AGP Executive Report

Tourism and Respect: Cruise passengers are urging fellow visitors to cover up in South Pacific towns, including Lifou, and respect local customs. Cruise lines have issued guidance, but complaints continue. UN Mission: Pacific countries renewed their call for a UN visiting mission to New Caledonia, citing political uncertainty and ongoing social and economic pressures after the deadly 2024 unrest. Regional Politics: Melanesian leaders, joined by New Caledonia’s FLNKS, discussed self-determination and regional priorities at an MSG meeting in Fiji. Separately, Vanuatu condemned a letter from New Caledonian MP Nicolas Metzdorf over its island sovereignty claims. Regional Links: Fiji Airways has restored direct Noumea–Nadi flights, operating twice weekly. New Caledonia also helped lead a Pacific maritime patrol targeting illegal fishing.

New Caledonia’s Future: Pacific countries renewed calls for a UN visiting mission to assess conditions and support a lasting political settlement, citing continued social and economic pressures after the deadly May 2024 unrest. Regional Diplomacy: Melanesian leaders, joined by New Caledonia’s FLNKS, discussed self-determination and climate finance at an MSG meeting in Fiji. Separately, French Polynesia’s president urged France to begin UN-backed talks on its political future. Vanuatu Dispute: Vanuatu condemned a letter from New Caledonian MP Nicolas Metzdorf that used the territory’s colonial-era name and suggested islands could come under French administration, calling it an insult to Vanuatu’s sovereignty. Conservation: A long-term study found three seabird populations on New Caledonia’s Surprise Island grew two to tenfold after invasive rats were eradicated. Transport: Fiji Airways has restored direct Nouméa–Nadi flights, operating twice a week.

UN Mission Call: Pacific countries renewed their push for a United Nations visiting mission to New Caledonia, seeking an independent assessment as the territory faces political uncertainty and ongoing social and economic hardship after the deadly May 2024 unrest. Melanesian Agenda: At a Pre-COP31 meeting in Fiji, MSG leaders and FLNKS representatives discussed self-determination, climate finance and regional cooperation. Sovereignty Dispute: Vanuatu condemned a letter from New Caledonian MP Nicolas Metzdorf that used Vanuatu’s colonial-era name and proposed French administration of some of its islands, deepening tensions over the Matthew and Hunter Islands. Conservation: On New Caledonia’s Surprise Island, seabird breeding populations grew two to tenfold after invasive rats were eradicated in 2005, according to long-term monitoring.

Regional Relations: Vanuatu has condemned New Caledonian MP Nicolas Metzdorf over a letter mocking its sovereignty claims to Matthew and Hunter Islands and addressing the country by its colonial-era name. Metzdorf also suggested some Vanuatu islands could come under French administration; the dispute puts New Caledonia’s anti-independence politics in the regional spotlight. Conservation: On New Caledonia’s Surprise Island, three monitored seabird populations grew two- to tenfold after invasive rats were eradicated in 2005, according to a long-term study. Travel Links: Fiji Airways has restored direct Nouméa–Nadi flights, with services twice weekly. Football: New Caledonia finished last in the men’s MSG Prime Minister’s Cup standings, after Fiji’s 2–1 win over the team secured the hosts a place in the final.

FIFA Politics: FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s World Cup investment plan fallout is reshaping the March 18 vote in Morocco, with 87 of 211 federations backing him and 49 opposing—while more than a third are still undecided. UN Decolonisation: French Polynesia’s president Moetai Brotherson told the UN’s C-24 committee that the territory’s path to self-determination should be decided through a UN visiting mission and a referendum with no predetermined outcome. Climate & Sovereignty: Ahead of Pre-COP31 in Fiji, Pacific climate leaders warn the meeting must deliver real change, with ministers saying no weak deal is better than none. Regional Security: Australia joined Pacific partners on Operation Nasse to boost maritime security and crack down on illegal fishing, including liaison and intelligence support in Nouméa. Local Sports: Fiji beat New Caledonia 2-1 to reach the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup final, while Vanuatu’s women won their title in Suva in tribute to the MV Matui tragedy. Travel & Connectivity: Easterra rebranded as it grows in hard-to-serve connectivity markets, listing deployments including New Caledonia and French Polynesia.

Vanuatu–New Caledonia Diplomatic Spat: Vanuatu has condemned a letter and social media “rant” from pro-France New Caledonian MP Nicolas Metzdorf, calling it neo-colonial and racist after he used the colonial-era “Condominium of the New Hebrides” and floated French control of Matthew and Hunter Islands. Regional Climate Pressure: Ahead of Pre-COP31 in Fiji, Australia’s Chris Bowen says the talks are vital for keeping global focus on Pacific climate threats, while Pacific officials warn they’ll reject a weak deal. Maritime Security in the Pacific: Operation Nasse boosted regional fisheries patrols and illegal fishing deterrence, with Australia embedding staff in Nouméa and supporting multinational coordination. MSG Cup Football (with New Caledonia in the mix): Fiji beat New Caledonia 2-1 to reach the men’s final, while Vanuatu won the women’s title in Suva on penalties after a 1-1 draw with PNG. Local Environment Research: A long-running study on Surprise Island in New Caledonia’s d’Entrecasteaux Reefs reports seabird breeding rebounded two to tenfold after invasive rats were cleared in 2005.

Pacific Climate Diplomacy: Only two leaders outside the Pacific are attending Australia–Fiji–Tuvalu’s Pre-COP meeting in Fiji, as ministers warn the region will not accept a weak climate deal ahead of COP31. Sovereignty Row: Vanuatu has hit back hard at New Caledonian anti-independence lawmaker Nicolas Metzdorf, condemning his “neo-colonial” claims and insulting references to the “Condominium of the New Hebrides” tied to the Matthew and Hunter Islands dispute. MSG Cup Football: Vanuatu’s women won the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup in Suva on penalties, while PNG’s Bilums booked the men’s final with a dominant win over Solomon Islands; Fiji’s Kulas also beat New Caledonia 1-0 to close out their campaign. Regional Security: Australia says it helped strengthen maritime security during Operation Nasse, with support for fisheries patrols and intelligence sharing involving New Caledonia and Pacific partners. Earthquake Watch: A 6.6 quake struck near New Caledonia’s Loyalty Islands with no tsunami threat reported.

MSG Cup drama across the Pacific: Vanuatu made history by beating defending champions PNG Bilums 5-4 on penalties to win the 2026 Women’s MSG Prime Minister’s Cup in Suva, after a tense final that went to extra time; Fiji also claimed the men’s title with a 1-0 win over New Caledonia. New Caledonia in the spotlight: Fiji’s Kulas ended their women’s MSG campaign with a 1-0 win over New Caledonia, while the men’s MSG race saw Fiji beat New Caledonia 2-1 to set up the final against Vanuatu. Climate diplomacy in Fiji: Only two leaders from outside the Pacific are attending the pre-COP meeting in Fiji, as Australia, Fiji and Tuvalu push to keep global attention on Pacific climate threats ahead of COP31. Sovereignty row heats up: Vanuatu condemned a French MP’s neo-colonial “New Hebrides” letter targeting Vanuatu’s claims over Matthew and Hunter islands, sparking fresh tensions involving a pro-France New Caledonian lawmaker. Earthquake watch: A magnitude 6.6 quake struck near New Caledonia’s Loyalty Islands with no tsunami threat reported.

Island Sovereignty Row: Vanuatu hit back hard at a pro-France New Caledonian lawmaker’s “shameful, racist, neo-colonial” rant over Matthew and Hunter Islands, after the dispute was raised at the UN and Vanuatu renewed its push for ICJ recognition. Climate Talks Pressure: Pacific climate ministers in Nadi and Tuvalu are warning Pre-COP31 could disappoint if leaders return without stronger action, with negotiators saying no weak deal is better than a weak decision. Maritime Security: Australia joined a French-led Pacific operation to crack down on illegal fishing, with ADF support and intelligence links based in Nouméa. Local Nature Win: After invasive rodents were cleared from Surprise Island in 2005, seabird breeding numbers rebounded two to tenfold over the following years. Earthquake Update: A 6.6 quake struck near New Caledonia’s Loyalty Islands with no tsunami threat reported. Sports (MSG Cup): Fiji beat New Caledonia 2-1 to set up the final against Vanuatu, while Fiji’s women also closed with a 1-0 win over New Caledonia.

Conservation Win for New Caledonia: After invasive rats were cleared from Surprise Island in 2005, scientists say seabird breeding populations rebounded dramatically—rising two to tenfold over the following years—offering rare long-term proof that eradication efforts work. Climate Diplomacy Pressure: Ahead of Pre-COP31 in Nadi and Tuvalu, New Caledonia’s environment chief Dr Sivendra Michael warned leaders not to accept a weak climate deal, stressing that any “just transition” must come with real finance. Maritime Security Boost: Operation Nasse saw Australia back Pacific partners to crack down on illegal fishing, with an ADF liaison officer and intelligence analyst embedded in Nouméa alongside regional forces. MSG Cup Football (New Caledonia in focus): Fiji’s men beat New Caledonia 2-1 to reach the MSG Cup final, while Fiji’s women ended their campaign with a 1-0 win over New Caledonia; in the women’s tournament, PNG surged into the final after a 5-1 win over Solomon Islands. Earthquake Update: A 6.6 quake struck near New Caledonia’s Loyalty Islands, with no tsunami threat reported.

Climate diplomacy: Pacific climate negotiators say Pre-COP31 will be a “disappointment” unless leaders in Nadi and Tuvalu shift course, with officials warning the region would rather walk away than accept a weak deal and stressing that any “just transition” must come with real finance. Maritime security & fisheries: Australia joined a French-led Operation Nasse, with ADF support and an embedded liaison officer in Nouméa, to detect and deter illegal fishing and boost Pacific maritime coordination. Weather services funding: Pacific meteorological services face a funding gap as the region plans a decade-long overhaul to improve locally run forecasting and warnings. Earthquake watch (New Caledonia): A magnitude 6.6 quake hit near the Loyalty Islands with no tsunami threat reported. Sports (MSG Cup): Fiji beat New Caledonia 2-1 to reach the final, while PNG’s Bilums crushed Solomon Islands 5-1 to stay unbeaten and secure their spot. Culture & nature: A New Caledonia tourism feature spotlights the Blue River Provincial Park’s protected wilderness.

Maritime Security: Australia joined French-led Operation Nasse in New Caledonia to crack down on illegal fishing, with ADF personnel and an intelligence analyst embedded in the Nouméa Joint Coordination Centre to boost regional information sharing and patrol coordination. Earthquake Watch: A magnitude 6.6 quake struck near New Caledonia’s Loyalty Islands (near Maré) with no tsunami threat reported, as authorities monitor for aftershocks. MSG Cup Football: Fiji’s Bula Boys beat New Caledonia 2-1 to reach the final, while Fiji’s Kulas ended their campaign with a 1-0 win over New Caledonia; in the women’s tournament, PNG Bilums stayed unbeaten with a 5-1 win over Solomon Islands, setting up finals this weekend. Regional Transport: Fiji Airways restored Nouméa–Nadi flights twice weekly from Sept 22, reconnecting New Caledonia with Fiji. Sports Talent Rise: PNG’s Bomecge Basananuc, just 15, moved from youth levels to starting for the Kapuls at the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup.

Maritime Security: Australia joined French-led Operation Nasse in New Caledonia to crack down on illegal fishing across the Pacific, with ADF personnel and an embedded liaison officer and intelligence analyst in Nouméa helping boost shared maritime awareness and coordination. Earthquake Watch: A magnitude 6.6 quake struck near New Caledonia’s Loyalty Islands/Maré area, with authorities reporting no tsunami threat and no major damage so far. Football (MSG Cup): Fiji’s men beat New Caledonia 2-1 to reach the MSG Cup final, while Fiji’s women ended their campaign with a 1-0 win over New Caledonia; PNG’s Bilums also stayed unbeaten, routing Solomon Islands 5-1 to secure their finals spot. Youth Talent: Papua New Guinea’s Bomecge Basananuc, just 15, rose from U16 and U19 to start for the senior Kapuls against Fiji at the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup. Regional Weather Funding: Pacific weather services face a funding gap as the region plans a decade-long overhaul to improve locally run forecasting and warnings.

MSG Cup Football: Fiji’s men beat New Caledonia 2-1 to set up the final, while the Solomon Islands’ hopes ended after a 1-1 draw with PNG—leaving the top-two race decided on points and results. Women’s MSG Cup: Fiji Kulas finished with a 1-0 win over New Caledonia, while PNG Bilums stayed unbeaten with a 5-1 win over Solomon Islands to strengthen their spot for finals. Young Talent Rising: Papua New Guinea defender Bomecge Basananuc, just 15, moved from U16 and U19 into PNG’s senior XI at the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup. Earthquake Watch: A magnitude 6.6 quake struck near New Caledonia’s Loyalty Islands; tsunami alerts were cleared with no threat reported. Pacific Weather Funding: Pacific weather services face a funding gap as the region plans a decade-long overhaul to improve locally run forecasting and warnings. Whale Disaster at Sea: Rare sperm whales attacked a yacht in the southwest Pacific, sinking it and stranding four crew members until rescue 18 hours later.

Music & Culture: Katchafire has released “Bounce” with Laughton Kora, after a quick stop in New Caledonia for the Guidance Festival; the band then heads to Australia for five weeks and later supports UB40 in Europe, with the Revival 2.0 Guest Edition album due Nov 27. Sport (MSG Cup): Fiji’s men beat New Caledonia 2-1 in the MSG Cup, setting up a final against Vanuatu, while Fiji’s women ended their campaign with a 1-0 win over New Caledonia; PNG’s Bilums also stayed perfect, crushing Solomon Islands 5-1 to book the women’s final. Football (OFC U15): Fiji U15 opened with a 2-2 draw against New Caledonia, with Simione Poe scoring twice, and next face Tahiti. Earthquakes (New Caledonia): A magnitude 6.6 quake struck near the Loyalty Islands with no tsunami threat reported, and a separate report notes a 7.0 quake offshore—both with no immediate damage or casualties reported. Regional Politics: Pacific defence ministers met in Fiji, with critics warning the agenda is about tightening security alliances.

Football (MSG Cup): Fiji’s “Bula Boys” beat New Caledonia 2-1 in the final group match in Suva, but captain Roy Krishna warned the team must sharpen finishing and decision-making ahead of the weekend final against defending champions Vanuatu. Women’s Football (MSG Cup): Fiji Kulas ended their campaign with a 1-0 win over New Caledonia, while PNG’s Bilums stayed unbeaten with a 5-1 demolition of Solomon Islands to book their place in the women’s final. Youth Football (OFC U15): Fiji opened the OFC Development Tournament with a 2-2 draw against New Caledonia, with Simione Poe scoring twice; Fiji next face Tahiti. Regional Security: Pacific defence ministers met in Fiji, with the SPDMM agenda framed around “shared regional security” while critics say it strengthens imperial alliances. Earthquakes (New Caledonia): A magnitude 6.6 quake struck near the Loyalty Islands; tsunami warnings reported no threat, with aftershocks still possible.