Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has confirmed that The Right Honourable Christopher Luxon, Prime Minister of New Zealand, will arrive in Port Moresby on Monday, 4 August to Wednesday, 6 August 2025, for a three-day State Visit. This visit heralds a major season of diplomatic engagement as Papua New Guinea gears up to commemorate its 50th Independence Anniversary.

Prime Minister Marape hailed the visit as a defining moment in bilateral relations, underscoring New Zealand’s long-standing support for Papua New Guinea’s development, security, and regional stability.

“New Zealand has stood with Papua New Guinea since we gained independence,” Prime Minister Marape said. “From education and climate resilience to trade and governance, their steadfast support has been foundational.”

Visit Programme: High-Level Ceremonies & Parliamentary Address

•          Monday, 4 August (evening): State Dinner honoring Prime Minister Luxon hosted by the Government of PNG.

•        Tuesday, 5 August (morning): Address to the National Parliament of PNG, followed by bilateral discussions on trade, climate resilience, labour mobility, and infrastructure development.

•          Wednesday, 6 August: Farewell ceremony for Prime Minister Luxon prior to his departure from Port Moresby.

“This visit is more than ceremonial—it will fortify people-to-people links, government partnerships, and economic collaboration,” Prime Minister Marape said.

New Zealand’s Ongoing Role in Bougainville Peace Process

New Zealand remains deeply engaged in post-referendum consultations with the Autonomous Bougainville Government and the Government of Papua New Guinea. The Burnham Consultations, hosted at Burnham Military Camp in Canterbury in June 2025, were led by independent moderator Sir Jerry Mateparae and supported by the United Nations.

As a signatory witness to the Bougainville Peace Agreement, New Zealand played a pivotal role in the historic peace process: hosting the 1997 Burnham talks, facilitating a neutral venue for dialogue, and deploying an unarmed Truce Monitoring Group to ensure security during ceasefire negotiations.

In June 2025, both governments agreed during the Burnham Consultations to table the 2019 referendum results, along with a moderator’s report and bipartisan committee findings, before the PNG National Parliament, advancing the region’s political future  .

Prime Minister Marape acknowledged New Zealand’s continued support:

“New Zealand’s role as a neutral facilitator and peace partner remains indispensable. Their commitment at Burnham reaffirms our shared dedication to a lasting, homegrown solution for Bougainville’s future.”

Part of a Historic Season of Diplomacy for PNG at 50

The Luxon visit opens a historic season of diplomacy for PNG’s golden jubilee. In early September, PNG will host UN Secretary‑General António Guterres for a four-day visit — the first and longest stay ever in PNG by a UN Secretary-General — and he will address the National Parliament.

“This is the first ever visit by a United Nations Secretary-General in 50 years to Papua New Guinea, marking a historic moment that recognises the country’s growing role in regional peace, climate action, and sustainable development,” Prime Minister Marape said.

This momentum will continue with visits from Pacific and global leaders for the 50th Independence Anniversary on 16 September, a milestone celebration of nationhood.

PM Marape: One People, One Nation, One Country

Prime Minister Marape called on all Papua New Guineans to embrace the anniversary year with unity and purpose:

“We are privileged to live during this milestone year. Let us come together with one heart, one mind, one nation.”

He reiterated national progress under his leadership:

•        Historic tax relief and school fee assistance

•          Unprecedented investment in roads, ports, airports, telecom, and power

•        Law and justice reform including ICAC establishment

•         Greater national control over resource revenues and downstream processing

•         Transition from low- to middle-income status with goals for a balanced budget by 2027

“We are diversifying our exports to include agricultural goods and fish markets across Asia,” he said. “But the work continues.”

National Month of Prayer and Reflection Before Independence

As part of the golden jubilee, churches will lead a national month of reflection in August. Prime Minister Marape invited citizens to pray and commit spiritually:

“Pray for your families. Pray for unity. Pray for your country. Pray for healing and the elimination of corruption.

“And above all, pray for God’s will, blessings, and favours upon our Christian country. Let this season renew our hearts and our national spirit.”

The month will culminate in the National Day of Prayer on 26 August, preceding formal events in September.

“Let us honour those who paved the way and build a nation worthy of the next 50 years. The world is watching. Let us rise together—one people, one nation, one country.”