Quick Facts
- The Autonomous Region of Bougainville, previously known as the North Solomons, is made up of Buka, Bougainville and another 166 smaller islands.
- Its name originates from French explorer Captain Louis-Antoine de Bougainville, who sailed Bougainville’s east coast in 1768.
- The capital city is Buka (Arawa is the next largest centre).
- Official languages are Tok Pisin and English.
- Bougainville is volcanic, although Buka Island is almost entirely raised coral.
- The region’s highest point, Mt Balbi, is a dormant volcano. The second highest volcano is Mt Bagana, which is active.
- Bougainville hosts Benua Cave, one of the world’s largest at 4.5 million cubic metres.
- Bougainvilleans, apart from the Buin area, have a matrilineal system of clan membership.
- While most Bougainvilleans are Melanesian, the people of Takuu and Nukuman islands are Polynesian.
- Bougainville does not currently have an independent rating on the Human Development Index. However, its population is included in Papua New Guinea’s rating of 0.544, 153 out of 189 in the 2017 U.N. Human Development Report. (Source: U.N. Development Programme International human development indicators)
Banking and finances
There are three banks in Bougainville: The Bank of the South Pacific (BSP) in Buka, Arawa and Buin. Long queues are common. We open a local bank account for volunteers once they arrive in Bougainville, and volunteers in Arawa and Buka are paid monthly living allowances into these accounts. Debit cards are available, and there are A.T.M. machines in Buka and Arawa. You can usually get cash back when you make purchases at many stores using your card. Many guesthouses accept foreign credit cards, as do Air Niugini. The local currency is the Kina. Visit XE.com for current exchange rates.
Cell phones and email
Bougainville has two cellular providers, Telikom and Digicel. Coverage is generally good within urban areas but fades quickly as you move to rural locations. International connections, though, can be unreliable, especially during the day when sent text messages can fail or take hours to get through. Internet connection is very limited compared to New Zealand. Recently Digicel has upgraded to 3G in Arawa and Buka, which has improved internet capacity and speed. Telikom and Digicel have USB modems available, costing around PKG100 and offer increasingly competitive data packages.
Dress standards
Bougainville is a conservative region, and some Western-style clothing is not appropriate. Loose-fitting, light, cotton clothing is best. For men, choose long pants, knee-length shorts and short-sleeved shirts. For women, dresses, skirts and t-shirts are commonly worn – sleeveless shirts are also acceptable. Don’t expose skin above the knee, though, especially when attending traditional events. Women should wear shorts and a t-shirt while swimming.
Language and culture
VSA assignments usually last one year, so local language training is essential. We encourage basic language training (tok pisin) at the start of assignments with follow-ups, if necessary, during assignments. Understanding local customs is vital to a successful assignment. Bougainville is typical of many developing countries where people do not usually approach things head-on. Talking about family and local issues is often required before discussing what you, as a volunteer, may want.
Health
Malaria is endemic in Bougainville, and all volunteers must use malarial prophylaxis. Other precautions are still recommended, such as insect repellent and long sleeves/trousers in the evening if outside, depending on housing a mosquito net. Skin infections can develop quickly, so have a good supply of plasters, antibiotic cream and antibiotics. There is a public hospital in Buka and Arawa, Buin has health centres, with smaller centres scattered around the islands. Health care is very basic, and you will need to be proactive and responsible for managing your health while on assignment.
Housing and living conditions
We provide volunteers with basic, furnished accommodation, but you may be asked to share accommodation with other volunteers as there is a shortage of suitable housing. All volunteer housing has gas facilities for cooking; most rely on rainwater for water supply, so be aware of your water use. In Buka and Arawa, you’ll probably have access to 24-hour power, although prolonged power outages are a regular occurrence. If you are based elsewhere, access to power and services are more limited and may be generator-based, available for specific times during the day.
Bougainville is still a post-conflict society, and there are more restrictions on how volunteers can move around than in other locations. It is recommended you do not go out alone at night, so a good supply of books, DVDs or games may be required. Social activities normally associated with New Zealand society are limited, although swimming, canoeing, fishing, snorkeling and some trekking opportunities are available.
Safety
We provide all selected volunteers with a thorough security briefing and specific local issues are covered during your in-country orientation. Generally, the post-conflict nature of Bougainville means you’ll need to be aware of your surroundings and make sensible decisions on personal safety. Land ownership is complex, and strangers cannot wander freely through private or empty land without first seeking permission. Take care when walking alone and avoid this at night. Walking in Buka, Arawa and Buin during the day is quite safe and there is a New Zealand Community Policing Project operating in these three towns.