A 97.7% majority has voted for independence in Bougainville's historic referendum.
Polling took place over two weeks, with voters asked to choose between Bougainville having continued autonomy within PNG or the second option, becoming independent.
The long-anticipated referendum is the ultimate provision of 2001's Bougainville Peace Agreement which followed a protracted civil war.
To come into effect, the result must be ratified by PNG's national parliament.
There is uncertainty on both sides about how long this process might take, although PNG's cabinet is understood to be considering a process of up to ten years for a possible transition to independence.
Radio NZ
