Few people can claim a connection with Papua New Guinea as deep and enduring as Dik Knight. Now 78, Dik first set foot in PNG in 1970 as a young Australian army officer and was immediately captivated by the country’s rugged beauty and warm hospitality. What began as a military posting soon evolved into a lifelong passion that saw him shape the nation’s education and tourism sectors.
His journey through PNG is one of adventure, determination, and an unwavering belief in the country’s potential. As PNG prepares to celebrate 50 years of independence in 2025, Dik reflects on its progress, challenges, and the boundless opportunities that remain untapped.
 |
| Dik Knight |
A Teacher at Heart
Dik’s love affair with PNG began in earnest when he returned in 1974, this time as a teacher at Goroka Demonstration High School. His dedication to education took him to Aiyura National High School in 1976, where he became one of its pioneering teachers.
“I had a wonderful time there,” Dik recalls. “The students were incredibly keen, and education was seen as the great equaliser. There was a real enthusiasm for learning.”
Reflecting on the current state of education in PNG, Dik expresses concern over the declining standards and lack of resources. “I still see dedicated teachers doing their best under difficult circumstances. Some go unpaid for months, yet they continue teaching. That kind of commitment needs recognition and support.”
Dik also notes that in the past, students across the country were eager to learn, and schools were harmonious spaces for both teachers and students. “Today, we need to focus on improving the quality and reach of education. The school system struggles to keep up with population growth, and many remote teachers go without salaries or support for months.”
Building a Tourism Dream
After his years in education, Dik took on a new challenge: tourism. In 1977, he co-founded Loloata Island Dive Resort near Port Moresby. At the time, tourism was an unfamiliar concept in PNG, and the venture required significant perseverance.
“The island had no water, no power. Everything had to be built from scratch,” he says. “Tourism was new to PNG, but the country had—still has—some of the most spectacular scenery and diverse cultures in the world. It was a goldmine waiting to be explored.”
For nearly four decades, Loloata became a premier diving destination, attracting visitors from around the world. However, Dik laments the current stagnation of the tourism industry, citing bureaucracy, security concerns, and lack of government support as major obstacles.
“In Vietnam, a country with a similar GDP per capita, they bring in 12 million tourists a year. Yet PNG, with its breathtaking landscapes and rich culture, struggles to attract even a fraction of that. The potential is there, but we need the right policies and infrastructure to make it work.”
He also recalls how challenging it was to keep the resort afloat in its early years. “At first, our main clientele were Australian public servants in PNG, but when they were suddenly recalled with three months' notice, we had to completely change our business model. It nearly shut us down.”
Despite these challenges, Loloata thrived, thanks to its dedicated and well-trained staff. “We had skilled chefs, mechanics, and dive instructors—many of whom we trained ourselves. Small-scale tourism businesses like ours played a crucial role in job creation and skills development, something that’s often overlooked today.”
PNG at 50: Hopes and Reflections
As PNG approaches its 50th anniversary of independence, Dik reflects on the nation’s progress and challenges.
“There was so much hope in the early years, and while some of it has been realised, many aspirations remain unfulfilled,” he observes. “We have everything we need—resources, culture, and people with incredible potential. But we must address issues like law and order, education, and employment if we are to truly thrive.”
Dik believes that change must come from within. “The people of PNG are the ones who will shape the future. When they decide they want real change, it will happen. The key is education and creating industries that provide jobs, especially for young people.”
He also acknowledges that law and order remains one of the biggest deterrents to tourism and business investment. “For most of the time we operated Loloata, 20% of our staff were in security roles. That’s a huge cost for a small business. Investors won’t come if they don’t feel safe.”
A Lifelong Bond
Despite his retirement in 2016, Dik’s connection with PNG remains unbreakable. “I still come back regularly. I love this country—the wilderness, the adventure, the people.”
He hopes that more Australians will rekindle their ties with PNG, a nation with deep historical links to Australia. “It’s a pity so few young Australians today know about PNG. There’s so much history and so many opportunities to engage.”
For Dik Knight, PNG is more than a place—it is a part of him. And as the nation steps into its next 50 years, voices like his serve as a reminder of the immense possibilities that await, if only they are seized.
