Former New Zealand governor general Sir Jerry Mateparae, right, with PNG Prime Minister James Marape, and Bougainville President Ishmael Toroama in Port Moresby. 3 October 2024 Photo: Facebook / The National Daily
Former New Zealand Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae is visiting Bougainville this week.
Sir Jerry was appointed as the moderator for the Bougainville independence consultations in September.
He will be in Bougainville from 25 to 29 November.
"This significant visit follows Sir Jerry's appointment as Moderator at the recent Joint Supervisory Body (JSB) meeting between the ABG and the National Government, which formally endorsed the Moderator's Terms of Reference," the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) said in a statement.
Sir Jerry will be accompanied by key United Nations representatives Richard Howard and Dawn Del Rio.
He will be engaging with Bougainville's leadership, community representatives, and various stakeholders.
The ABG statement said his five-day visit includes high-level meetings, community consultations, and engagements aimed at establishing dialogue and building understanding on Bougainville's issues.
Sir Jerry will meet President Ishmael Toroama, the ABG chief secretary, and the ABG attorney general and Minister for Bougainville Independence Mission Implementation on Monday.
From the 26 to 28 November, he will travel across the region, visiting key districts and communities, including Chabai, Arawa, Bana, and Tsiroge.
His schedule includes consultations and public engagements with regional leaders including, representatives of women, youth, and churches.
The visit will conclude with meetings in Buka with the Speaker of the Bougainville House of Representatives and other senior ABG officials.
"Sir Jerry Mateparae's visit marks a vital progress in the post-referendum process, reinforcing the shared commitment to achieving a peaceful and sustainable outcome for Bougainville," the Bougainville government said.