A picture tells a thousand words. The significance of the picture below should not be underestimated. It is powerful and shows us the beginning of a new age, one that empowers people and gives them dignity. So what is this picture all about?
For many years, the men that have carried equipment, food and trekkers items in remote locations, have been referred to as either Porters or Carriers. Both these terms were borne out of another era, a time where the Colonial powers, employed labour that was either cheap or free, to "discover" new lands, water sources and above all resources. These men were often mistreated, underequipped and underfed. And that is all they did, carry things.
This term has been used for far too long to describe the men that carry equipment across the Kokoda Track. However, we have realised that our team doesn't just carry "things". They help trekkers cross rivers, they let them know where to step, they hold onto their backpacks so they don't fall, they point out plants and share stories of their families and what it is like to live on the Kokoda Track. They are much more than human mules.
That is why we asked them a very simple question in April 2019; Would you like to be referred to as Porters or Guides?
And their response can be seen in this picture. When we asked if they wanted to be Porters, not a single hand went up. When we asked if they would like to be referred to as Guides; well you can see the response (some with two hands up). There was such a buzz among our team, a pride that the work they did was being recognized.
We are proud of our Guide team. From our Local and Lead Guides, our Master Chefs and Medics, to our Campsite Managers and the rest of the General Guide team. They are ready and waiting to guide you across the Kokoda Track safely and to impart their knowledge and their legendary care for you, their guests.
For many years, the men that have carried equipment, food and trekkers items in remote locations, have been referred to as either Porters or Carriers. Both these terms were borne out of another era, a time where the Colonial powers, employed labour that was either cheap or free, to "discover" new lands, water sources and above all resources. These men were often mistreated, underequipped and underfed. And that is all they did, carry things.
This term has been used for far too long to describe the men that carry equipment across the Kokoda Track. However, we have realised that our team doesn't just carry "things". They help trekkers cross rivers, they let them know where to step, they hold onto their backpacks so they don't fall, they point out plants and share stories of their families and what it is like to live on the Kokoda Track. They are much more than human mules.
That is why we asked them a very simple question in April 2019; Would you like to be referred to as Porters or Guides?
And their response can be seen in this picture. When we asked if they wanted to be Porters, not a single hand went up. When we asked if they would like to be referred to as Guides; well you can see the response (some with two hands up). There was such a buzz among our team, a pride that the work they did was being recognized.
We are proud of our Guide team. From our Local and Lead Guides, our Master Chefs and Medics, to our Campsite Managers and the rest of the General Guide team. They are ready and waiting to guide you across the Kokoda Track safely and to impart their knowledge and their legendary care for you, their guests.
"KTA Porter" Policy
As part of our transparency we want to explain to you our Guide Policy in PNG. Not to make others look bad, but for you to understand that the people you will be walking with are being looked after, that they are happy for many reasons and one is that No Roads Expeditions treats them all with respect, not just a handful of lead and influential guides but all of them.
No Roads Expeditions has been one of the leading Operators to promote the protection of its Guides. This culminated in the 2009 Tour Operators Code of Conduct that all Operators must agree to before being issued with a Licence. While this is often abused by many Operators it does form the benchmark for what Operators should be doing at a minimum.
The Kokoda Track Authority (KTA) Code of Conduct outline is as follows:-
No Roads Expeditions has been one of the leading Operators to promote the protection of its Guides. This culminated in the 2009 Tour Operators Code of Conduct that all Operators must agree to before being issued with a Licence. While this is often abused by many Operators it does form the benchmark for what Operators should be doing at a minimum.
The Kokoda Track Authority (KTA) Code of Conduct outline is as follows:-
- Minimum pay of 50 Kina per day for Porters
- Paid no later than 4 days after the trek
- Maximum of 22.5kg carried by Porter
- Supply good equipment including blankets for Porters
- Promote good post trip behaviour after treks
No Roads Expeditions Kokoda Guide (PNG Team) Policy
The following is an outline of what No Roads Expeditions provides its' PNG Guide team.
The basic outline for our Guide (PNG) contract is as follows:
All team members are asked to sign their contract and as proof that they have signed it we take a photo of them with their contract.
All have contracts and all have a understanding that they are part of a team that together we will look after each other and you on the Track.
The basic outline for our Guide (PNG) contract is as follows:
- 92.5 Kina per day for Porter, 117.5 Kina per day for Lead Porter and 127.5 Kina per day for Local Guide
- 20.0 Kg Maximum pack weight
- Individual bank accounts so pay is made within 4 days of trek (this sometimes doesn't happen due to bank issues)
- Sleeping bags, shirts, T Shirts, Cap and shorts etc.
- River Rescue Procedures for trekkers and guide team too.
- Great nutritious food on the Track including steak on the first night
- Buffet Dinner at the Holiday Inn at the end of the trek (this is only for Australian Led trips as the trip ends in Port Moresby)
- Transport fee back to Kagi
- Chance to participate in the International Porters Exchange Program
- Chance to come to Australia at the end of each year (so far we have had over 150 Guides travel to Australia)
- and more
All team members are asked to sign their contract and as proof that they have signed it we take a photo of them with their contract.
All have contracts and all have a understanding that they are part of a team that together we will look after each other and you on the Track.
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