Staff from the NPDS Wing spent King’s Birthday Public Holiday on Building Bonds

On Wednesday, 17 June 2026, while other staff from the Department of Works and Highways headquarters in Port Moresby used the public holiday to spend time with family or take part in leisure activities, more than 100 staff from the Network, Planning, Design and Standards (NPDS) Wing came together for a team-building programme outside the office environment. The event was more than an outing; it served as a reminder that colleagues can grow stronger as a team through shared experiences, genuine connections and simple moments of enjoyment.

“I believe in leading with different leadership styles in the workplace. At times, this can be unconventional or unorthodox. When we invest in spaces that encourage people to come together, we are not simply providing convenience; we are nurturing a stronger workplace culture,” said Mr Brian Alois, who heads the NPDS Wing. Mr Alois said he believes in managing people first, because people are the ones who ultimately manage an organisation.

A group of junior officers from the NPDS Wing volunteered to form the organising committee, which coordinated a range of team-building activities for the wing’s staff. The day began with beach volleyball, tug-of-war, sea kayaking and hiking. During a shared meal, staff were entertained with karaoke and trivia activities. A highlight of the programme was the celebration of five staff members who had birthdays in June, marked with a cake. The group departed the island at 5:30pm and returned home in time to watch Game 2 of the State of Origin.

“Loloata provided the perfect setting to unwind, recharge and build stronger bonds with colleagues. It was a memorable experience that reinforced the spirit of teamwork and camaraderie within NPDS,” said Ms Natasha Walo, Deputy Chair of the Organising Committee.

Staff started the day very early, travelling by hired buses to Bootless Bay before boarding a chartered ferry at 6:00am to Loloata Island Resort. The weather provided a fitting backdrop for the gathering, and, despite the intense midday heat, the enthusiasm and spirit of the Team remained high throughout the day.

“The team-bonding activities at Loloata provided a much-needed break from my usual workload. Connecting with my colleagues has significantly boosted my confidence in liaising with them, and I can now carry that confidence back into the workplace,” said Mr Jeremiah Palavagi, Chairman of the Organising Committee.

Mr Eddie Siavor, who has served the department for 15 years, summed up the event by saying, “the time-out as a Wing was about strengthening personal relationships and building trust through shared, informal experiences.” He said, “such occasions help colleagues connect as people beyond their job titles,” and expressed hope that similar activities would be held again before the end of 2026.

Younger staff members in the NPDS Wing have proposed climbing Mount Wilhelm next year, with a Committee to be formed to begin planning the activity. The proposed event is expected to be more than a social outing, with staff aiming to use it as an opportunity to raise funds for charity.