New Ireland

Smith's mission is to film a documentary for National Geographic titled "Welcome to Earth," delving into PNG's breathtaking natural landscapes and rich cultural tapestry.

Leading a formidable team of 60, Smith will traverse three distinct locations within PNG: Tavuvur in East New Britain, Tens Island in the St Matthias group of islands, and Kavieng in New Ireland province. The month-long expedition aims to encapsulate the unique and diverse landscapes, as well as the rich cultures that define Papua New Guinea.

Social services chief executive officer of the New Ireland Provincial Administration, Benson Apelis, issued the challenge during the commemoration of PNG’s 48^th Independence anniversary on September 16^th.

“New Ireland is rich with its diverse cultures – such as malangan, kabai, tubuan – flora and fauna, white sandy beaches, best tourism spots in PNG, two gold mines, high human intelligence and peace and tranquillity stretching across our beautiful Bilas Peles,” Apelis outlined.

After the Lagatoi Declaration at APEC Haus this afternoon, all headed to a chartered flight at the APEC Terminal to depart for Kavieng.

Minister for Information Communication and Technology, Timothy Masiu said the program in Kavieng is to show the regional heads how diverse Papua New Guinea is.

The owner of Karanas Comfort Tours is Alice Alu, who is originally from East New Britain Province but grew up in New Ireland.

As the name suggests, Alu takes care of visitors’ activities, accommodation and meals.

“I started this tour business to promote and market the beauty of the province I grew up and love so much,” said Alu.

“This is a way of giving back to the province since the New Ireland Provincial Government subsidised my education from primary school to the University of Technology.

Accompanying the Ambassador are his personal staff including Chinese business and banking officials.

New Ireland Governor Sir Julius Chan will be returning from his village of Huris after a week, in time to officially welcome Ambassador Fanhua at the Kavieng airport.

Six months ago, the Chinese Embassy in Port Moresby assured the New Ireland Government to contribute 1,000 sets of desks and chairs, but have given an extra 224, totaling I,224. The Ambassador’s visit is to officially hand over the school materials.

Representing the petitioner, Kiso, was Moses Murray from Murray and Associates Lawyers, while the first respondent, Ling-Stuckey, was represented by Ian Shepherd from Ashurst Lawyers, and the second respondent, Electoral Commissioner Simon Sinai, was represented by Serah Kunai from Jema Lawyers.

The petition challenged Ling-Stuckey’s election as Member for Kavieng Open in the 2022 general elections on grounds of bribery, undue influence and illegal practice.

There’s been an increase in the number of secondary schools from only four high schools in 2007 to 11 Secondary Schools in 2023.

Chairman for Education Felix Kaltubim when presenting the Education Sector’s statement to the New Ireland Provincial Assembly commended a major policy shift when the Chan government took over in 2007.

“Moreover, the retention rate of girls in schools has improved from 35% in 2007 to equal 52% to boys today.

Kavieng District Development Authority have presented a total of twenty three 23ft 40hp boats and one 60hp engine to the mothers engaged in SME in the district.

The boats were presented by KDDA board member Micheal Panda and Manager, Chris Gai, to mothers engaged with the Kavieng MPs SME policy platform.

The remaining 11 boats and engines for the remaining respective wards will be presented after the executive committees finalized the wards.

The visit was to strengthen Chinese medical relations with the Kavieng General Hospital and also to nurture cordial relations with the people of New Ireland.

The team consisted of Deputy Captain of the China Medical Team Dr Jason Liu who a pediatrician, Dr Hongbo Liu a traditional Chinese medical practitioner and physiotherapist, Dr. Haibo MU a gynecologist/ obstetrician and assistant nurse Chang Yuang.

Third secretary of the Chinese Embassy in PNG, Jiang Yewei accompanied the team.