Climate-smart farming: A resilient kaukau (sweet potato) variety is helping Hela farmers keep harvesting despite El Niño drought, with drought-tough vines distributed to households and surplus sold to support local piggery supply. Water security: In Rigo District, Tagana Village has a new drought-resilient water system—bore well, solar pump and a 9,000-litre tank—aimed at easing household and garden shortages. Biodiversity protection: NCD Governor Powes Parkop urged Papua New Guineans to protect the country’s biodiversity as the 2026 National Orchid and Flower Show opens, calling orchids and wider natural heritage a shared treasure. Health resilience: New Zealand-backed climate-resilience upgrades worth K2 million are improving power, water and sanitation at three Madang health facilities, including solar-plus-battery systems and stronger water storage. Wildlife science win: Researchers have rediscovered the spinach pipefish, last recorded in 1985, after working with local communities in the Ramu–Sepik river system. Waste and recycling push: Pacific recycling groups will feed grassroots experience into a Vanuatu workshop on circular waste policy, including PNG participation through the Pacific Recyclers Alliance. Land and planning: Deputy PM John Rosso says getting land administration and physical planning right is critical for sustainable PNG growth.