Andrew Abel brings extensive leadership experience across tourism and community
development, with a career spanning more than three decades.
Mr. Abel is the President and Co-Founder of the Surfing Association of Papua New Guinea
Inc. (SAPNG) and Architect of the internationally recognized Abel Reverse Spiral Model and
Surf Management Plans, which have successfully operated for over 37 years in partnership
with traditional custodians and coastal communities across PNG and Bougainville. His
pioneering work has become a reference point for academics, universities, and surfing
nations worldwide.
He is also the creator of the Pink Nose Revolution initiative, a sports-based model aimed at
combating gender-based violence by educating youth and reforming attitudes through
community engagement.
Beyond his current role with NAC, Mr. Abel serves on the Executive Committee of the World
Surfing Reserve Visionary Council (USA), is Vice President of the Oceania Surfing Federation,
and has held senior leadership positions including Acting Chairman and Deputy Chairman of
the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority, Deputy President of the National Museum Board of
Trustees, and Founding Member and former President of the PNG Tourism Industry
Association.
In recognition of his voluntary service and contributions to tourism and sport, Mr. Abel has
received several national and international honors and awards including the PNG National
Government Member of Logohu award (ML) in 2007 for 20 years voluntary service to the
Surfing - Surf Tourism Industry , he was also awarded the Companion of the Star of
Melanesia (CSM) in 2023 for services to Tourism and Private Sector and in 2025 he was
bestowed the Most Excellent Order of the Commander of the British Empire (CBE), by His
Majesty King Charles III for 35 years as a volunteer in the establishment of the Surfing
Industry of PNG, in addition to the PNG 50th Anniversary Kings Medal for Surfing Industries.
Saki Jack Ipata is an Independent Director of the National Airports Corporation Ltd Board.
He is a seasoned finance and corporate governance professional with more than 30 years of
experience across accounting, taxation, audit, project financing, and strategic management.
Mr. Ipata holds a Diploma and Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting from the PNG
University of Technology and an MBA from the University of Papua New Guinea. He is a
member of the Certified Practising Accountants PNG (FCPAPNG), a registered Tax Agent
with the Internal Revenue Commission, and a Graduate Member of the Australian Institute
of Company Directors (GAICD).
His career spans senior executive roles in both the public and private sectors, including
Financial Controller and Chief Financial Officer positions with the Coffee Industry
Corporation, Petromin PNG Holdings and the Kumul Minerals Holdings Limited, and the
National Airports Corporation. He has also served as General Manager Finance at NAC,
where he oversaw financial strategy, compliance, and donor-funded projects.
Beyond his corporate career, Mr. Ipata is Principal of JSI Business Consultants Limited,
providing advisory services in finance, tax, audit, and compliance.
He has also contributed
extensively to community and faith-based organizations, serving as National Youth
President and Pastor of the PNG Christian Apostolic Fellowship, and as a Board Member of
the PNG Bible Translation Association and the National Tertiary Christian Student
Fellowship.
Mr. Ipata currently chairs the Mulitaka Resettlement Authority and continues to play an
active role in strengthening governance and financial management across PNG’s key
institutions.
Dominic Kaumu, is the Acting Managing Director and CEO of the National Airports Corporation (NAC). He brings more than 40 years of aviation leadership experience to the role. He was first appointed Acting Managing Director and CEO in December 2023 and reappointed in April 2025, providing continuity and stability during a period of organizational transition.
At NAC, Mr. Kaumu has overseen strategic initiatives to strengthen airport operations, improve compliance with international aviation standards, and enhance stakeholder confidence in the corporation’s governance. His leadership has focused on ensuring safe, efficient, and sustainable airport services across Papua New Guinea, while guiding NAC through ministerial reviews and board deliberations that shape the future of the nation’s aviation infrastructure.
Prior to NAC, Mr. Kaumu held senior executive positions at Air Niugini, where he spearheaded commercial strategies, expanded the airline’s international network, and introduced modernized passenger systems. His proven track record in negotiating bilateral air service agreements, codeshare partnerships, and global distribution systems has equipped him with the expertise to advance NAC’s mission of connecting Papua New Guinea to the world.
Mr. Kaumu’s contributions to aviation and national development have been recognized with the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) by Her Majesty and the Member of Logohu by the Government of Papua New Guinea. He continues to combine corporate leadership with community development, reflecting a commitment to both national progress and grassroots empowerment.
