Despite more than two hundred years of history, the first official UK Government Office in Papua New Guinea was only established in 1973. The British Government Interest Office was located in the United Church Building in Douglas Street Port Moresby and was created to coincide with PNG self government, which came into force that year. Upon independence in 1975, and the establishment of full diplomatic relations between the UK and PNG, the office became the British High Commission. With the UK and PNG relations rapidly growing, a new and larger purpose-built High Commission was constructed at Gordons 5 (next to Waigani) and opened in 1987. Conveniently located near Parliament, government offices and the Jacksons International Airport, this remains the current site for the High Commission until this day. The Papua New Guinea High Commission was also established in 1975 and is currently located at Waterloo Place in Central London.

Whilst the offices may be comparatively new, Papua New Guinea and Britain have strong and historical links dating back to November 6, 1884 when Britain proclaimed the southern part of what is now Papua New Guinea’s Southern Region a protectorate. The region, then called the British New Guinea Territory, remained a colony of the UK until September 1, 1906 when it was handed to Australia and renamed Papua. In 1949, under the guidance of the newly established United Nations, Papua joined New Guinea and became the modern PNG that we know today.