Fair Pay For Kokoda Porters


Fair Pay For Kokoda Porters
The issue
Hall Of Fame Operators
Verified Ethical Operators (Committed to 100 Kina for 2026).
If you are a Tour operator and want to be on this list, sign the petition and publicly commit to the Pledge below (see further down).
No Roads Expeditions
For decades, the Kokoda Track has been a life-changing experience for Australians, a journey through history, endurance, and sacrifice. But behind every successful trek stands the backbone of the experience – the Kokoda Track porters, who carry supplies, guide trekkers, and make the journey possible.
Despite their hard work, porters earn just 50 Kina per day (~$20 AUD) – less than half of what is considered a fair wage. They endure harsh conditions, carrying up to 20kg over steep terrain, to support their families.
This is unacceptable.
We demand that all trekking companies operating on the Kokoda Track pay porters a fair wage of at least 100 Kina per day (~$40 AUD).
A small increase of just $20 per trekker per day would ensure that porters can afford basic necessities like food, education, and medical care.
The 2026 Operator Pledge
The Pledge
"We, the undersigned Kokoda Tour Operators, recognize that the porters of the Kokoda Track are the essential backbone of our industry. We acknowledge that the current economic climate and the physical demands of the Track require a fair, livable, and non-negotiable daily wage.
By signing this petition, we formally commit to the following:
1. 100 Kina Daily Basic Wage
Effective from the start of the 2026 season, we will pay every porter a minimum basic wage of 100 PGK per day. This is a floor, not a ceiling, and applies to all trekking days, regardless of the size of the trekking group.
2. Preservation of Existing Conditions
This wage increase will not result in the removal or reduction of existing porter benefits. We commit to maintaining all current welfare standards, including but not limited to:
Provision of Sustenance: Full rations/meals for the duration of the trek.
Equipment & Clothing: Provision of high-quality sleeping gear, packs, and uniforms.
Medical Care: Access to the same medical supplies and emergency protocols as trekkers.
Allowances: Continuation of existing 'walk-home' or travel allowances in addition to the base wage.
3. Rejecting the 'Skeleton Crew' Model
We pledge to maintain safe porter-to-trekker ratios. We will not seek to offset the 100 Kina wage by reducing staff numbers, which would increase the physical burden and safety risks for our remaining crew and clients.
4. Immediate Implementation
While we support broader industry reforms, we agree that fair pay is an immediate human right. We will not delay this wage increase while waiting for external regulatory changes or 'structural reform' packages.
Signatory Commitment
By adding our organization’s name to this petition, we invite public accountability. We understand that trekkers are increasingly seeking ethical operators, and we stand by our commitment to treat our porter team with the dignity and financial respect they have earned."
Operator Name:
Principal Representative/CEO Name:
License Number (if applicable):
Date of Commitment:

The issue
Hall Of Fame Operators
Verified Ethical Operators (Committed to 100 Kina for 2026).
If you are a Tour operator and want to be on this list, sign the petition and publicly commit to the Pledge below (see further down).
No Roads Expeditions
For decades, the Kokoda Track has been a life-changing experience for Australians, a journey through history, endurance, and sacrifice. But behind every successful trek stands the backbone of the experience – the Kokoda Track porters, who carry supplies, guide trekkers, and make the journey possible.
Despite their hard work, porters earn just 50 Kina per day (~$20 AUD) – less than half of what is considered a fair wage. They endure harsh conditions, carrying up to 20kg over steep terrain, to support their families.
This is unacceptable.
We demand that all trekking companies operating on the Kokoda Track pay porters a fair wage of at least 100 Kina per day (~$40 AUD).
A small increase of just $20 per trekker per day would ensure that porters can afford basic necessities like food, education, and medical care.
The 2026 Operator Pledge
The Pledge
"We, the undersigned Kokoda Tour Operators, recognize that the porters of the Kokoda Track are the essential backbone of our industry. We acknowledge that the current economic climate and the physical demands of the Track require a fair, livable, and non-negotiable daily wage.
By signing this petition, we formally commit to the following:
1. 100 Kina Daily Basic Wage
Effective from the start of the 2026 season, we will pay every porter a minimum basic wage of 100 PGK per day. This is a floor, not a ceiling, and applies to all trekking days, regardless of the size of the trekking group.
2. Preservation of Existing Conditions
This wage increase will not result in the removal or reduction of existing porter benefits. We commit to maintaining all current welfare standards, including but not limited to:
Provision of Sustenance: Full rations/meals for the duration of the trek.
Equipment & Clothing: Provision of high-quality sleeping gear, packs, and uniforms.
Medical Care: Access to the same medical supplies and emergency protocols as trekkers.
Allowances: Continuation of existing 'walk-home' or travel allowances in addition to the base wage.
3. Rejecting the 'Skeleton Crew' Model
We pledge to maintain safe porter-to-trekker ratios. We will not seek to offset the 100 Kina wage by reducing staff numbers, which would increase the physical burden and safety risks for our remaining crew and clients.
4. Immediate Implementation
While we support broader industry reforms, we agree that fair pay is an immediate human right. We will not delay this wage increase while waiting for external regulatory changes or 'structural reform' packages.
Signatory Commitment
By adding our organization’s name to this petition, we invite public accountability. We understand that trekkers are increasingly seeking ethical operators, and we stand by our commitment to treat our porter team with the dignity and financial respect they have earned."
Operator Name:
Principal Representative/CEO Name:
License Number (if applicable):
Date of Commitment:

Victory
Share this petition
The Decision Makers
Petition updates
Share this petition
Petition created on 4 March 2025