In September bishop of Bougainville, Henk Kronenberg was the sole recipient of the highest award in the 2009 PNG Independence Day anniversary honours list. Bishop Henk was bestowed with the title of “Chief” for dedicated service to the people of Bougainville and the Catholic community. A statement from the Government House said that Bishop Kronenberg was awarded the “Grand companion of the Order of Logohu” for his contribution to the development of the Catholic church as a missionary priest of the congregation of the Marist fathers. He has been bishop of Bougainville since 1999.
Bishop Kronenberg has recently announced his retirement.