New Zealand High Commissioner to PNG

In conjunction with the National Department of Health and UNICEF, New Zealand’s contribution will help to support Papua New Guinea’s COVID-19 Provincial Preparedness Action Plan and will deliver critical medical supplies, including ventilators.

It will also support the provision of training activities, maintenance and other logistical costs related to the use of the medical supplies.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has placed considerable new pressures on the health systems of countries all over the world,” High Commissioner Taula explained. 

He said this after receiving a courtesy call from New Zealand’s High Commissioner, Tony Fautuam, in Port Moresby yesterday.

They met to discuss ongoing cooperation with Papua New Guinea, and the visit by New Zealand’s outgoing Foreign Minister, Murray McCully, in February.

The PM and High Commissioner also discussed engagement in the areas of customs and quarantine procedures, advancing the air services agreement between the two countries and support for APEC Papua New Guinea 2018.

During the launching of the Jonah Lomu Cup in Port Moresby, Fautua said he will make strong representation for PNG to be included in the NZ$10 million (K20 million) Pacific Sports Partnership Program (PSP).

The PSP is focused on the development of rugby and netball in the Cook Islands, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa.

However, Fautua says PNG has to prove to itself and to the region that it is worthy of starting something that will develop the sport and the country.