A delegation from Papua New Guinea’s Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), Department of Works and Highways (DoWH) and Climate Change and Development Authority (CCDA) are visiting New Zealand this week to learn more about climate-resilient infrastructure.
The learning exchange programme comes as Papua New Guinea (PNG) prepares to mark 50 years of independence on 16 September.
Improving road transport is a priority for PNG’s economic growth and development, with limited road connections outside the main cities of Port Moresby and Lae. Many of the country’s roads are exposed to climate-related hazards such as flooding, landslides, and sea-level rise. Overall, PNG is ranked 89th out of 139 for infrastructure in the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index.
This visit is part of the Infrastructure for Resilient Island States programme, a global initiative funded by the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure. The IRIS PNG programme is implemented by GGGI and DoWH with support from GHD, a global professional services company.
During their visit to New Zealand, PNG officials will learn from NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, councils, the National Emergency Management Agency and mana whenua about how climate risk and resilience are embedded in infrastructure planning and investment.
The delegation is set to visit Waikato region, including learning about the recovery from Cyclone Gabrielle to gather practical insights to help them implement PNG’s recently developed Climate Change Risk and Vulnerability Assessment Framework.
“Our team comprised of DoWH, CCDA, TSSP and GGGI will be travelling to New Zealand for the South-South Exchange and Knowledge Exchange with town councils to visit climate resilient project sites to learn and integrate climate resilience into road infrastructure development in PNG,” said DoWH ESG Assistant Secretary, Kenneth Yamu.
“We want to see the DoWH construct climate resilient infrastructure by 2030 that can withstand the extreme weather patterns. This will require teamwork by improving knowledge and skills for our technical staff in DoWH to make collective and inclusive decisions that will benefit our people.”
Country Representative of GGGI PNG, Muhammad Ali Shaikh said the exchange offers Papua New Guinea a valuable opportunity to learn directly from New Zealand’s experience in embedding climate resilience into infrastructure systems.
“As we prepare to mark 50 years of independence, strengthening our road networks and transport systems against climate risks is not just a technical necessity but a foundation for sustainable economic growth and community well-being. The lessons from New Zealand will help us apply our Climate Change Risk and Vulnerability Assessment Framework in a way that is practical, inclusive, and scalable across Papua New Guinea,” he said.
GHD Market Lead Environment and Communities for NZ Pacific, Stephen Douglass said the learning exchange will present how New Zealand manages interconnected climate risks — a direct analogue for the challenges facing Papua New Guinea.
“It focuses on community development and sits within a wider programme to build capacity for climate-resilient, context-appropriate infrastructure prioritisation, delivering lasting community benefits directly transferable to Papua New Guinea,” said Mr Douglass.
