AGP Executive Report

PNG Fashion Week 2026: APEC House in Port Moresby hosted the opening of PNG Fashion Week 2026, with the theme “Fashion, Business, Culture, and Future” and runway showcases including National Kolos and PNG Fashion Icons. Independence Sports: Londolovit Youth Association wrapped a five-day Ward 1 Independence tournament, spotlighting volleyball and 7-aside touch rugby. Prime Minister’s XIII: PNG will host Australia on Oct 3 at Santos National Football Stadium, with four matches featuring Junior Orchids, Junior Kumuls, Orchids, and Kumuls. Cricket Build-up: Japan’s Benjamin Ito-Davis spoke ahead of the one-off India vs Japan men’s T20I at Sano, with typhoon risk and rain threatening play. El Niño Impact: The Education Department issued emergency guidelines for schools as drought worsens, including water safety and exam protections. Tech & Community: UPNG student Belden Sakiromo’s “Bighet Rekod” web-based criminal record system won a vice-chancellor’s award at the UPNG Science Fair. Sports Spotlight: Kina Bank backed Port Moresby Corporate Volleyball ahead of the national indoor championships.

Education & Climate Response: Papua New Guinea’s Department of Education has issued emergency guidelines to schools as the El Niño drought worsens, including water-safety steps, adjusted school hours, and extra protections for students sitting the 2026 national exams. Military Sport Pathways: PNG Defence Force says it will field its own rugby league teams from next year, with talent identified during the Commander’s Cup and a focus on discipline, fitness and resilience. Tech & Youth Innovation: UPNG student Belden Sakiromo’s “Bighet Rekod” wins vice-chancellor recognition at the Science Fair, building a web-based criminal record management system to help law enforcers access histories faster. Community Sport Support: Kina Bank backs the Port Moresby Corporate Volleyball team with sponsorship and branded gear ahead of the PNG National Open Indoor Volleyball Championships. Fashion & Culture Spotlight: PNG Fashion Week 2026 kicks off at APEC Haus in Port Moresby, with runway shows and a focus on fashion, business and cultural identity. Sports Update: The PNG Kapuls begin their MSG Prime Minister’s Cup campaign in Suva against Vanuatu, aiming to avenge last year’s final loss.

PNG Fashion Week 2026: APEC House in Port Moresby kicked off PNG Fashion Week 2026, with runway showcases, markets and a fashion summit aimed at linking fashion, business, culture and jobs. Designers including Atosh Iyaro are back on the runway after international exposure, keeping local textile stories front and centre. Rugby league spotlight: The PNG National Rugby League season wrapped with a Grand Final weekend praised for community spirit and good fan conduct, while the PNG NRLC thanked partners including Digicel and ExxonMobil PNG. Sporting culture on the ground: PNG boxers spent time on the Kokoda Track learning from war history, while Enga’s Peace and Unity Games in Wabag used sport to promote youth, peace and independence celebrations. Global arts tie-in: In a separate cultural moment, a new international jewellery exhibition in Doha will feature hundreds of pieces exploring identity and tradition—a reminder of how Pacific creativity travels.

TV & Film: BBC One’s The Split spin-off, The Split Up, brings more glossy divorce drama, lawyers, and relationship twists to screens tonight. Sports (NRL): Eden Park hosts the Warriors v Knights finals clash, with the venue switch sparking mixed feelings but also fresh energy for Port Moresby’s side. PNG Rugby League: The 2026 PNG National Rugby League season wraps on a high note, with the PNG NRLC praising fan conduct and community spirit across the Grand Final weekend. Boxing & Heritage: Eleven PNG boxers trek Kokoda to learn from WWII sacrifices, building teamwork and national pride ahead of the next fight cycle. Fashion (PNG): PNG Fashion Week 2026 opens at APEC House with runway showcases and a Pacific-focused fashion push, including designer Atosh Iyaro returning to the spotlight. Fashion (Pacific): Pacific Fashion Week debuts at Kaimana Beach Hotel in Hawaii, featuring Fiji designer Samson Lee. Football (MSG Prime Minister’s Cup): The PNG Kapuls kick off in Suva against Vanuatu, with the tournament also carrying FIFA world-ranking points. Independence (Enga): Enga Peace and Unity Games end in Wabag, using sport to promote peace and pick players for upcoming PNG games.

PNG Fashion Week 2026: APEC House in Port Moresby kicked off PNG Fashion Week 2026, positioning fashion as a bridge to business, culture, tourism and jobs, with runway showcases including National Kolos and PNG Fashion Icons. Textiles on the rise: Award-winning designer Atosh Iyaro returns to the PNG Fashion Week runway after her international debut in Brisbane, bringing Eastern Highlands cultural textile design back to the spotlight. Sports & community: The PNG National Rugby League season wrapped with a Grand Final weekend praised for family-friendly conduct and strong security support. Kokoda lessons: Eleven PNG boxers trekked the Kokoda track to learn teamwork and national pride from WWII history, including the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels. Independence through sport: Enga Peace and Unity Games ended in Wabag, with youth tournaments across six codes helping select Team Enga. Rugby league brand deal: Jarome Luai became the new face of Trukai Industries in a major four-year partnership linking rugby league, community and the iconic rice brand. Netball heartbreak: Fiji Pearls missed the 2027 Netball World Cup after losses in Tonga, with PNG named in the final-day fixtures.

PNG Fashion Week 2026: APEC House in Port Moresby kicked off PNG Fashion Week with a big opening night, spotlighting fashion as business, culture, tourism and jobs, plus runway showcases including National Kolos and PNG Fashion Icons. Local Design Spotlight: Award-winning textile designer Atosh Iyaro returns to the runway after her international debut in Brisbane, bringing her Goroka roots and distinctive cultural textiles back to the PNG stage. Independence in Music: Port Moresby’s Rangeview Plaza marked 51 years of Independence with a DAJAS mini concert, featuring local classics and a special unity anthem rendition. Rugby League Community Note: The PNG National Rugby League season wrapped up with Grand Final weekend praise for fan conduct, plus thanks to police and security for keeping the celebrations safe and orderly. Boxing on Kokoda: Eleven PNG boxers trekked the Kokoda track to learn from wartime history, building teamwork and national pride through challenges and discussions. Sports Funding Clarity: Sports Minister Kofi Iddie Adams told Parliament the Black Queens have no outstanding bonuses or per diems tied to the Pink Ladies Tournament or WAFCON. Rugby League Brand Deal: Jarome Luai becomes the new face of Trukai Industries in a major four-year partnership linking rugby league, community and brand work across PNG and the Pacific.

PNG Fashion Week 2026: APEC House in Port Moresby opened PNG Fashion Week 2026, with the theme “Fashion, Business, Culture, and Future,” plus runway shows including National Kolos and PNG Fashion Icons. Spotlight on designers: Textile designer Atosh Iyaro returned to the runway after an international debut in Brisbane, bringing her cultural textile work back to the PNG stage. Independence through sport: Enga Peace and Unity Games wrapped in Wabag, using soccer, basketball, volleyball, kickboxing, rugby sevens and nines to promote peace and pick players for Team Enga. Independence in the provinces: Madang marked 51 years with canoe races, while Green River communities held celebrations despite funding delays. Music and culture: DAJAS lit up Rangeview Plaza with Independence performances, including a rendition of “Together We Can.” Sports admin update: Sports Minister Kofi Iddie Adams told Parliament the Black Queens are not owed any outstanding bonuses or per diems from the Pink Ladies Tournament or WAFCON. Brand and rugby league: Jarome Luai was named the new face of Trukai Industries in a major four-year partnership linking the brand to PNG and Pacific community and sporting initiatives.

PNG Fashion & Textiles: Award-winning designer Atosh Iyaro returns to the PNG Fashion Week runway (18–19 Sept, APEC Haus) after her international debut in Brisbane, bringing her distinctive cultural textile designs back to Port Moresby. Independence Through Sport: Enga Peace and Unity Games in Wabag wrapped up this week, using six codes to promote peace and spot players for Team Enga, with winners taking trophies, medals and prize money. Independence in Music & Community: DAJAS lit up Rangeview Plaza for PNG’s 51st Independence celebrations, performing local classics and a unity anthem rendition that pulled shoppers into the moment. Culture & Heritage Spotlight: The National Cultural Commission marked 51 years of Independence with new uniforms and highlighted ongoing work to protect and promote PNG’s tangible and intangible heritage. Rugby League Spotlight: IROK Pirates and Consort Royals renew their grand-final rivalry in Lae’s Morobe Rugby Union Premier decider, with the 2026 crown on the line. MSG Prime Minister’s Cup: The PNG Kapuls open their 2026 campaign in Suva against defending champions Vanuatu, with the tournament also carrying FIFA ranking points. Sports Funding Clarity: Sports Minister Kofi Iddie Adams told Parliament the Black Queens are not owed outstanding bonuses or per diems from the Pink Ladies Tournament or WAFCON.

Rugby League World Cup build-up: PNG’s Kumuls campaign is under pressure as key back Nene Macdonald faces a race to be fit after a major knee injury, with coach Jason Demetriou urging a month of recovery work ahead of the Oct 15 tournament. Branding & sport in PNG: Jarome Luai has been named the new face of Trukai Industries in a major four-year partnership, linking the rice icon with rugby league, community programs and the next generation across PNG and the Pacific. Independence through culture: The National Cultural Commission marked PNG’s 51st Independence Anniversary with new uniforms and highlighted ongoing work protecting cultural heritage, from renovations to community cultural centres and support for local music. Independence in the spotlight: DAJAS lit up Rangeview Plaza with a mini concert and a special rendition of “Together We Can,” bringing shoppers into the national mood. Sporting life beyond the field: PNGDF Rear Admiral Philip Polewara called for permanent Defence Force rugby union teams, including women’s sides, to restore fitness and sporting pride year-round. Community celebrations: Madang continued Independence with canoe races, while Eastern Highlands’ Bundaira prison received food rations to mark the day with inmates’ own small festivities.

Rugby League Spotlight: Jarome Luai is now the new face of Trukai Industries in a major four-year PNG-and-Pacific partnership, linking the rice giant with community and sporting initiatives. Independence & Culture: The National Cultural Commission marked PNG’s 51st Independence with new uniforms and highlighted work protecting heritage through renovations, rural cultural centres, and support for local music and creative arts. Music in the Capital: DAJAS lit up Rangeview Plaza with Independence performances, including a unity anthem rendition, bringing shoppers into the celebrations. Sport as Nation-Building: PNGDF Commander Rear Admiral Philip Polewara launched the Commander’s Cup and called for permanent Defence Force rugby union teams, including women’s squads, to restore fitness and sporting pride. World Cup Build-Up: With a month to go, PNG’s Rugby League World Cup campaign is under pressure as squads and captains for the Kumuls and Orchids are still not announced. Local Arts & Learning: NIU’s Pick Museum of Anthropology debuted “Things We Value,” a student-curated exhibit exploring how people assign value to objects, including a Sepik River crocodile totem. Identity in the Spotlight: A trademark dispute is brewing over the PNG Chiefs name as NZ Rugby pushes back on the NRL franchise branding.

Independence in the spotlight: Port Moresby’s Rangeview Plaza turned 51 years of nationhood into a singalong with DAJAS, while Madang kept the momentum going with canoe races and Eastern Highlands’ Bundaira prison marked the day with food rations and reflection. Culture, language, and identity: NBC journalists in China were taught ancient rubbing techniques to preserve inscriptions—mirroring PNG’s own push to keep local-language broadcasting alive for future generations. Youth and faith through sport: Vanimo Catholic youths are in the middle of an inland denary rally mixing prayer, music, drama and games, and Enga’s Peace and Unity Games are using football and rugby to bring young people together after conflict. Sports pathways and discipline: PNGDF Commander Philip Polewara has ordered permanent rugby union teams, including a women’s squad, to lift fitness and sporting pride. Rugby league drama: The “PNG Chiefs” name is facing a trademark fight as NZ Rugby challenges the NRL’s branding for the Port Moresby franchise. Regional arts and community business: Central Province’s CMACF in Bereina is blending performances with SME stalls and public services, showing how culture can drive tourism and local enterprise.

Independence & Culture: Madang’s 51st Independence celebrations kept rolling with canoe races at Tusbab beach, while Port Moresby’s Kopkop College heard calls to protect PNG traditions—songs, dance, music, chants and costumes—as the country looks to its next 50 years. Performance & Accountability: Prime Minister James Marape used his Independence message to push a culture of performance, discipline and accountability, warning that corruption steals from hospitals, schools and roads. Urban Arts & Lifestyle: Baosen Chinatown is taking shape in Port Moresby’s Five Mile area, pitched as a “city within a city” blending retail, food, entertainment and community living. Sports for Pride: PNGDF Commander Philip Polewara ordered permanent Defence rugby union teams, including a women’s squad, to restore fitness and sporting reputation. Rugby League Spotlight: The PNG Chiefs name is in legal hot water as NZ Rugby threatens trademark action over the expansion club’s “Chiefs” branding. Regional Football: PNG’s Kapuls and Bilums arrived in Fiji for the MSG Prime Ministers Cup, with the Bilums defending champions and the Kapuls chasing a better finish. Creative Sector Push: The National Cultural Commission backed reggae artist Anslom’s international album work and argued PNG must treat the arts as an economic engine, not a side interest. Biodiversity Reminder: NCD Governor Powes Parkop urged protection of PNG’s natural heritage during the National Orchid and Flower Show.

Independence Celebrations: Alotau, Milne Bay kicked off a three-day PNG Independence program with cultural convoys, dances, sports and live performances, building to Wednesday’s main events. Faith-Led Youth Culture: Vanimo Catholic youths are using the 51st anniversary to run a five-day inland denary rally in Utai—prayer, Mass, discussions, sports, music and drama—aiming to make Independence about purpose, not just entertainment. Kumuls Injury Update: PNG Rugby League World Cup hopes took a hit as key back Nene Macdonald faces a race to be fit after a major knee injury. PNGDF Sports Revival: PNGDF Commander Philip Polewara has ordered permanent Defence rugby union teams, including a women’s squad, to restore fitness and sporting pride. Commander’s Cup Push: The Commander’s Cup launch doubled down on health and gender inclusion, with leadership calling for standing representative teams. Netball Path to Sydney: Tonga and Samoa opened Oceania World Cup qualifiers with wins, while PNG’s women begin their campaign against Samoa after Tonga’s 81–55 start. MSG Prime Ministers Cup: PNG’s Kapuls and Bilums arrived in Fiji for the regional tournament, with the women defending champions and the men chasing a better finish. Creative Sector Funding: The National Cultural Commission backed reggae artist Anslom’s international album work and urged PNG to treat arts as a serious economic industry. Central Province Arts & Tourism: Bereina’s CMACF is blending traditional performance, contemporary music and SME stalls, linking culture with local business opportunities. PNG Fashion Week 2026: A Samoan designer will bring faith, family and cultural identity to PNG Fashion Week through Baseman Designs. Special Olympics Football: Special Olympics PNG’s Moni Plus Unified Football starts this Saturday at Sir John Guise Stadium, promoting inclusion through mixed teams. NRL Chiefs Trademark Fight: New Zealand Rugby is pushing for a name change for the NRL’s PNG Chiefs franchise, escalating a brand dispute ahead of the 2028 entry.

PNGDF Sports Revival: Commander Polewara has ordered the Defence Force to set up permanent rugby union teams—15-a-side and sevens, including a women’s squad—so fitness stays up year-round, not just around tournaments. NRL Chiefs Trademark Clash: New Zealand Rugby is pushing the NRL to reconsider the PNG franchise name “Chiefs,” warning it could take the matter to court over the Chiefs brand and logo protections. Netball World Cup Qualifiers: Tonga opened strong at home with an 81–55 win over the Cook Islands, while Samoa beat PNG 72–56 in the Oceania qualifiers for Sydney 2027. Youth Olympics for PNG: Papua New Guinea confirmed athletics and swimming teams for the Dakar 2026 Summer Youth Olympic Games, with young athletes heading out for international experience. Creative Sector Push: The National Cultural Commission backed reggae artist Anslom with K20,000 for an album journey to Jamaica, arguing PNG’s arts need more vision because the sector is an economic engine. Central Province Festival: Bereina’s Central Music Arts and Culture Festival is drawing crowds with traditional performances, contemporary music, and SME stalls—plus public awareness from key boards. Fashion Week Spotlight: Samoan designer Teleasau Joy Paese will bring faith, family and cultural identity to PNG Fashion Week 2026.

Nordic Cinema at TIFF: Eight Nordic films are in the spotlight at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival, including Amanda Kernell’s Brace Your Heart, bringing Sámi stories and other Nordic drama, documentary, animation and sci-fi to global audiences. Enga Peace and Unity Games: The three-day Enga Peace and Unity Games kicked off in Wabag, using sport to build peace among youth and acting as a trial for Team Enga ahead of the PNG Games. MSG Prime Ministers Cup squads: PNG Kapuls and Bilums have arrived in Fiji for the tournament in Suva (Sept 17–Oct 3), with the Bilums chasing a repeat title and the Kapuls aiming to go one better after last year’s runners-up finish. Central Music Arts and Culture Festival: CMACF opened in Bereina with traditional performances, contemporary music, and SME stalls, plus public awareness from national boards and agencies—music as both culture and local business boost. Creative sector push: The National Cultural Commission is backing reggae artist Anslom with K20,000 for Jamaica album work, while also calling out PNG’s lack of investment and respect for the arts’ economic potential. Biodiversity reminder: NCD Governor Powes Parkop urged stronger protection of PNG’s natural heritage as the National Orchid and Flower Show opened ahead of Independence. PNG Chiefs name dispute: New Zealand Rugby is escalating a trademark fight over the PNG Chiefs name, warning the NRL could face court action before the Port Moresby logo and jersey launch. PNG Fashion Week 2026: Samoan designer Teleasau Joy Paese will join PNG Fashion Week with a faith-and-culture design story, alongside PNG runway debuts and Indigenous craft showcases. Special Olympics football: Special Olympics PNG Moni Plus Unified Football starts Saturday at Sir John Guise Stadium, bringing 21 teams together for a one-day inclusion-focused tournament.

MSG Prime Ministers Cup: PNG Kapuls and Bilums have arrived in Fiji for the 2026 tournament in Suva (Sept 17–Oct 3), with the women defending champions after their historic title run. National Touch: CTPM is ready to host the 2026 National Touch Championship (Sept 17–20) at Bisini in Port Moresby, with Touch Football PNG World Cup selections on the line. Lae Civic Music: Lae City Authority’s reserve police pipes and drums band is preparing for public civic and Independence events after instruments and members were blessed. Central Province Festival: The Central Music Arts and Culture Festival opened in Bereina, mixing traditional performance, contemporary music, and SME stalls with cocoa, fisheries and tax awareness. Creative Sector Push: The National Cultural Commission backs reggae artist Anslom with K20,000 for Jamaica album work, while calling out PNG’s neglect of arts education and its economic potential. Biodiversity Reminder: NCD Governor Powes Parkop urged protection of PNG’s natural heritage while opening the National Orchid and Flower Show. PNG Fashion Week: Samoan designer Teleasau Joy Paese will join PNG Fashion Week 2026 (Sept 18–19) with a faith-and-culture story. Special Olympics: Special Olympics PNG Moni Plus Unified Football starts Saturday at Sir John Guise Stadium with 21 teams. NRL Chiefs Trademark: New Zealand Rugby is threatening legal action over the PNG Chiefs name, putting next month’s logo and jersey launch at risk.