The Bank of Papua New Guinea (BPNG) marked Kina and Toea Day as part of its annual calendar of activities aimed at raising awareness of the country’s legal tender and its history.
This year’s observance on 19 April 2026 also marked the 51st anniversary of the introduction of Papua New Guinea’s currency, the kina and toea, with BPNG launching a year-long public awareness campaign themed “Know Your Currency – Save Long Moni Bilong Yu.”
Kina and Toea Day is commemorated annually to reflect on the history of PNG’s legal tender and to recognise the contributions of key national figures who played a role in its establishment. These include Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare, Sir Julius Chan, Sir Mekere Morauta, Sir Yano Belo, Sir Henry ToRobert and others.
BPNG Governor Elizabeth Genia said the observance is an important initiative to educate the public on the country’s currency while reinforcing national pride.
“To mark the start of the campaign, the bank will publish the first in a series of information kits to observe Kina and Toea Day. Although this is not a recognised national day, it remains an important date in the bank’s calendar, marking 19 April 1975 when Papua New Guinea’s currency became legal tender,” Genia said.
The “Know Your Currency – Save Long Moni Bilong Yu” campaign will run throughout the year and feature a range of public engagement activities, including community outreach programmes, open exhibitions and school visits. A series of information kits has also been developed to help educate Papua New Guineans about the features and security elements of the country’s banknotes and coins.
The first release, the K100 Information Kit, is now available to the public via the BPNG website.
Activities have already commenced, with BPNG supporting banking and finance students at the University of Papua New Guinea to host a Mini Kina and Toea Day Exhibition on Monday, 20 April 2026. The event highlighted the correct handling and use of currency, as well as the importance of the Clean Banknote Policy in maintaining the quality, security and integrity of money in circulation.
Meanwhile, BPNG has also addressed growing public queries regarding the 5 toea coin, reaffirming that it remains legal tender in Papua New Guinea.
The central bank emphasised that no individual or business should refuse the use of the 5 toea coin for payment of goods or services, including in retail outlets and public transport. Such refusal constitutes a breach of Section 8 of the Central Bank Act.
