Autonomous Bougainville Government

06/05/2026

JOINT STATEMENT: Leaders reach amicable resolution on long-standing Bougainville funding matter

The leadership of the Autonomous Bougainville Government and the National Government have successfully reached an amicable and unified resolution to a long-standing legal matter arising from OS 85 of 2025, marking a significant milestone in cooperative governance, fiscal reconciliation, and service delivery.

Vice President Hon. Ezekiel Masatt, Hon. Albert Punghau, Minister for Treasury and Finance, Hon. Patrick Nisira, Minister for Technical Services, and Hon. Peter L. Tsiamalili Jr., Minister for National Works and Highways and Regional Member for Bougainville, convened over the past two days in Port Moresby to bring finality to the matter through constructive dialogue and principled engagement.

Following the National Court ruling, all parties entered into good-faith negotiations with the shared intention of resolving outstanding issues prior to escalation to the Supreme Court. This process has now culminated in a mutually agreed position, formalised through a Leadership Resolution adopted on 5 May 2026.

Central to the discussions was the acknowledgment that the Infrastructure Account contained both the Prime Minister’s Commitment funds and the Regional Member’s Infrastructure and Public Investment Programme (PIP) allocations, thereby requiring a coordinated, transparent, and jointly verified reconciliation process to ensure integrity in public financial management and equitable service delivery outcomes.

Key Outcomes of the Resolution
• Reconciliation of Funds: A jointly agreed and verified financial position has been accepted, restoring clarity and confidence in the management of public funds.
• Recognition of Development Expenditure: All committed expenditures undertaken for legitimate development purposes have been recognised as valid and aligned with service delivery objectives.
• Future Funding Alignment: It has been agreed that future budget frameworks must clearly reflect Prime Minister’s Commitments as RDG arrears, ensuring consistency with Section 326 of the Constitution and the Organic Law on Peace-Building in Bougainville.
• Strengthened Governance and Transparency: The resolution reinforces adherence to national public finance frameworks, promoting accountability, transparency, and coordinated intergovernmental financial management.

A Decision for Unity and Service Delivery
At the core of this resolution is a collective decision by all leaders to prioritise unity, mutual understanding, and the welfare of the people of Bougainville over prolonged legal proceedings.

• A shared commitment to peace-building and constitutional governance
• Respect for institutional processes and judicial outcomes
• A forward-looking approach focused on development delivery rather than dispute

Leadership Statement

“This resolution affirms that leadership must rise above differences to serve our people. While the courts provide a pathway for legal determination, it is through unity, dialogue, and mutual respect that sustainable outcomes are achieved. Our focus now is firmly on delivering infrastructure and development for Bougainville.”

Way Forward
• Fully implement the terms of the Leadership Resolution
• Strengthen coordination between the National Government and ABG
• Ensure all future funding arrangements are transparent, compliant, and development-driven
• Prioritise infrastructure delivery and economic development across Bougainville

This resolution establishes a unified platform for moving forward and reflects the maturity of Bougainville’s leadership in resolving complex financial and constitutional matters through consensus.

https://abg.gov.pg/index.php?/news/read/joint-statement-leaders-reach-amicable-resolution-on-long-standing-bougainville-funding-matter

01/05/2026

ABG submits 2026 First Quarter Budget Performance Report

The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) has submitted its 2026 First Quarter Budget Performance Report to the National Department of Treasury, the Department of National Planning and Monitoring (DNPM), and the Department of Finance, as part of its ongoing quarterly reporting requirements.

The report is part of ABG’s regular reporting cycle, where government agencies provide updates on financial performance, project implementation, and key challenges across the public service.

The latest submission shows steady improvement in ABG’s reporting processes, with stronger coordination across departments and more structured reporting aligned to national public financial management requirements.

ABG Secretary for Treasury and Finance Joshua Tauko, said maintaining consistency in quarterly reporting is key to strengthening accountability across government.

“This engagement is strategically important in strengthening fiscal accountability and maintaining compliance with national public financial management requirements,” he said.

The First Quarter Report brings together financial data and Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) findings from across Bougainville, providing a clearer picture of how funds are being used, the progress of projects, and the challenges being faced on the ground.

Despite a challenging start to the year, including impacts from natural disasters and operational pressures, departments demonstrated improved responsiveness and reporting discipline, allowing for a more complete overview of government performance.

The quarterly reporting process is also helping to strengthen coordination between planning, budgeting, and programme management, supporting better prioritisation of projects and more efficient use of resources.

The ABG continues to use this process not only to meet reporting requirements, but also as a practical tool to improve transparency, support informed decision-making, and build a more accountable and performance-driven public service.

https://abg.gov.pg/index.php?/news/read/abg-submits-2026-first-quarter-budget-performance-report

01/05/2026

ABG successfully disposes of MV Tulele, concluding long-standing issue

The MV Tulele has been successfully towed and disposed of today with the assistance of Bismark Shipping, marking the conclusion of a long-standing matter for the ABG.

All safety and environmental requirements were met prior to towing, including the removal of oil and fuel to ensure minimal impact.

The disposal, led by the Department of Commerce, Economic Services and Trade Industry, follows the Government’s decision to decommission the vessel after years of significant maintenance and associated costs.

30/04/2026

ABG confirms safe disposal of UXO in Central Bougainville

The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) confirms that two unexploded World War II-era bombs in Central Bougainville have been safely disposed of, following a coordinated operation led by the ABG with technical support from the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF).

The disposal operation was successfully carried out at Aropa Airfield and near Kieta Primary School this week, removing long-standing safety risks to surrounding communities.

ABG Chief Secretary and SOE Controller, Kearnneth Nanei, welcomed the successful completion of the operation and commended all partners and communities involved.

“This successful operation is a direct result of strong partnership and coordination, and most importantly, our commitment to protecting our people,” he said.

“We thank the New Zealand Defence Force for their professionalism and expertise, and we acknowledge our communities in Kieta and Aropa for their cooperation, which ensured the safe and orderly conduct of this operation. We also acknowledge the efforts from our government agencies who assisted in coordinating this exercise.”

The unexploded ordnance, assessed as too dangerous to relocate, was safely destroyed in place by NZDF Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) specialists, following strict safety protocols including the establishment of security cordons and protective measures around the sites.

All affected areas have now been declared safe, with restrictions lifted following completion of post-disposal safety assessments.

As part of ongoing efforts, communities are reminded to remain vigilant and to report any suspected unexploded ordnance to authorities.

Mr Nanei also acknowledged the broader support provided by the Government of New Zealand, noting the longstanding partnership in peacebuilding, security, and development in Bougainville.

https://abg.gov.pg/index.php?/news/read/uxo-safely-disposed-in-central-bougainville

Photo credit: NZDF

30/04/2026

Tehobuin–Sipotavai Cocoa Feeder road opens in Tinputz District

Local cocoa farmers in the Taonita-Tinputz Constituency, North Bougainville, will now benefit from the newly completed 6.8-kilometre Tehobuin to Sipotavai Cocoa Feeder Road, officially opened yesterday.

The road is expected to improve access to markets for more than 2,000 people in the Tehobuin and Sipotavai communities, who currently produce an estimated 180 metric tonnes of cocoa annually.

The project was delivered through a partnership effort with the National Department of Agriculture and Livestock (DAL) and the ABG Department of Primary Industry (DPI), through the Papua New Guinea Agriculture Commercialization and Diversification (PACD) Project, with funding support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

The feeder road rehabilitation is one of three roads funded under Component 2 of the PACD Project, aimed at addressing critical market access challenges for cocoa farmers in the Tinputz District.

ABG Member for Taonita-Tinputz Constituency, Hon. David Braun Vatavi, described the project as a major milestone for the area.

“Last five decades the road was bare road now the road is graded with 2 kilometres of road cemented,” he said.

The scope of works included the construction of 4.8 kilometres of road base pavement, 2 kilometres of concrete pavement on steep sections, two concrete causeway crossings over existing rivers, and improvements to drainage systems to ensure all-weather access for farmers.

The road was constructed by Raibro Construction Limited at a cost of K8.039 million over a 15-month period.

The official opening was held at the Sipotavai Elementary School junction and attended by National Member for North Bougainville Hon. Francesca Semoso, ABG Member Hon. David Braun Vatavi, ABG DPI Chief Compliance Officer Dr James Butubu, Deputy Secretary for National DAL and PACD Project Representative Francis Daink, PACD Cocoa Project Manager Dr John Moxon, along with other government officials and members of the local community.

https://abg.gov.pg/index.php?/news/read/tehobuinsipotavai-cocoa-feeder-road-opens-in-tinputz-district

28/04/2026

NZ High Commissioner makes first official visit to Bougainville

The New Zealand High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, Her Excellency Georgina Roberts, arrived in Buka today for her first official visit to the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.

Her Excellency was welcomed by ABG Chief Secretary Mr Kearnneth Nanei, along with Heads of Departments and senior government officials. New Zealand Deputy High Commissioner Mr Charlie Gillard also accompanied the visit.

In welcoming the High Commissioner, Chief Secretary Nanei highlighted the longstanding relationship between New Zealand and Bougainville.

“New Zealand and Bougainville share a unique relationship and friendship span of over 30years, where New Zealand has been in the forefront facilitating the peace negotiations and processes with former New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Sir Don McKinnon’ from 1990 to 1999, playing a vital and significant part in facilitating the peace process and signing of the first Burnham Declaration,” he said.

“We look forward to your stay here in Bougainville and meeting the Bougainville President Hon Ishmael Toroama and leadership here in the region”, said Nanei.

Mr Nanei also acknowledged New Zealand’s ongoing support to Bougainville, including recent relief assistance provided under the current State of Emergency following Cyclone Maila, as well as the deployment of the New Zealand Defence Force team currently undertaking the disposal of World War II unexploded ordnance in Central Bougainville.

Her Excellency Roberts’ visit marks her first engagement in Bougainville and will focus on gaining a deeper understanding of the ABG’s priorities. The visit will also include meetings with key government and community leaders, as well as briefings on New Zealand-funded programmes currently operating in Bougainville.

https://abg.gov.pg/index.php?/news/read/nz-high-commissioner-makes-first-official-visit-to-bougainville

28/04/2026

Long Term Vision 2052 | Know the Pillars

Pillar 8: Environment & Climate Change
Protecting our environment protects our future. Vision 2052 commits to sustainable management of land, sea and natural resources — learning from our past to safeguard generations to come.

26/04/2026

ABG SOE Controller and Chief Secretary, Kearnneth Nanei, outlines the ABG’s coordinated response to safely remove unexploded ordnance in Central Bougainville, with technical support from New Zealand.

This operation places community safety first, with clear measures in place to protect communities in Kieta and Aropa during the disposal process.

The public is encouraged to stay informed and follow official updates and comply with all safety advisories.

26/04/2026

UXO disposal operation to be undertaken in Central Bougainville with New Zealand support

The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) will lead the safe disposal of unexploded ordnance (UXO) identified in Central Bougainville, with technical support from the Government of New Zealand through the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF).

Following a formal request by the ABG President, His Excellency Ishmael Toroama, the Government of New Zealand has confirmed its support and will deploy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) specialists and supporting assets to Bougainville to carry out the operation.

The operation will focus on two World War II-era bombs located near Kieta Primary School and Aropa Airfield. These items have been assessed as posing a potential safety risk to nearby communities and require specialist handling and disposal.

President Toroama said the operation reflects the strong partnership between Bougainville and New Zealand, particularly in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of communities, particularly as Bougainville continues recovery efforts following Tropical Cyclone Maila.

“This operation is about protecting our people, especially our children, families, and communities living near these dangerous remnants of war,” President Toroama said.

“These unexploded bombs have remained a serious risk for many years, and we are grateful to the New Zealand Defence Force for their timely support and expertise in helping us safely remove this threat.”

The ABG emphasises that this is a Bougainville-led operation, with all activities being coordinated under the direction of the ABG, in close collaboration with national agencies, the Bougainville Police Service, and local authorities.

Deployment of NZDF personnel and equipment is expected to commence immediately, with disposal activities planned within the coming week, subject to operational and safety conditions.

The ABG is assuring communities in Kieta and Aropa that all necessary safety measures will be strictly enforced throughout the operation. Temporary safety cordons will be established around both sites, and members of the public are strongly urged to comply with all instructions issued by authorities on the ground.

During the disposal process, residents may observe increased activity, including the movement of defence personnel, helicopters, and preparation works such as sandbagging around the sites. A controlled detonation will also produce a loud noise, which is expected and part of the safety procedure.

The ABG, through its relevant agencies and in coordination with NZDF teams, will continue to provide timely updates and community notifications before, during, and after the operation.

Once the UXO has been safely disposed of, communities will be formally advised when the areas are declared safe.

Communities are reminded that any suspected unexploded ordnance should not be touched and must be reported immediately to the appropriate authorities.

The program will be undertaken by NZDF with coordination from the ABG Office of the Chief Secretary, the ABG Department of Community Government, National Airport Cooperation and New Zealand High Commission in Port Moresby.

https://abg.gov.pg/index.php?/news/read/uxo-disposal-operation-in-central-bougainville-with-new-zealand-support

24/04/2026

Bougainville Community in Port Moresby delivers relief support for Cyclone Maila response

Bougainvilleans residing in Port Moresby today presented their donation of relief supplies to support communities affected by the recent impacts of Cyclone Maila in Bougainville.

The contributions include support from the Bougainville Students Association at the University of Papua New Guinea, reflecting a collective effort by Bougainvilleans in the nation’s capital to assist families and communities back home.

The donations were formally presented today by the President of the Port Moresby Bougainville Association, Beverly Puton Piawu, to Bougainville State of Emergency Controller, Kearnneth Nanei.

“We are responding to help our families back home,” Mrs Piawu said.
“On behalf of the Port Moresby Bougainville Association, we would like to express to the people of Bougainville through the SOE Controller, that we are there with them and this is our gesture to show that we want to support them.”

Mrs Piawu further indicated that the Association will be launching a crowdfunding initiative to sustain fundraising efforts, noting that this initial contribution marks the beginning of ongoing support throughout the State of Emergency period. She added that the Association will continue to liaise closely with the Disaster Office and the Controller, while acknowledging the support of the National Disaster Centre in coordinating logistics for the delivery of assistance to Bougainville.

National Minister for Bougainville Affairs, Manasseh Makiba, also presented a cheque of K100,000.00 to the Bougainville Disaster Office to support ongoing relief operations.

“I expressed sympathy to the people of Bougainville affected by the cyclone disaster. Our prayers and support are with Bougainville communities who are badly affected,” he said.

The Minister further announced that the National Gaming and Control Board has committed K1 million to the ABG to assist affected communities, with support to be channelled through the Bougainville Disaster Office in coordination with the National Disaster Centre.
Receiving the support, SOE Controller Kearnneth Nanei acknowledged the contributions on behalf of the Autonomous Bougainville Government leadership and people.

“Your commitment to support us at this time of need for our people who have been affected so much; we want to thank you for your generosity and for standing with us and our leadership in the region.”

“I also want to thank our Bougainville community for your generous hearts and thoughts and the support given to your fellow Bougainvilleans in the region.”

Mr Nanei also acknowledged the support from the Governments of Australia and New Zealand, as well as United Nations agencies, and commended the strong working relationship with the National Disaster Centre in coordinating and facilitating relief support to Bougainville.

The ABG continues to coordinate response efforts under the current State of Emergency to ensure timely delivery of assistance to affected communities.

https://abg.gov.pg/index.php?/news/read/bougainville-community-in-port-moresby-delivers-relief-support-for-cyclone-maila-response

22/04/2026

21/04/2026

Bougainville Wings launched to drive economic growth and market access

Bougainville’s economic transformation agenda is set for a boost with the official launch of the Bougainville Wings - a locally owned airline positioned to improve trade, connectivity and stimulate economic growth in the region.

ABG Minister for Commerce, Hon. Robin Wilson, said the successful certification and operational readiness of Bougainville Wings signals a new era for Bougainville’s economic independence and self-reliance.

With the arrival of the Cessna Grand Caravan 208B Supervan freighter, Bougainville is now positioned to overcome long-standing logistical barriers that have constrained business growth and limited access to markets.

Minister Wilson described the airline is a key economic enabler under the Bougainville Integrated Strategic Development Plan (BISDP) 2023–2027 and Bougainville Vision 2052, with a clear focus on connecting rural producers to domestic and international markets.

He emphasized the transformational impact on local industries.
“It is a game changer – by providing reliable air freight, we are creating a direct bridge between our rural producers and premium markets in Buka, Port Moresby and beyond,” he said.

Bougainville produces high-quality cocoa, copra, fresh produce, and marine resources, but these have often struggled to reach markets due to unreliable and costly transport. The introduction of a dedicated air freight service is expected to significantly reduce these constraints, enabling small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to scale and compete.

In addition to boosting trade, Bougainville Wings is strengthening supply chains through strategic partnerships with established logistics providers, reducing operational costs and improving efficiency across sectors.

“Through smarter partnerships with logistics leaders like DHL and Post PNG, we are streamlining our supply chains. This efficiency allows us to lower the cost of doing business, making Bougainville a more attractive destination for investors and reducing the price of essential goods for our families,” Minister Wilson said.

The airline is also expected to stimulate growth in tourism and support the reopening of key airstrips in remote areas, creating new income opportunities for communities through hospitality and cultural industries.

Bougainville Wings represents a significant investment in people, creating opportunities for high-skilled employment and building a workforce that is capable of supporting a sovereign economy.

Minister Wilson said the launch sends a clear message to investors and partners.

“Bougainville Wings is our statement to the world; we are open for business; we are connected, and we are flying toward a future of self-reliance.”

https://abg.gov.pg/index.php?/news/read/bougainville-wings-launched-to-drive-economic-growth-and-market-access