The Commissioner of Police, David Manning, yesterday welcomed New Zealand Police Commissioner Richard Chambers to Police Headquarters in Port Moresby, marking the first official visit by a New Zealand Police Commissioner to PHQ — a milestone moment in the policing partnership between the two nations.
Commissioner Manning said the visit reflects the deep and longstanding cooperation between Papua New Guinea and New Zealand, particularly in support of the Bougainville Police Service, where both countries continue to work together to strengthen policing capability, leadership, and community safety.
During the meeting, the two Commissioners held highlevel discussions on some of the most pressing security challenges facing the Pacific region, including organised crime, illegal drugs, and online child sexual abuse. Both Commissioners acknowledged that these threats are increasingly sophisticated, transnational, and harmful to vulnerable communities across the region.
Commissioner Manning said the Constabulary and its regional partners must move decisively and collaboratively.
“Our region is facing serious and evolving criminal threats. Strengthening our partnerships, sharing intelligence, and building the capabilities of Pacific police forces is essential to protecting our people and safeguarding our future.”
The Commissioners agreed to enhance intelligence sharing, deepen operational cooperation, and expand joint efforts to combat serious crimes, organised criminal networks, and the trafficking of illegal drugs. They also reaffirmed their shared commitment to protecting children by improving investigative capacity and crossborder collaboration to tackle online child sexual abuse.
The Commissioners discussed the importance of effective law enforcement cooperation and examined opportunities for enhanced regional police cooperation during major events, including planning and logistics support for the 2027 National Elections.
Commissioner Manning said the visit reinforces the unity and shared purpose of Pacific policing.
“New Zealand has been a steadfast partner to PNG. Commissioner Chambers’ visit signals our collective determination to confront crime together and ensure a safer, more secure Pacific for all.”
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