At the present time, however, none of the above exists. The resource developers carry out their business virtually from crisis to crisis, using their own manpower to overcome the problems. Major road blockages, power line damage, and shutdowns are becoming more frequent. Most landowner groups causing these problems are simply reacting to a lack of government services and lack of government attention to dispute resolution. The resource developer supplies funds to the national government through taxes and royalties. By shutting down the resource, the cash flow is halted. Then the government is forced to act. However many commitments are made and never honoured. Agreements are reached but not carried out. Each time this occurs the frustration amongst the landowners grows. Unless positive, continuous, and sustainable steps are taken to re-establish good, solid ethical governance throughout the province, the maintenance of any long-term development of resources in the Southern Highlands Province will be doubtful.

The Huli people have expressed their viewpoint in a simple way: ‘We are tolerant people and traditionally we count the number of times that we are given bad answers. We count them one, two, three, up to 14. When the count reaches 15 we must react and react with violence. That is our way’. The count is currently hovering around the 12/13 mark.