Stories by Johnny Blades
News
Marape unveils new-look PNG cabinet with reformist aims
Papua New Guinea's new prime minister James Marape has overseen a shake-up of cabinet which he says will drive reform the country needs.
Facebook used to sensationalise sorcery accusations in PNG
An NGO which helps victims of sorcery allegations in Papua New Guinea says there is merit in looking at controlling the use of Facebook in the country.
Introducing PNG's new leader: James Marape
Papua New Guinea's eighth prime minister is James Marape, a humble Christian and a political heavyweight in a cut-throat parliament
James Marape elected as PNG prime minister
James Marape has been elected as Papua New Guinea's prime minister, following the resignation of Peter O'Neill yesterday.
Confusion reigns as PNG waits for O'Neill's resignation
Confusion reigns in Papua New Guinea politics after Prime Minister Peter O'Neill announced that he would be stepping down.
PNG's PM announces resignation and 'handover'
Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Peter O'Neill has announced that he will step down from the role, after weeks of defections from his coalition government.
PNG opposition puts motion against PM on ice
Papua New Guinea's opposition says it is withdrawing its motion of no confidence against prime minister Peter O'Neill, but is likely to lodge a new one soon.
Analysis: Hopes dim on Manus and Nauru after Scomo win
Last night's election win by Australia's Coalition government has dealt a blow to the hopes of more than 800 refugees stuck on Pacific Islands, RNZ Pacific's Johnny Blades writes.
Rivals for PNG leadership implicated in loan saga
Political fallout from a controversial loan taken on by Papua New Guinea's government five years ago could hinder rather than help attempts to remove prime minister Peter O'Neill.
Indonesia loses Pacific asset in Franzalbert Joku
Indonesia has lost a significant asset in its Pacific diplomacy efforts with the recent passing of the West Papuan, Franzalbert Joku. Audio
PNG MPs urged to leave police and public out of political wrestle
Papua New Guinea's police chief has warned against moves by MPs to involve the public or members of his force in the country's current political wrestle. Audio
PNG's embattled PM buys time to consolidate
Papua New Guinea's prime minister Peter O'Neill has used his mastery of parliamentary proceedings to frustrate the opposition's attempts to remove him.
PNG parliament adjourned, O'Neill claims govt intact
Papua New Guinea's parliament has been adjourned after a brief resumption today, as the opposition makes a push to remove Prime Minister Peter O'Neill.
James Marape nominated as PNG's alternative PM
The alternative government in Papua New Guinea has nominated MP James Marape as its choice for prime minister.
Drums for change beat louder among PNG MPs
Opposition MPs in Papua New Guinea are quietly confident they have the momentum to remove prime minister Peter O'Neill.
West Papuan leader who advocated compromise
A former leading West Papuan independence campaigner who became an Indonesian government supporter, Franzalbert Joku, has died in Jayapura. Audio
PNG government approaches breaking point
Papua New Guinea's prime minister Peter O'Neill is battling increasing odds for political survival after five MPs resigned from his party.
Call to end delays around corruption in PNG
A long-touted Independent Commission Against Corruption could be finally about to fly in Papua New Guinea, but the government's critics remain sceptical.
Gas project pressure rising for PNG's government
Papua New Guinea's government is under pressure over its handling of the country's burgeoning gas sector. Audio
West Papuan legal challenge to Act of Free Choice
A move by West Papuans to challenge 1969's controversial Act of Free Choice referendum has found its way to Indonesia's Constitutional Court. Audio
West Papuan peace advocate who urged dialogue dies
A leading West Papuan peace campaigner, Neles Tebay, has died in Jakarta after being hospitalised with leukemia.
Call in PNG for oversight of SDP after Singapore ruling
There's a call for Papua New Guinea's Sustainable Development Programme to consider creating an oversight mechanism. Audio
Madang marine project lives another day
There's still an air of uncertainty to a planned marine industrial project in Papua New Guinea which government says is about to proceed after years of dithering.
Message of tolerance as Fiji community reels from mosque attacks
New Zealand's Fijian community is reeling after three people from Fiji were killed in Friday's mosque attacks in Christchurch.
US and NZ stand by PNG electricity campaign despite concerns
New Zealand and the US say they are committed to the Papua New Guinea Electrification Partnership despite the PNG government's awarding of major energy contracts to Chinese companies.