wailo headlining BX-9 Volume 7 in New Zealand on Oct 3.

PNG Chiefs sponsorship shake-up: Coca-Cola Europacific Partners PNG has signed on as a premier partner, with Coke branding set for the Chiefs’ men’s jersey sleeves from 2028 and across match-day, media, hospitality and community platforms. Player deal clarity: Jarome Luai will still be the face of Pepsi in PNG, while Coke becomes the club’s sleeve sponsor—Chiefs CEO Lorna McPherson says the contracts are separate. New kit milestone: The Chiefs’ inaugural playing jersey will be unveiled for public viewing in Port Moresby on Oct 21, designed and manufactured by Struddys as official apparel and kit partner for the first four NRL seasons (2028–2031). Bougainville culture & business: The 10th Bougainville Chocolate Festival wrapped in Buin with a push for a “farm-to-bar” industry that turns cocoa into locally made products. Climate media push: Pacific media leaders adopted the Savusavu Loss and Damage Media Forum Declaration, demanding better access to climate loss information and more government accountability. Fashion spotlight: Lufa Basket founder Judy Ejampi made her national runway debut at PNG Fashion Week 2026, bringing Indigenous bilum and basket craft to the main stage.

Pacific Fashion: PNG Fashion Week 2026 at APEC Haus kicked off the inaugural Pacific Fashion Summit, spotlighting regional designers and creatives, while Lufa Basket founder Judy Ejampi made a national runway debut with a collection built on Indigenous craftsmanship and thousands of weavers. Rugby League & Identity: PNG Chiefs’ landmark kit deal is locked in with Struddys as inaugural apparel and merchandise partner for 2028–2031, as the club’s “first jersey” moment heads toward Port Moresby. Sport on TV & International Exposure: NBC will broadcast PNG fighters John Ume and Kondup Samson Wailo in New Zealand on Oct 3, boosting overseas visibility for local combat sports. Community Safety: Warangoi in East New Britain gets new police duplexes and a house under the Special Police Assistance Program, aiming to strengthen community policing. Arts & Culture: The Hiri Moale story gets a wider lens as Gulf Province participation highlights the two-way trade history across the Gulf of Papua. Regional Sports Governance: Fiji’s MSG Games Charter clears the way for the first MSG Games in 2029 with a four-year cycle.

Earthquake Watch: A 5.2 quake struck New Britain Region in Papua New Guinea, with the epicentre about 10km deep, shaking the area late Saturday night. Rugby Reform: Works and Highways Minister Peter Tsiamalili Jnr says PNG rugby union needs stronger administration, clearer accountability for K10 million funding, and a real pathway for young players beyond tournament-only development. NRL Chiefs Apparel Deal: PNG Chiefs have signed Struddys as their inaugural official apparel and kit partner, to design and manufacture the first PNG Chiefs jerseys and merchandise from 2028–2031, plus training and community program kit. Prime Minister’s XIII Rugby League: PNGRFL confirms PNG’s men’s and women’s Prime Minister’s XIII squads for October fixtures in Port Moresby against Australia, with selections drawn from domestic competitions and PNG-based players abroad. Community Policing Upgrade: Warangoi in East New Britain gets new police duplexes and a house under the Special Police Assistance Program, aiming to strengthen trust and faster responses. Fashion Spotlight: Lufa Basket founder Judy Ejampi makes her national runway debut at PNG Fashion Week 2026, bringing Indigenous bilum, cane basket and rug craft to the main stage. Sports Coaching Pathway: Weightlifting coach Konio Toua heads to the University of Delaware in the US for an international coaching enrichment programme supported by Olympic Solidarity. Regional Games Planning: The MSG Games Charter is endorsed for an inaugural 2029 MSG Games on a four-year cycle, with ministers pushing beyond football into more disciplines.

Stone Age tech, made visible: Researchers are reconstructing “invisible” early innovations like rope and thread, using experimental archaeology to show how prehistoric people turned fibres into practical tools. PNG Chiefs kit deal: Struddys has been named the PNG Chiefs’ inaugural official apparel and kit partner, designing the first jerseys and merchandise from 2028–2031. MSG Games locked in: Melanesian Spearhead Group ministers have endorsed the MSG Games Charter, clearing the way for the first MSG Games in 2029 on a four-year cycle. Prime Minister’s XIII in Port Moresby: PNGRFL has confirmed PNG’s men’s and women’s squads for the Oct 3 fixtures against Australia, with the annual clash framed as a major PNG–Australia rugby league showcase. Fashion spotlight: Lufa Basket founder Judy Ejampi made her national runway debut at PNG Fashion Week 2026, bringing Indigenous bilum, cane and weaving craft to the main stage. Sporting pathways abroad: Weightlifting coach Konio Toua is in the US for an international coaching enrichment program at the University of Delaware, backed by Olympic Solidarity. Combat sports on TV: NBC will broadcast PNG’s John Ume and Kondup Samson Wailo headlining BX-9 Volume 7 in New Zealand on Oct 3.

PNG Chiefs x Struddys: The club has signed Struddys as its inaugural official apparel and kit partner, with the company to design and manufacture PNG Chiefs playing kits and merchandise for the first four NRL seasons (2028–2031), plus training and community program gear. MSG Games locked in: Melanesian Spearhead Group ministers have endorsed the MSG Games Charter, clearing the way for the first MSG Games in 2029 on a four-year cycle, with a push to broaden beyond football. Prime Minister’s XIII in Port Moresby: PNG will host Australia for the men’s and women’s Prime Minister’s XIII fixtures on Oct 3, with PNGRFL confirming squads and highlighting the event as a people-to-people rugby league bridge. PNG Fashion Week spotlight: Lufa Basket founder Judy Ejampi makes her national runway debut at PNG Fashion Week 2026, bringing Indigenous bilum, cane basket and hand-loomed work to the Genesis main runway. Warangoi police housing upgrade: East New Britain’s Warangoi has received new duplexes and a police house under the Special Police Assistance Program, aiming to strengthen community policing through better officer accommodation. Sport on TV: NBC will broadcast PNG’s John Ume and Kondup Samson Wailo in NZ on Oct 3 via a new partnership, giving local fighters major international exposure. Hiri Moale history: A feature revisits the Hiri Moale Festival’s Gulf-wide story, noting how expanded Gulf Province participation helps “complete the story” of the Hiri trade.

Hiri Moale Festival: Gulf Province’s bigger role is spotlighted in “Hiri Cultural Showcase: Completing the Story,” reframing the Hiri as a two-way Gulf of Papua trade and cultural exchange (Sept 8–13). Independence Debate: A look at what drove PNG’s independence push in the late 1960s/early 70s, tying the question to inequality and the voices of key figures. NRL & PNG Chiefs Build-Up: Australia’s Prime Minister’s XIII squads are confirmed for the Oct 3 Port Moresby clash, with men’s and women’s teams set as a World Cup warm-up and a bridge to the PNG Chiefs’ 2028 NRL entry. PNG Fashion Week: Judy Ejampi makes a national runway debut at PNG Fashion Week 2026, bringing Lufa Basket craftsmanship to the Genesis main runway. Community & Culture: The first National Kolos Runway at APEC Haus puts home-based tailors and small makers in the spotlight. Sport on TV: NBC will broadcast PNG’s John Ume and Kondup Samson Wailo in BX-9 Volume 7 in New Zealand on Oct 3. Boxing & Growth: Wailo’s pro boxing debut and Ume’s championship-contender return headline a PNG-vs-NZ card. Tennis Next Gen: PNG Junior Tennis Championships wrap with U16 singles titles for Colita Hakena and Thomas Hyun. Weightlifting Coaching: Konio Toua heads to the University of Delaware for an international coaching enrichment programme.

Rugby League & PNG Chiefs: Lachlan Galvin is among the Australian Prime Minister’s XIII squad for the Oct 3 clash in Port Moresby, with PNG Chiefs also set to host the annual Prime Minister’s XIII return—plus PNG Prime Minister’s XIII selections for both men and women were confirmed. Community Safety: Warangoi in East New Britain has opened new police duplexes and a house, upgrading accommodation from decades-old conditions to boost community policing and faster election-time responses. Fashion & Craft: PNG Fashion Week 2026 spotlighted Indigenous makers, from Judy Ejampi’s Lufa Basket runway debut to the National Kolos Runway at APEC Haus, with ticket sales supporting local tailors and small businesses. Sport Development: PNG weightlifting coach Konio Toua heads to the University of Delaware for an international coaching enrichment program, while PNG junior tennis crowned new U16 champions and the PNGDF used Commander’s Cup to rebuild sporting pathways. Regional Arts Pasifika: Creative New Zealand announced the 2026 Arts Pasifika Awards recipients, marking 30 years of celebrating Pacific arts.

Netball & Community Coaching: Former PNG-linked star Cat Tuivaiti is back in the spotlight, coaching and commentating in Australia while flying home for Maria Folau’s FIRE5 tournament in Auckland. Museum & Heritage: The Bong Center has opened a temporary public display of the recovered wingtip from Richard I. Bong’s WWII P-38 “Marge,” brought back from Papua New Guinea as part of “Mission Marge.” Fashion & Craft: PNG Fashion Week 2026 put local makers front and centre, with Lufa Basket founder Judy Ejampi debuting on the national runway and a separate National Kolos Runway showcasing tailors and dressmakers at APEC Haus. Sporting Pathways: PNG Defence Force plans to use the Commander’s Cup to rebuild sporting pathways for soldiers and potentially feed future national talent. Rugby League Spotlight: PNGRFL confirmed Prime Minister’s XIII squads for October 3 at Santos National Football Stadium, with junior and senior men’s and women’s matches against Australia. Combat Sports on TV: NBC will broadcast PNG fighters John Ume and Kondup Samson Wailo headlining BX-9 Volume 7 in New Zealand on Oct 3. Junior Tennis Results: Colita Hakena and Thomas Hyun won U16 singles titles at the KPHL PNG Junior Tennis Championships in Port Moresby.

PNG Fashion: Lufa Basket founder Judy Ejampi made her national runway debut at PNG Fashion Week 2026, bringing Indigenous bilums, cane baskets and hand-loomed pieces to the Genesis main stage and spotlighting the work of thousands of weavers and artisans. Junior Tennis: Colita Hakena and Thomas Hyun won U16 singles titles at the KPHL PNG Junior Tennis Championships in Port Moresby, with the Under-10 division also showing a strong surge in young talent. Combat Sports on TV: NBC will broadcast PNG’s John Ume and Kondup Samson Wailo headlining BX-9 Volume 7 in New Zealand on Oct 3, with the event live into PNG across TV, radio and digital. Coaching Pathways: Weightlifting coach Konio Toua is in the US for the University of Delaware’s ICECP programme, supported by Olympic Solidarity, to bring back skills in clean sport and athlete development. Sport at Home: PNGRFL confirmed Prime Minister’s XIII rugby league fixtures in Port Moresby on Oct 3, with junior and senior men’s and women’s matches against Australia at Santos National Football Stadium. Defence Sport: PNGDF is using the Commander’s Cup to rebuild sporting pathways, with plans to identify talent and form rugby league teams from next year. Regional Netball: Tonga and Samoa secured spots for the 2027 Netball World Cup after the Oceania Championship, setting up a busy build-up period.

Prime Minister’s XIII Rugby League: PNG will host Australia on October 3 at Santos National Football Stadium, with a full day of four matches: Junior Orchids vs Australian Schoolgirls, Junior Kumuls vs Australian Schoolboys, PNG Orchids vs Australia’s Women’s Prime Minister’s XIII, and PNG Kumuls vs Australia’s Men’s Prime Minister’s XIII. Coach Development: PNG weightlifting coach Konio Toua heads to the University of Delaware in the US for an international coaching enrichment program (Sept 17–Oct 3), backed by Olympic Solidarity. Fashion & Culture: PNG’s first National Kolos Runway at APEC Haus put local tailors and community dressmakers on stage, while Goroka Show’s 70th milestone spotlighted Simbai beetle attire culture from Madang. Sport Pathways: PNGDF is using the Commander’s Cup to rebuild sporting pathways for soldiers and potentially feed future national talent. Junior Tennis: Colita Hakena and Thomas Hyun win U16 singles titles at the KPHL PNG Junior Tennis Championships in Port Moresby. Football in the Region: PNG Kapuls and Bilums start strong in the MSG Prime Ministers Cup in Suva, beating Vanuatu and Fiji/New Caledonia respectively.

Sports—Prime Minister’s XIII: PNG rugby league fans get a home double-header on Oct 3 as the Prime Minister’s XIII returns to Port Moresby’s Santos National Football Stadium, with four matches featuring Junior Orchids, Junior Kumuls, Orchids and Kumuls against Australia. Sports—MSG Prime Ministers Cup football: PNG’s Kapuls and Bilums start strong in Fiji, beating Vanuatu 2-1 and Fiji 4-0 (plus New Caledonia 4-1 for the Bilums) as the regional tournament runs Sept 17–Oct 3. Sports—Junior tennis crowns: Colita Hakena and Thomas Hyun win U16 singles titles at the KPHL PNG Junior Tennis Championships in Port Moresby. Arts & Culture—Goroka Show spotlight: Beetle-Headed dancers shine at the 70th Goroka Show, drawing major attention at the milestone event. Fashion—Kolos Runway debut: PNG’s first National Kolos Runway at APEC Haus puts local tailors and community dressmakers centre stage. Community—Home Planet Fund: A new focus on Indigenous-led giving highlights funding that goes straight to local communities and conservation. Sports—PNGDF Commander’s Cup: The Defence Force plans to use Commander’s Cup to rebuild sporting pathways and identify future national talent. Tech—Student innovation: UPNG student Belden Sakiromo’s web-based criminal record system Bighet Rekod earns a vice-chancellor’s award. Education—El Niño drought response: The Education Department issues emergency school guidelines on water safety, adjusted hours and exam protections as drought worsens.

Brand & Identity in Sport: Chiefs CEO Simon Graafhuis says the PNG Chiefs must be allowed to “protect” the Chiefs name and brand in the NZ Rugby–NRL dispute as the club prepares for entry in 2028. Fashion & Craft Spotlight: PNG’s first National Kolos Runway at APEC Haus put home-based tailors and community dressmakers centre stage, with ticket sales backing local women’s businesses. Culture on Stage: Beetle-headed dancers and Simbai Beetle Attire drew crowds at the 70th Goroka Show, celebrating PNG’s cultural diversity with major local and international turnout. Defence Sports Pathways: PNGDF is using the Commander’s Cup to rebuild sporting pathways, strengthen soldier wellbeing and identify future national-level talent, with former defence players returning as selectors. Education Under El Niño: The Education Department issued emergency guidelines for schools, including water safety, adjusted hours and extra protections for students during the drought. Independence Youth Sport: Londolovit Youth Association wrapped a Ward 1 Independence tournament with volleyball and 7-aside touch rugby bringing youth together. Women’s Sport Funding: Sports Minister Kofi Adams says the Black Queens have received all outstanding bonuses and per diems, clearing the way for their next World Cup bid. Tech & Community Safety: UPNG student Belden Sakiromo won recognition for Bighet Rekod, a web-based criminal record management prototype aimed at helping law enforcers work faster and safer.