Hargy Insights 01

HARGYHargy Oil Palms Limited's Quarterly magazine

JUNE, 2021 VOL. 01

IN THIS ISSUE

DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE
TO THE COMPANY

AUDIT RSPO - KEY LEARNINGS

THE FINANCIAL FAMILY
PLANTATIONS - NEWS
GOOD DEEDS STORIES

THE KING OF VAMAKUMA
MATERNITY WARD
FUN CORNER

A MESSAGE

FROM OUR GENERAL MANAGER

> DAVID MATHER THE KEY MESSAGES ARE FOR ALL OF
US:
Dear all,
Protect yourself from COVID-19
I am very happy to be back in Hargy as a The covid-19 outbreak has reached our offices and
General Manager again. When SIPEF employees have been contaminated and put in
approached me to help out for a second time I isolation.
was pleased as could come back, see old work
colleagues and friends and hopefully assist THEREFORE, we must all obey and follow the
with constant challenges we all face here. rules to minimise the spread of the virus by -
Wearing your face mask at all time and -
It is clear that Hargy has gone through rough avoid public gathering as much as you can -
times with a couple of very bad rainy seasons apply social distancing – follow the advice
followed by 3 volcanic eruptions, compound given. We are all responsible for each other
evacuations, loss of production due to the and this company – it is not the company
palms affected by the ashes, financial responsible it is ourselves so help and guide
difficulties with a huge loss...but together, you and set the example.
have overcome these difficult times, driven as
always by your sense of responsibility, hard Always support PRODUCTION
work and your collective efforts and it was - get every drop of oil to the ship
great here and know how everyone pulled
together. Hargy has often been like that Everyone in HOPL must work together with the
needing the challenges to remind us we are a Bialla Project Community to ensure every
team and a team, that when the crises come bunch and loose fruit is harvested,
supports each other all the more. transported to the mill, processed and
shipped. It takes 3 years for the palm to
Whilst for now the difficulties are behind we produce a fruit for harvest. 3 years of work
still have many challenges to face to put this supporting that palm, to produce that fruit.
company on the right path and repay our Why do we then leave it behind – that is a
parent SIPEF who have stood by and financially crime?
assisted us when we were in need.
For now the safety of all of us is paramount. (to be continued, on the next page)
We can only contribute positively, take care of
and support others if we stay healthy, avoid
spreading the covid-19 virus and keep
production up which is the key to all our
survival longer term. We live by what we make
Hargy produce and the healthier the company
the better our lives.

It is the money that supports us and our community – the oil is the money – every
fruit must be harvested and milled if we as a company and community wish to
benefit. We will be what we work to be and what we deliver – half is half – we
should all want to be full. Be proud and be the best project in PNG.

We can actually be one of the best in the world. God has blessed Bialla as one of
the best palm oil producing areas in the world This means we can be one of the
best – how would that make you feel – us Hargy at the top of the league in the
game we all play. As Tina Turner sang “Simply the Best” and that is what I dream for
Hargy.

Aim to reduce cost
Working on reducing costs is also a priority and needs to be supported by everyone.
We are all the Hargy family and we must all do what we can to help reduce costs,
maximise production and have a happy family. Make each other’s life easier and a
happy working environment by just supporting each other in our respective jobs.

Our actual cost to produce a ton of oil is in the longer term unsustainably high. We
cannot survive at the low cost experienced in past recent years and that could lead
HOPL to difficulties in the longer run when those CPO prices return. For our future
and families everyone needs to look at how we can do it better for less. For the
moment, we are going through very good CPO prices but we must not let that blind
us as lower prices will return. So let us reap rewards whilst we can, pay SIPEF back
and be proud of ourselves and our company

our goal to achieve

It is my dream for all of you that one day your efforts will make Hargy “simply the
best”. The best to live and work at, the most supportive team of people and the
best, low cost producer that anyone has ever heard of.

Please, do look after yourselves and your families.
And stay safe.

Thank you.

David Mather

SPECIAL TOPIC

By Sophie Gett and Julie Bruyere

is RSPO at RISK ?

What is RSPO?
How can we lose our RSPO certification?
What are Major vs Minor non-conformances?

Learning from our mistakes

The audit Auditors used new technologies, internet
and mobile phone to audit our operations
Every year, in order to keep our RSPO such video conference, WhatsApp call and
certification as an oil palm producer, an chat, emails…
external audit is conducted by external
auditors throughout the company. Usually Unfortunately, 4 major non-conformances
they fly in from Indonesia and inspect our came out from this audit, which put HOPL at
offices, reports and documents, chemical risk of losing its RSPO label, in addition with
storage and filling system, fields and buffer 2 minor non-conformances.
zones, smallholders and mills, they just go
everywhere to find evidence that HOPL follows It was the first time in 5 years that the
the RSPO principles and criteria for Papua certification was at risk and could be
New Guinea. removed from us. The management was very
concerned as the consequences can be
In December 2020, the audit was conducted disastrous for the company and all the
differently due to the Covid-19 travel ban by the stakeholders.
certification body (BSI). It started in July 2020 when
the Compliance team department had to scan and
send all the required documents. In December
2020, the auditors based in Indonesia were assisted
by local auditors to visit and report the
requirements.

What is the RSPO
certification?

RSPO is an abbreviation for Roundtable Substainable Palm Oil,
and it is a certification for our operations, from the acquering of
land to the harvesting of the bunches, from the processing of the
oil in the mills to the shipping of palm products.

RSPO certification is an assurance to the customer that the
standard of palm oil production is sustainable. Let's go further on
the details for our company:

Our customers are mainly located in Europe (UK, Belgium,
France, Holland..) and they have made the choice to buy a oil that
is totally sustainable. They want to make business with Oil
producers that cause no harm on people or on the planet (forests
and animals ) but rather contribute to improve livelihoods and
reduce poverty where they grow palm oil.

To do so, RSPO has created a set of 7 principles called the RSPO
principles and criteria for PNG, It defines good social, legal and
environmental practices, that our company needs to follow and
comply with every day. We have to implement them those in our
operations on the field, in the mills and aslo with our
smallholders. It is how works a certification or a label. We have to
stick to what we are certified as. Our oil is sold with a
certification and the customers are happy to reduce their impact
on the environment or helping families to have a better life. that
is why it is called Sustainable.

How long have we
been certified?

SIPEF became an RSPO member in 2005 and immediately
played an active role, contributing tirelessly to improving the
RSPO standards. By implementing the Principles & Criteria
immediately, and taking all the necessary measures to match
with the RSPO requirements, SIPEF obtained its first RSPO
certificates in 2009, when our two first mills in Papua New
Guinea, Hargy and Navo, were certified.
At the same time, the smallholders delivering to the SIPEF
mills received support to participate in our commitments, and
3 600 oil palm farmers have also been certified since then.

It is important to stay certified toRSPO for our mother-
company SIPEF and as part of our reputation. We are very
proud to be part of RSPO.

Losing RSPO in one A Major Non-Conformance
audit, is it possible? is raised when there is a
complete or significant lack of
It is a question that everyone should ask themselves, can we lose our RSPO evidence to demonstrate
label after one audit only? Unfortunately, the answer is YES….and Sophie compliance to requirements of
Gett (Sustainability head of Department) will explain you very shortly: applicable standard RSPO.
When a major non-
“When an audit receives a single major non-conformance to the RSPO conformance is raised, the
standards, HOPL has to launch a corrective action plan to rectify the wrong certification is put on hold until
as soon as possible”. We have a very short time ( (90 days) to fully resolve the the non-conformance is
issues. Last year, we received 4 major non conformances : resolved/closeout. A Corrective
Action Plan (CAP) is required to
1.RSPO 6.7.3: Inappropriate Use of PPE (Personal Protection Equipment) be submitted to the
2.RSPO 7.2.6: Untrained Persons conducting Spraying certification body within 1
3.RSPO 7.2.7: Inappropriate Storage of Chemicals month and CAP is required to
4.RSPO 7.10.1: Old version of Palm GHG Calculator in Use be closed out within 90 days
On top of that, it is important to not forget, that we had also 2 minor non- before certification is granted.
conformances.
A Minor Non-Conformance
Sophie commented: “As employees and workers for HOPL, we are all is raised when there is an
responsible for the good respect of RSPO. Every day, we have to make sure isolated failure in the
we do our jobs according to the rules. Every worker could put the company management system that if not
at risk when he/she does not comply with the RSPO standards. That is what addressed could lead to a Major
happened when the workers in the plantations don’t wear their gumboots Non Conformance. No action
for example.” plan is usually required by the
auditors but it is important to
What would be the be closed out in the next audit,
consequences of losing RSPO? which is usually after 12 months.

Losing RSPO for HOPL is more than just losing a piece of paper, it
is dramatic. The consequences will be negative for everyone :

Our customers which only buy RSPO certified palm oil will not
buy from us anymore and we will lose our market.

Our palm oils (CPO+CPKO) cannot be sold at premium prices,
we lose extra money. The smallholders will lose their RSPO
bonus.

Our business will be financially affected and;
We as employees will lose our jobs and livelihoods
Our smallholders lose their income and their livelihood
The community of Bialla-Navo that benefits from our
operations also lose money and our support as a company.

How did we implement the
Corrective Action Plan (CAP)?

The CAP is the actions we take to correct the non-conformances. When verified by the certification body allows
our RSPO certification to continue.
Fortunately, the plans and action were accepted and the certification is reconducted for another year.

01

Signboards at plantation site muster points
are displaying PPE requirements.
This is complemented with PPE checks at
musters before work starts.

No PPE, no WORK.

02

Lockable
chemical
storage for
smallholders
.

Key learning for everyone

All procedures and policies are in place, we must enforce
them

All Employees have the duty to follow procedures & policies
set by the company so that their safety is guaranteed.

All employees have the duty to remind and correct fellow
employees if they see that they are breaching safety
requirements.

Continuous training and awareness to our smallholders and
other relevant stakeholders is very important.

Stay updated to changes in RSPO

THE STORY OF THE

FINANCE
FAMILY

By the Finance Team

Dear readers,
It gives us a great pleasure to bring to you all, stories behind the
scenes of our numbers life. Finance is here to support and to
offer our service to the growth of HOPL. Our goal is to deliver our
best.
As a team, we have grown together and have learnt to embrace
and trust each other in our strengths, weakness, achievements
and successes.
Our common thing that you find in the department is the "family
love". This has kept the team intact despite the many challenges
we face each day. Finance is also privilege to have in the
Department the longest serving employees.
We salute, Imelda Yuigin (27 years), Bethsiba Liliura (23 years).
Not surprisingly, our team leader Jeffry Dayagdag, is the longest
serving expat.(12 years) and still going strong.
Discover our stories behind all figures !

THANKS FIRST
We thank the GM and Management of HOPL for the continuous
support. Thank you to service departments for your continuous
support and assistance.

ACCESS TO ONLINE COURSES

It’s a challenge dealing with numbers hence education plays an important role in
our financial growth. Our boss has been very supportive in encouraging us to
extending our borders to learn and enhance our knowledge. Last year, we were
introduced to an online study site : Coursera.

It’s a very good website that provides different courses that you can choose from.
We have 4 staff that have enrolled with coursera and enjoying the different
courses. A few other staff that have graduated with certificates, diplomas in
Accounting with recognised learning Institutes in PNG, whilst working with
Finance and a number of staff taking on the CPA papers. It’s never too late to reach
your dreams. “Sky is your limit.”

FIND OUT MORE ON COURSERA :HTTPS://WWW.COURSERA.ORG

A BLINK OF A BOOK

One of the fun things that we do in our Department, We have a “Blinkist” reading
session every lus week Saturday for an hour. (10am-11am). Blinkist is an mobile
application from which Jeffry (our boss) downloads a book summary of
a non-fiction book that takes 15 minutes to read, as opposed to days or weeks. We
play it on the Bluetooth speaker while the team listens and follows the reading.

After each session, the team has an open discussion on the book read. Topics are
not Finance related but more topics of our daily lives and what we can do to
improve it. Last year, we have covered more than 20 books in our Blinkist session

TO DISCOVER:HTTPS://WWW.BLINKIST.COM/

PLAYING MUSIC 

Music, it is the best part of our Department. We listen to music in the office.
Studies have shown that music produces several positive effects on a
human’s body and brain; hence it keeps the team in a positive mood day in,
day out. On certain days we listen to live streaming online Spotify. This is a
music site that provides different music collections, playlists for free. You
enjoy classic, to rock to sentimental beats. Other days, we listen to awesome
collections from the staff ..

FIND OUT MORE ON SPOTIFY: HTTPS://WWW.SPOTIFY.COM

NOMADIC | 24

STAFF SHARES EXPERIENCES & TESTIMONIES

You don’t have to be perfect IMELDA ‘ STORY :
but you do have to be 100%
committed.” Lois Muga HUMBLE BEGINNINGS, GROWTH AND

PERSERVERANCE

“My father was a plantation worker with Hargy back in my childhood
days. We were living at Urumaili Plantation then. Being the eldest in
the family, I felt it was part of my duty to assist my parents in taking
care of my siblings. I had to find employment. I followed my father’s
footsteps and joined Hargy on the 08th of July 1993 with the Field
Department as a Clerical clerk. In August 2003, I was transferred to
the Finance Department to work with the payroll team.

With little knowledge of accounting, I told myself that I will put every
effort to grow. I was given the opportunity to move within the
Finance sections gaining knowledge of financial and accounting
roles.  In 2009, I was given the role of a Payroll Supervisor to monitor
all Junior, Mills and Plantations payroll. To further my knowledge,I
was given the opportunity by HOPL in 2012 to study at the Institute
of Business Studies in Port Moresby, taking up Certificate in
Accounting, which I completed and graduated in April 2013. The
following month, I was promoted to a Senior Staff in charge of the
payrolls. The rollout of Lintramax commenced in 2014, which I had
the privilege to be part of the team engaged in the Lintramax
implementation program, on the payroll functions of HOPL. I was
determined to pursue my studies hence I applied to Divine Word
University and was accepted in mid-2015 to study Diploma in
Business under their Flexible Learning Centre (FLC). I successfully
graduated in 2017.I am currently doing my CPA papers with CPA PNG
which I have 4 more units to complete to enable me to become a
CPA member. I am so privileged and thankful to Hargy Oil Palms Ltd
in believing in me and giving me the opportunity to become who I
am today. Success comes through hard work, sacrifice and
commitment.  I thank also my superiors for believing in me, without
their encouragement which had inspired me and the
support, I would not have come this far.  Thank you, July 08th 2020
marked my 27 years of employment with HOPL.”

PASIN CUSTOM : CELEBRATING OUR CULTURE AND IDENTITY

Tolai (East New Britain
Province) Initiation Process. Big
Thank you to our Tolai team for
this unforgettable ceremony
given to our very own new
comer Georges Van Ussel. Alias
“Mangi Tolai”

TREIZEN GUKEN

"I joined Finance in 2011 with little knowledge of accounting. It was a challenge
for me. I had to be positive and meet up to the challenge or to fail in this career
path. It was tough, however with the help of my superiors and the support of my
bosses, I was able to grow in my journey with Finance. I am grateful to HOPL for
the opportunity given to me to enhance my Knowledge. I graduated with a
Certificate in Account with International Training Institute in 2019 and I am still
determined to keep pursuing my dreams to learn more.”  I am happy where I am
today because I was patient, determine, humble and I worked with the best.
Patience is a virtue, they say."

We grow when we face challenges.”
George Apollos

JOSHUA PA'AK

"Last year I joined Finance. I am amazed by the bond and family love. Also time out
for other activities other than numbers. We have the blinkist session every lus week
Saturday. It creates a room for awareness and encourages everyone to work
together. It helps identify our strengths, weakness and encourages us to stay focus
on our paths. The best part
of it, we share food after each session. There is always plenty to eat. I would never
want to miss a lus week Saturday."

MARCH BUALTEN VICTORIA KAVE JOYCE KUAM VICTOR LUGABAI

“I work with smallholder’s “We have so much respect “One thing significant "Music in the office! We
receivable and my job for each other, in our about our Department is listen to live streaming on
allows me to interact with beliefs, our cultures. We encouraging one to spotify, we have awesome
growers on daily basis. find it satisfying to always pursue his/her dreams music collections from the
It gives me great help each other. Working and extend its boundary staff that keeps us on our
happiness to see that the with Accounts Payable, I to learn” whilst with toes and also helps the
growers benefit from the find it so encouraging that Finance, I was able to mind to be activated in
company. There is room my superiors are able to complete my course our work. We have a
for growth in what I do guide us in setting our with ITI, graduated with unique bond in sharing.
and I am humble to be goals to achieve each day a Certificate in No one is above the other.
part of the team. It’s such and in turn we are more Accounting. I am We are all equal and
a joy to share and care for than motivated to have currently doing my respect one and other’’
each other and I am the right attitude in Diploma in Accounting
positive that we will interacting with our with the TAFE Institute Laughter is the
continue to grow in our suppliers and service and looking forward to
career.” providers.” completing by the end of best medicine.”
the year. I am grateful to
my boss Jeffry Dayagdag Mary Vanana
for always believing in
OUR HELPING HAND : RUBEN us”. I believe in being
positive and cheerful no
Ruben Bata joined Finance in 2009. Ruben is a very matter what.”
cheerful worker. He keeps our office clean and ensures
our cups are washed at the end of the day. Our kitchen SERAH KONANG
supply is well stocked likewise our stationaries. “Mi gat
bikpla hamamas long wok wantaim Finance. Pasin blong "In 2020, small holder’s accounts moved offices to join the
laikim narapla em stap”. Finance Department. It was a challenge for me to step out of
my comfort zone.I find the working environment very
Rubben has been determined encouraging. We are not only focused on financial issues but
to support his family and guide take time out to participate in team building activities.
his son Sule (IT officer), to have
a better job.



Doctor Winis Karaiye shares
his experience of COVID-19

The doctor has been infected by the COVID 19 and had
fully recovered from the virus.
He will share his story with us!

Tell us what happened? How was your experience in the isolation
I travelled to Port Moresby for a funeral. During COVID facility in Kimbe?
the funeral, we didn’t wear any facemask, keep As soon as I got tested positive to the test, I
1.5m distance apart or the use of hand was taken down to Kimbe Isolation Centre.
sanitizer as there were multiple hugging and My isolation lasted 14 days and it is like a
sharing of emotions. I probably got infected guesthouse. I had my own private room and
during that time. When I came back, I felt flu there is an outside area for covid people to
like symptoms. take some fresh air and smoke. The food was
Due to the situation of outbreak over there nice, with a different menu every day.
with the Covid-19, the nurse came and tested
me with the rapid test (15 min for results). It How many people were there with you?
was positive. My family were safe and all tested Only one for a few days and the he was
negative. discharged. So I spent the rest of the days
alone in the Covid Facility.
What were your symptoms?
I didn’t have any cough and chest pain, but What is your message to HOPL staff on the
really felt lots of aches and pain in my entire covid?
body and joints together with headache. For 2- My advice to HOPL staff, their dependents,
3days, I lost the taste buds but then gradually contractors and the surround communities is
regain it. The only treatment I got was Panadol that COVID-19 is real and to protect yourselves
to control the aches and pains. I drank a lot of and your loved ones Everyone MUST follow the
water roughly around 1-2L per day with lemon New Normal Pasin. The older population
water in between. That’s all I did. Nothing else. (>65yrs) and the ones with co-morbidities (eg.
I think I didn’t develop any further symptoms Diabetics, high blood pressure, chronic lung
like shortness of breath as I don’t have any diseases etc) are at high risk.
underlying conditions such as lung or heart Regarding the much debated and controversy
problems...I am in good health. vaccine, the choice is yours whether to get the
vaccine when it becomes available to you or to
How long were you feeling sick? wait for that final perfect vaccine. As for me and
I felt the flu like symptoms for 5 days. my family, I will be the first to get vaccinated.

FOCUS ON UPKEEP

PLANTATIONS | NEWS The main focus during the wet
season was on harvesting with
by Pieter Havenga only 2 major events that
disturbed operations namely
We’re almost in the middle of 2021 and this year has brought with it tropical cyclones Lucas early
greater challenges in the effort towards curbing the spread of COVID 19 February and Niran early March,
which continues to be a global threat. The country has also lost two of its upkeep operations fell slightly
prominent members of the government in Sir Mekere Morauta and the behind, but towards the end of
Great Grand Chief Sir Michael Thomas Somare the founding father of the 1st Qtr got back on track
PNG’s independence on February 26th. again. Some 2 days were lost due
to the Public holiday for Sir
Despite all the things happening in PNG and the World, our Plantation Mekere Morauta’s Burial which
Department is as always focused in delivering the best crop to the mills. was initially un-gazetted.
The efforts of last year were an improvement from the 2019 period which
our Navo Plantations had to live through 3 volcanic eruptions of Mt All pruning rehabilitation at Navo
Ulawun causing disruptions to especially harvesting operations whereby have been completed, but work is
work has continued from 2020 to this year to rehabilitate plantation blocks still in progress for Sanitation
at Atata, Kiba and especially at Ibana Plantation which was badly affected. across all Plantations especially
with VOP uprooting more so on
Plantations crop was just above budget for May (+1%), and well above the blocks recovered under
2020 crop (+33%). Crop Year to-date remains above budget (+10.4%) rehabilitation at Navo.
and above YTD 2020 (+35.6%). YTD May FFB (151,215mt) is the highest
ever. Currently we experience a steady crop trend but we are expecting a The 2021 fertiliser program is
crop decrease by mid June, to be continued over July. going well and feeding the palms
for higher yields. Our application
Harvest rounds overall average in May was at 2.5 although optimal is programs have started in April
required at 3 rounds per month and all plantations are striving to achieve according to the planned
that standard. shipment programs.

LABOUR

Our Total Plantation Labour
figures up to end of February
stands at 2.733 workers with the
highest of 49% comprising of
harvesters, wheelers and Lusfruit
Collectors.

STAFFING ANTHONY BANIGE
RAPHAEL MATANA
This year due to the replanting phases of Hargy Division 2 and
Kiba Division 2 we are pleased to announce that we have
recruited a new Replant Manager - Anthony Banige who has
joined us in March. He is following in his father, Edward
Banige’s, footsteps who was involved in the Ibana development
at Navo, Anthony has had a wide experience in new
development and replant operations and was engaged with
NBPOL – Milne Bay Estates when he was recruited. We
welcome Anthony and his family to the HOPL Plantation Team.

We also have made internal transfers in our Field Admin
Department with Sandra Homier who has left us to join the Navo
HR Team as the Housing Officer,and we welcome Gerard Niu Va’a
to the Field Admin Department. Gerard is a local from Noau and
was the housing officer at Navo prior to being transferred to Field
Admin.

We also welcome back Raphael Matana a Senior Plantation Clerk
at Navo who was away in POM for the past months for a cataract
operation and is now back and working with full eye sight.

STRONG FOCUS ON TRAINING TO UPSKILL

Continuous training and improvements are in progress for plantation
staff in Agronomy, Accounts and General Administration. This year we
managed to standardise all Plantation Harvest and Upkeep Rollovers
to be uniform across all plantations.

Development, Training and Implementation of Plantation SOP’s is in
progress to get plantation staff and employees well acquainted to the
expected standards of operations on all plantations related activities.
Personal and General Safety of the general plantation workforce is an
important area that continues to be addressed by the plantation team
as well as continuous awareness on the Nupela Pasin to stop spread
of COVID 19.

One of the main focus areas for training going forward is the
development of Overseers (ODP) in plantations, improving their skills
to enable them to become Supervisors. As they are our first level of
management, it is important to improve their skill set and to
acknowledge the work they are doing and promote those who are
performing well.

THE NURSERY

At the end of May, we had 53,991 in the pre nursery ages 3 months and less. The main nursery is almost at its
full capacity of seedlings and has a total of 138,461 between 4 and 9 months old which will supply the Hargy
and Kiba replants, currently in progress. Altogether the nursery holds an overall total of 192,452 as at end of
May.

There was an Fire-ant infestation in the early part of this year which was detected and actions were taken to
eradicate this from the main nursery bags and beds. Everyone is very busy at the moment, keeping the
nursery good practices. HOPL are currently looking for a suitable candidate and we aim to get a nursery
manager on site soon.

Seedlings arrivals from Dami compared to our demand was and
still is very inconsistent, creating headaches for us with regards
to our replanting plan.

REPLANTING PLAN 2021

Replant operations are well underway. In 2021 will see
replanting done in Hargy Plantation Division 2 which is
almost completed as you drive past Area 7 to Bialla as well
as Hargy Plantation Division 3 all together totalling 427
hectares. It is planned to have the Hargy Plantation Replants
completed by end of the year.

The replanting of Kiba Plantation with a total of 447 hectares
will also start in June.

TEAM SPIRIT ALWAYS WINS

Our aim is to improve on the results of 2020 and moving forward as a
team. The global pandemic caused by Covid 19 will continue to impose
restrictions on some parts of our operations especially with leave travels
and required imported supplies but we stand challenged to lead through
this periods of global uncertainty.

All our Plantations staff and workforce have been very supportive in their
efforts towards meeting FFB targets and Field standards and we wish to
continue on this to improve plantation standards and set benchmarks for
the future.

SAVING PALMS IN NAVO ESTATE a bushy palm with
uncut dried fronds
An interview with Leslie Ima - by Julie Bruyere and weeds

With their dried dropping fronds, they had lost their majesty and that sad view
was endless. Hundreds of hectares of tall palm trees were the reminder of the
impact of the 3 volcanic eruptions that Navo estate has endured in 2019.
Although they suffered from the ashes and sand, like warriors, they are still
standing. Their endurance has been tested quite long and their ability to adapt
to their new environments has shown us that the tree is a phenomenal crop.
Today, this sad view is part of the past, and practically behind us. Certainly the
fields of Ibana plantation are on the right path to recovery.

Community at the rescue

A contractor – Samuel Kurio, from Gomu village - has been hired to assist
Ibana Plantation to prune the palms that were badly affected by the ashes
during the eruptions. HOPL has created a special arrangements with incentive
rate for this operation of post volcanic hard pruning.

On the Ibana Campsite, finally around 100 young men are living there since
end of January. They are coming mainly from the communities around Hargy
such as Gomu, Bialla, Apupul, Tiauru but also from the other provinces of
Papua New Guinea. They are organised on the camp by canvas: canvas for
Hard pruning, light pruning and sanitation. Samuel has recruited mainly young
men, most of them were jobless or selling local produce in the street or working
in their family block. Some of them are from LSS blocks, they are sharing the
family and that is their own money. This experience for them is very rewarding.
It s like a youth program…

Samuel Kurio and the team campsite
at Ibana

Hard pruning

From the plantation office of Ibana, Leslie Ima (Senior Plantation Manager-pict.)
explains us how they got out from this inextricable situation: “I am very happy that
hard pruning of the palms has finally come to the end as reduces those additional
pressures that we have apart from our normal plantation tasks.

It is exactly one year two months, we started the hard pruning in February 2020,
we started to push to clean the plantation. After the eruptions, the workers moved
around to other plantations site going for the crop, we had a slow start to the
pruning due to a shortage of tall palm cutters. We started in field 27, moving down
to field 26, after we decide to break up the division forming two pruning gang with
one team moving to Ibana 1 and the other remain at Ibana 2.

After the eruptions, we lost a lot of workers. Ibana plantation lost 70% of labour capacity. Lots of houses were empty. They
were afraid of leaving next to the volcano. Many of them experienced volcano eruption for the first time. It was too much for
them and they decided to go back to main lands (home) as most of the cutters are from there. Last year, we started to
recruit again from Kimbe to get workers. I have a good team of staffs here at Ibana who are motivated to clean up the
plantation quickly and get back to the normal situation. We also had good support from GPM Navo, Plantation HOD and all
other Hargy Management which gave us the confident to do this job. The job itself is not normal and easy but it was hard
work and new to everyone.

When the contractors came in, the job was needed. Thanks to David Mather and the HODs, we successfully have made
this partnership with them possible. Samuel’s team adapted quickly to the situation. With his public relation skills, Samuel
has the ability to get people and make them work together. The pruning job was new for him….But he had good support
from Noah Nureo) from Tiaru Issac Nuli from Makakiwa and Samson Paraide from Gomu Village who assisted him well.

The compound community really embraced them, they feel like they are part of this place. Basically, they settle down well.
In terms of work, they did 420ha +. They completed field 17 (Ibana div1-212 ha) and they just completed field 28 (Ibana
div2 with 208 ha) that were badly affected by the heat and ashes. It really helped us. Without them, we will still be struggling
with the pruning.

Road blocks/Difficulties to start the project

Basically, the tool issue was the main thing- sickles and sharpening stones, as we did not have any experience with hard
pruning with ashes and sand stuck inside the palm fronds. The normal sickle was not adapted. We start to use the ‘crocodile
sickle”. GPM Navo Patrick Mungore and HOD Pieter Havenga advices us on the tools and really supported us on what we
can order from the central store with the support of Andrew Grey and his team. We had to make a special order like
grinders,… Inevitably, the cost for tools was very high.

On the health side, small injuries were quite common on soft tissues, sharpening…but fortunately, we didn’t have any
fatality. Safety is not a culture here in PNG but we pushed it. They have all PPE (gumboots). For the contractors, boys are
used to barefoot but they adapted with the insistence of Samuel and now they are in the “plantation system”.

Positive outcomes

Leslie is very satisfied and remain positive with the multiple benefits :
“We are looking forward for a good year in terms of crop, last year, we were down -5% by year end. Now we are back with
the full harvesting cycle, and crop is increasing. As we lost a lot of crops due to the non- pruning. March Year to date crop
figures for Ibana plantation counts already at 14% above budget which is good result.”
Also, we are doing palm census to confirm the correct number of palms standing .We also aim to confirm the status of those
palms what we really lost due to the eruptions. However, from our personal observations, we didn’t lose too many palms.
Even at Sena, closed to the mountain, we didn’t lost many palms. After the eruptions, we were all very pessimists, there was
nothing green and they were really burnt. Now after 2 years, it is unbelievable. The palms are recovering well and bunches
are growing.
In the scientist literature, there is no records and results about plantations being affected by a volcanic eruption. It will be a
good experience to write about. That’s is the motivation we have here in our team. We would like to show to OPRA, DAMI
that the palms are still there and the crops is there. Our oil palm trees are very robust and the cover crop has taken up – it is
almost like there was no eruption.”

Finally, contractors have been also assisting with some harvesting to catch up with rounds. The system is in place now with
their contracts, rates and organisation. It can be very useful when a situation of high crop availability occurs. It is like a
“Labour Bank”; we can pick them up when we need them.

Harvesting gang,
a mix of boys
coming from
around PNG

Pruning is
important to
ensure the crop
is accessible
from the tree for
the harvester

THE KING OF
VAMAKUMA

DISCOVER THE STORY OF FOUND
THE CROWN SHAPE FRUIT IN

by Charles Patlo VAMAKUMA

We all have certain takes or opinions when it comes to the
things that are out of the ordinary and far beyond what our
minds can comprehend some, may also give birth to a lot of
speculations, theories, ideas so on and so forth at first sight
on site.

The crown shape fruit was a loose fruit found in one of the
fields of Ibana Plantation division four (4) or Vamakuma on
the 4th of February 2021, It was said to be have found by
one of the laborers there in the early morning hours of that
very day, it was later brought down to the Navo Transport
office where it continued to surprise and stun most of the
staffs here leaving them speechless.

The discovery of this crown shape fruit or “The "IS IT SOME KIND
King of Vamakuma” as the name given to it by OF
some, raised many eyebrows and really mind
blowing on sight. It left many people wondering SUPERNATURAL
and spilling out questions that I don’t think SHAPE?"
anybody has any idea or answers to. Science on
the other hand may have answers to it on its
own. However, some locals may beg to differ.

What could have been the cause of this fruit
looking like this, is there any biological
explanations behind its shape, is it
supernatural, is this a sign or some kind of
message to us, if yes, then what is the message
this are some of the questions, we may never get
answers at this moment.

Some of the locals, speculates that there’re some
supernatural causes behind its shape, looks and
so forth or the cause may be supernatural
which, brings out some of the local myths about
the area, the people and their culture etc.
Although, some of the suggestions, stories and
tales sound intriguing to some people, some
people still remain skeptical.

This I think is one of the most interesting and
exiting finds of the year so far, I mean what are
the chances of us finding another Crown shaped
fruit again soon or in the future other, than the
King of Vamakuma.
I hope that reading about this amazes you and
somehow, makes you feel happy one way or
another. You all have a great day.

Cheers,
Charles

The length/height is about 4.5cm and the width around 6cm.
weight was exactly equivalent to that a chicken egg.

NEW VEHICLE WORKSHOP THE STORY

by Rob Claridge The Barema Palm Oil Mill was
commissioned in 2014. During
We are excited to advise that approval was gained to construct a the construction of the mill, the
purpose built vehicle workshop at Barema in FY21. This new purpose contractors established a
built workshop will allow the BVWS team to confidently and temporary repair facility to
competently perform all service and repair work to keep the Barema provide for the maintenance of
fleet operational, whilst enjoying a much improved workplace equipment used on site.
environment. This repair facility consisted of a
metal framework covered with a
Groundwork’s have started right before Easter break, with an fitted canvas on a concrete pad.
anticipated completion time of Q3. VWS personnel have worked With the mill construction
closely with the construction team during the planning phase of the complete, the hangers that they
project to ensure that the workshop will not only meet current built became the Barema vehicle
demands, but that it will allow for potential expansion and increased workshop that still exists today.
demand in the future. Over time, the original covering
deteriorated and an additional
Discover the project below. covering was added, however this
has also degraded to a point
where water enters the hangers
whenever it rains.

The Barema VWS was originally
intended to provide minor
repairs and maintenance.
However, over time, their scope
of work has increased and the
facility is totally under-resourced
to deal with the demand in its
current state.

The positioning of the hangers
was not ideal, built on one of
the lowest points of the site.
During heavy rain, runoff
from higher ground courses
through the hangers, which
combined with the leaking
roof, renders them unsafe to
use. Electrical equipment
failure and the risk of electric
shock to personnel are
genuine risks.

FAREWELL TO SIR MICHAEL SOMARE

The Entire Country was in mourning for their Grand Chief, the late Sir
Michael Somare. The events that transpired at the Hargy Head Office on
Thursday and at the Navo Plantation office were to commemorate and pay
respect to the man who led PNG to gain its Independence as a Soverign
Nation from the Colonial administration of the Australian Government.
The occasion was sad and filled with a lot of emotion as many people
reflected on how the founding father together with other likeminded
leaders through their wisdom and selfless love for the people of Papua
New Guinea ensured Freedom was attained without conflict and war.
The Late Grand Chief Sir Michael Thomas Somare has passed on however
his legacy will still remain with the generations of today and those who are
yet to come.

a short story by : Aisoli Warli
The Grand Chief, Sir Michael Somare, visited Bialla West New Britain in
2007 for the endorsement of Roselyne Akua, and the people of Bialla
were so grateful and welcome him with singing and dancing. To show
their respect, they had built a carry bed so that they can carry him to the
grand stand but some of us the men did not agree with the idea. With
great respect and honour we have in our heart, some of us the men
decide to carry him on our bare hands. We hold hands together in
position creating a seat the Grand Chief would sit, and we carry him to
the grand stand.

Grand Chief Sir Michael Thomas Somare, the God’s chosen man for the
country of Papua New Guinea. The Founding father of the Nation, God
has chosen you to be Blessing for us the Papua New Guineans.

IMPROVING GENDER EQUITY AND

EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN AND GIRLS

IN OUR COMMUNITY

by Tracey Masing

Learning to sew is always a demanding need for women (both HOPL employees and spouses
of male employees) at Navo Estate. As a result, a total of nineteen (19) women are now
learning to sew the regular ‘meri blouse’. A life-skill that will enhance them to support their
family if they venture into entrepreneurship. Amongst the participants, a male employee
was enthusiastic to learn and took over the wife in learning to sew.

These two female smallholder growers volunteered their time, skills and knowledge to
impart the training skills to the Navo women. From having no skills of sewing to cutting
patterns and sewing; the 19 women have made this two beautiful ladies proud to see that the
participants can now sew.

BE PART OF IT

If you're interested in
writing, sharing stories
for the next newsletter,

we'd love to hear from you!

JOIN OUR CONTENT TEAM!

Support the project and become a Send your interest
writer for your department or your to HR@ Julie
community, there are lots of stories
[email protected]
to share and you can be their
messenger for everyone.

Newsletter/Magazine
Edited by Hargy Oil Palms Limited in june 2021

Editor and coordinator : Julie Bruyere

SHARE YOUR GOOD DEED STORIES

NO MORE WALKING FOR THEM

by Cedric Bruno and Julie bruyere

The children of 5/6 years old from Kiba plantation walk 2/3 hours from Kiba
to anEarly Childhood School at Section 9 Kabaya LSS. There is no school bus
allocated at Kiba plantation. Parents saw that it was a struggle for their kids and jumped to the
opportunity to get assistance from a contractor vehicle -Dyrah trading- that brings every
morning in field workers from Kabaya to Kiba.

In order to implement correctly this assistance, Clement Duhaut (Kiba Plantation Manager)
requested to Community Affairs to step in and create a proper arrangement between the parents
and the contractor. With the support of Tracey Masing, the parents have formed a parent
committee and an agreement was decided with the contractor. A standard fee by child was
agreed commonly with a standard price of K20 per month that the parents will pay to the
contractor. Around 26 kids and 2 teachers have now access to that transport.

To ensure a smooth operation, a parent committee representative was chosen, Cedric Bruno
(Kiba plantation Clerk). He is the point of contact between the parents and the contractor and all
issues would be addressed to him. He also keeps tracks of payment records.

The CSE, John Areng, created an ID photo card for each child that
he/she must wear. Every morning, at 7.am, Security assist with
supervision, that the children wear the face mask, sit down
properly in the truck and that they have their lunch with
them. The contractor brings them back after lunch from
Kabaya to the Kiba boom gate.

The parents feedback is very positive. They are happy about Dyrah trading with
the fees, K20 is very affordable for them. Generally, it is a relief the kids on the
for the parents to no worry about the safety of their children going truck.
by foot to school. Also, the benefits for the compound community is
great that more kids are going to school every day and improve their education.

Cedric Bruno, the parents rep

MEDICAL DONATIONS
TO COMMUNITIES

by Donald Paiva

Thanks to different teams at HOPL - Medical and Central Store, we received generous
donations of medical items from Australia, through 2 donors . Those items were shared
amongst the local facilities within Bialla LLG health facilities (Lalopo -Bialla - Ulamona) and
also Kimbe General Hospital. in June, Donald Paiva and his team were quite busy dispatching
the medical items to the health centers.

Items ranging from disposable drapes to gowns, bandages, disposable surgical gowns, lab
items, suction tubes. Many baby bottles and teats were dispatched. Generally all facilities
really appreciated the donations and expressed their gratitude for Hargy Oil Palms generous
assistance.

#1 - SAVE OUR SUPPLIES Central Store/ Support
Claire Lane is the founder of a non-profit organisation which aims to with Robin Tutrakau and
collect all clean unused medical items from hospitals around Australia and Eric Mael
deliver them to organisations that distribute them across developing
nations. She was contacted by Mr Darren Stott after seeing her project on
TV. Claire was immediately OK to partner with HOPL and a few weeks
later, more than 30 boxes filled with medical items were shipped in
container.

#2 - Midmed Medical Suppliers
Midmed is an australian, family-owned business based in Brisbane.
Rob Muller (owner) has been very generous with our maternity project
after purchasing more than K40.000 of medical equipment. In support with
our project, Rob donated baby bottles and free medical items. More are
due to arrive in the next shipping (examination tables, lights,..).

Ulamona OIC with
Julie Bruyere

Donald Paiva distributing
all boxes to the Health Centers
with OIC - Lalopo Sub-Health
(left picture) and Bialla Health
Centre (center picture)

THE JUSTICE IS
BACK IN BIALLA

SUMMARY OF HAND OVER OF MAGISTRATE’S HOUSE KEYS

BY GODWIN AIAWA

On the 19th March 2021, a small but important ceremony was observed at the Bialla District
Courthouse premises. Purpose of this ceremony was for Hargy Oil Palms Limited to hand over
house keys to newly appointed District Court Magistrate, His Worship Mr. Daniel Joseph after
completion of renovation work and refitting of furniture and white goods have been installed at
the Magistrate’s residence.

Present at this ceremony were representatives from the East Nakanai Local Leval Government, LLG
President (James Laula), LLG Manager (Rolland Paponurea), Bialla District Court Clerk of Court
(Michael Paulu), Senior Provincial Magistrate (Benjamin Tanewan), incoming Bialla District Court
magistrate and representatives of Hargy Oil Palms Limited (Godwin Aiawa & Julie Bruyere).

BACKGROUND

Bialla District Court is the only facility delivering justice, dispute resolution and mediation services
to the public utilising this vital service from various local level government areas within Central
Nakanai, East Nakanai and inland Pomio within the Talasea District of West New Britain Province
for decades.

The previous resident magistrate, His Worship Mr. Jasper Amanu presided over civil and criminal
cases including mediation of disputes since 2014. However, Mr. Amanu was later transferred to
take up his post as resident magistrate at the Kimbe District Court in 2018 and later at the Kokopo
District Court in early 2020. Since then, the Bialla District Court was left without a resident
magistrate up til March 2021.

During the periods between 2018 and 2021, the PNG Magisterial Services have appointed several
potential candidates to fill up the vacancy; however the position remained vacant for unknown
reasons.

SENIOR PROVINCIAL MAGISTRATE (MR. BENJAMIN TANEWAN) LLG PRESIDENT (MR. JAMES LAULA)

ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE "We want to see
Bialla peacefull
The District Court continued to perform its functions in delivering justice again" said
during court circuits when magistrates from Kimbe or another Province James Laula.
are directed by the Chief Magistrate to attend and hear backlog of
cases. This usually occurs on an ad-hoc basis, usually after every four
months or so depending on the circuit magistrate’s work schedule.

Increase in law and order problems within East Nakanai and
surrounding communities have created an urgency for a magistrate to
be present at the court house to hear and deliver justice to aggrieved
individuals as well as those in need of securing as well as enforcing their
rights, including Hargy Oil Palms Limited as a major player in the oil
palm industry.

During speeches given by various representatives, the main concern
raised by all was the fact that law and order is rapidly deteriorating and
that there is urgent need for greater Police presence within the
community. Furthermore, it was stressed that the presence of current
police personnel stationed at the Bialla Police Station need to be
overhauled as it is obvious that their effectiveness in enforcing the law
has since been compromised as a consequence of familiarity and close
relations with the community, being established over the years.

The new resident magistrate also made remarks about the need for increased
police presence within Bialla to ensure that Court Orders are enforced and
implemented. This enforcement aspect of the law enforces the notion that justice
and fairness must be upheld, respected and adhered to in order that all can enjoy
a safer and prosperous life at all times.

Hargy Oil Palms Limited as a responsible, corporate citizen within West New
Britain Province and PNG, it has taken up the challenge of renovating as well as
refitting both furniture and white goods. The magistrate’s residence has
deteriorated over the years due to wear and tear, dilapidation and general
disrepair. And so the request for assistance from LLG Manager was timely, which
was well received and agreed to by General Manager (David Mather). The
construction team was then tasked under the leadership of Merilyne Romiel to
undertake essential repair work, of which they did a splendid job.

HANDOVER OF HOUSE KEYS

On 20th March 2020, Company Secretary (Godwin Aiawa) attended to the District
Court and handed over the house keys to Michael Paulu (Clerk of Court) and
confirmed that all was in order and that presiding magistrate can now settle into
his house as soon as possible. Furniture and white goods were supplied by HOPL
through its Central Stores, and Construction Department as well as being
facilitated through Corporate Services, HR Department.

Mr. Daniel Joseph expressed his sincere gratitude to both HOPL and all
stakeholders that went out of their way to ensure he and his family settled in well
and to commence his role of delivering justice where it is needed.

A SAFE PLACE FOR OUR MOTHERS

It was not an ordinary week in the remote
area of Bialla. On Thursday 13th of May, Hargy
Oil Palms Ltd (HOPL) and the West New
Britain Provincial Health Authority (WNBPHA)
came together to open the brand new
maternity ward adjacent to the Bialla Health
Center.

A FIRST BABY

On the day of the opening, the midwives
were so excited that they moved their
medical equipment from the old labour
ward to the new one. One mother from
Gomu was about to deliverher baby...and
a few hours later, a new born was named
Philip and was the first baby born in the
facility.

A DONATION TO
BIALLA COMMUNITY

The event was marked by the handing
over the facility keys by HOPL to Mr
James Managen, Hospital District
Manager of East Nakanai, and the
cutting of the purple ribbons, signifying
the colors of the midwives, by the Bialla
resident Midwives.

A SPACIOUS LABOUR New materntiy medical
WARD AND NEW equipment:
MEDICAL EQUIPMENT Steriliser, forceps, ultrasound,
examination bed, trolleys,
This project was made possible through privacy curtains..
the kind generosity of donors in Belgium
supported by SIPEF and coinciding with
the companies 100th Anniversary
celebrations in 2019 as well as HOPL’s
continuous and ongoing commitment to
support the local and surrounding
communities of East Nakanai.

The project expected outcome was to
rehabilitate an existing building on the
BHC site with the aim of converting it
into a functional maternity ward for the
benefit of all families in the region.

Thanks to the generosity of the donors,
funds were raised to proceed with the
refurbishment program and with an
added amount from HOPL for medical
equipment, plus some donated goods
from Australia, the project is now
completed.

TOGETHER MAKES BETTER

During the planning and building phases, the
HOPL project team, led by Julie Bruyere
(project coordinator), Merilyne Romiel
(construction manager) and Willie Konang
(draftsman), have worked closely with the
Provincial Health Authorities to meet the
PNG Health standards for maternal care. The
design phase to create floor plans started
beginning of 2020 with the visit of the
Provincial Health Authorities on the site to
define the medical requirements, with the
final inspection being carried out in early
2021.

THE BEST FACILITY
IN WNB

WNBPHA thanked both SIPEF and HOPL
management for initiating this project
through generous funds and putting in
place all the project management tools,
protocol and processes to build this new
maternity ward. She stated “We are so
thankful to have been a major partner to
HOPL and SIPEF and we seek to continue
the partnership with provincial services.
She added that “this facility is much better
than any other in the province. It is a
modern facility with an equipped labor
ward."

SPECIAL THANKS

I would like to thank some of you who
has assisted me in the last 2 weeks
prior the opening:
- Lucas from Construction for working
on the building together
- Monica (Dr Winis Wife)
- Malachi from plumbery
- Koim Wilson and his team for the
landscape around the building
- Philip Loga (HR) for his assistance
and the flowers on the opening day
and of course, all the rest of the
construction team. Thank you!

PLEASE SHARE YOUR FUNNY
STORY WITH US IN THE NEXT
NEWSLETTER

SEND IT TO :
[email protected]

THE WISDOM OF A NAVAJO WOMEN

A saleswoman is driving home in Northern Arizona when she sees a
Navajo woman hitchhiking. Because the trip has been long and quiet, she
stops the car and the Navajo woman climbs in.

During their small talk, the Navajo woman glances surreptitiously at a
brown bag on the front seat between them.

"If you're wondering what's in the bag," offers the saleswoman, "it's a
bottle of wine. I got it for my husband."

The Navajo woman is silent for a while, nods several times and says,

"Good Trade." Story Shared by David Mather

Created for Hargy, it is work related and very easy... Use the clues to fill in the words.
Words can go across or down. the answers are shared by email on request to Julie.

ACROSS
4. SEPARATED FROM
6. LARGE LAND ORGANISED
7. TRANSPORT IN A WHEELBARROW

DOWN
1. SOAP INGREDIENT (IN 2 WORDS)
2. CONVEYANCE PROVIDED BY THE SHIPS
BELONGING TO ONE COUNTRY OR
INDUSTRY
3. MANAGEMENT OF MONEY AND OTHER
ASSETS
5. SOMEONE WHO HELPS TO GATHER THE
HARVEST