[3] In July 2009, the Parliament of Papua New Guinea directed the creation of Hela Province from the Southern Highlands districts of Tari-Pori, Komo-Magarima, and Koroba-Kopiago.

The move was supported by Parliament, although some criticism was leveled at the government for restricting press access to the region while the state of emergency was in force.

The companies involved subsequently opted for the current PNG Gas project which has export facilities outside Port Moresby.

On 1 August 2006, the government of Papua New Guinea declared a state of emergency in the country's Southern Highlands region.

[7] William Powi's election as provincial governor was contested by his primary opponent, Pastor Bernard Peter Kaku.

Kaku filed a lawsuit alleging that Powi was prematurely declared the victor after he had received a plurality, but not a majority of votes.

[8] In 2021, the National Court of Papua New Guinea ruled in favor of Kaku and suspended Powi as provincial governor until a recount could be completed.