THE New Ireland Provincial Government (NIPG) in a collaborative partnership has signed a three-year funding deal with two sporting bodies in the province.

A tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was jointly signed on June 6 between NIPG, New Ireland Rugby Union (NIRU) which has a long-standing history of promoting rugby.

This in includes building competitive frame works across New Ireland and Capital Rugby Union (CRU) with extensive experience in coaching, administration and fostering grassroots participation to promote and develop rugby union in New Ireland.

In the signed MoU, the NIPG will provide a total funding of K450,000 to NIRU over a three-year period with disbursement schedule of K150,000 per year where an initial allocation of K150,000 for 2025 has already been deposited into NIRU BSP account.

Apart from the funding component the collaborative partnership among others include:

• Leveraging the strengths and resources of each party to enhance sports infrastructure, talent development, and community engagement;

• Organising events, training programs, competitions, and community outreach initiatives that align with the shared objectives of sports development and regional advancement.

New Ireland Governor Walter D Schnaubelt who signed the MoU together with acting Provincial Administrator Apelis Benson, NIRU President Charlie Melachon and CRU President Kori Chan said he as a sporting icon himself, he values sports as a tool for personal development and growth.

“As a product of sports, I have competed in world stage representing New Ireland and PNG and I agree that sports can go a long way in developing and harnessing our young talents to be competitive in any sport they are engaged in,” Governor Schnaubelt said.

He expressed pleasure in being part of an event that symbolizes a strong public-private partnership for the future of the province and region.

Governor Schnaubelt emphasized the provincial government’s steadfast commitment to sports development as a driver of social and economic enhancement that complements efforts to improve community cohesion and local enterprise growth. 

Going forward into the future, the Governor wants to see New Ireland becomes the home of Rugby 7s and 9s with district origin games to be hosted every year for a prize money of K100,000.

Schnaubelt also extended invitation to administrators of other sporting codes such as soccer, rugby, volleyball, basketball and others to come forward if they need similar assistance.

He reaffirmed his government’s resolve to work collaboratively with NIRU and CRU to ensure transparency, accountability, and sustainable growth.