How long ago did people first settle the islands of Papua New Guinea?

The islands that constitute Papua New Guinea were settled over a period of approximately 40,000 years. While archaeological research is ongoing, current evidence suggests that parts of the island of New Guinea may have been occupied as early as 50,000 years ago.123

Early settlement in the region is linked to the arrival of non-Austronesian-language speakers from Southeast Asia. By at least 33,000 years ago, these groups had established themselves in Melanesia, and secure archaeological dates from the interior of New Guinea approach 30,000 years ago. These early inhabitants, whose descendants are generally referred to as Melanesians, developed complex societies and, by 7,000 years ago, were practicing intensive agriculture in the highland basins.4213