AGP Executive Report

Tourism and Sailing: New Caledonia made Lonely Planet’s list of 50 must-visit destinations for 2027. In Nouméa, Pacific Rally crews celebrated the sailing season and connections with local communities and marine services; the rally supports more than 260 yachts cruising the Pacific. Political Future: Pacific representatives renewed calls for a UN visiting mission to New Caledonia, citing continuing political uncertainty and hardship after the deadly 2024 unrest. At a separate UN hearing, Indonesia protested after a petitioner discussing New Caledonia called for West Papua to be restored to the UN decolonisation list. Environment: Rusa deer introduced to New Caledonia in 1870 have multiplied to an estimated 250,000–370,000, threatening native plants and ecosystems. Regional Rescue: French aircraft from New Caledonia helped support the international response to a disabled Solomon Islands ferry, dropping supplies and equipment to more than 70 people stranded at sea.

Tourism: More than 260 yachts joined this season’s Pacific Rally, with crews celebrating in Nouméa and connecting with marine services in New Caledonia and Australia. Organisers say the territory is a key stop before boats sail on to Australia or New Zealand. UN Debate: Pacific countries renewed calls for a UN visiting mission to New Caledonia, citing political uncertainty and ongoing social and economic pressures. At the same hearing, Indonesia protested after a speaker raised West Papua’s decolonisation status. Travel Spotlight: New Caledonia made Lonely Planet’s list of 50 must-visit destinations for 2027. Environment: Researchers estimate 250,000 to 370,000 rusa deer now roam the territory, descended from 12 animals brought from Java in 1870; browsing threatens native plants. Regional Rescue: New Caledonia also joined the response to a disabled Solomon Islands ferry, sending an aircraft that dropped life rafts and desalination equipment to help 73 people aboard.

Rescue at Sea: New Caledonian and Australian aircraft helped support a rescue operation for 73 people stranded aboard a disabled ferry off the Solomon Islands. Supplies reached the vessel, and a patrol boat was expected to assist. UN Decolonisation Debate: Pacific representatives renewed calls for a UN visiting mission to New Caledonia, citing continuing political uncertainty and hardship after the deadly 2024 unrest. At the same hearing, Indonesia objected after a petitioner raised West Papua’s status. Invasive Wildlife: New Caledonia’s rusa deer population is estimated at 250,000 to 370,000, descended from just 12 animals brought from Java in 1870. Researchers warn the deer threaten the territory’s unique native plants. Tourism Spotlight: New Caledonia is among Lonely Planet’s 50 destinations to visit in 2027.

Ferry Rescue: More than 70 people remain stranded aboard a drifting Solomon Islands ferry after an engine failure. New Caledonian aircraft were first to reach the vessel, dropping life rafts and desalination equipment as an international rescue effort continues. UN Decolonisation Debate: Pacific countries renewed calls for a UN visiting mission to New Caledonia, citing political uncertainty and ongoing social and economic pressures after the 2024 unrest. Indonesia separately protested after a speaker at a UN hearing on New Caledonia called for West Papua to be returned to the UN decolonisation list. Tourism: New Caledonia made Lonely Planet’s list of 50 destinations to visit in 2027. Environment: A recent study traces New Caledonia’s rusa deer to 12 animals brought from Java in 1870; estimates put today’s population at 250,000 to 370,000, with browsing posing a major threat to native plants.

Regional Rescue: A French aircraft from New Caledonia helped supply more than 70 people stranded aboard a drifting Solomon Islands ferry, dropping life rafts and desalination equipment as rescue efforts continued. Travel Spotlight: Lonely Planet named New Caledonia among its 50 must-visit destinations for 2027, raising the territory’s profile with international travellers. Self-Determination: Pacific representatives renewed calls for a UN visiting mission to New Caledonia, citing ongoing political uncertainty and hardship since the 2024 unrest. At a separate UN hearing on the territory, Indonesia protested after a speaker called for West Papua to be considered for the UN decolonisation list. Wildlife Pressure: New Caledonia’s rusa deer, descended from just 12 animals brought from Java in 1870, are estimated to number up to 370,000 and threaten native plants.

UN Decolonisation: Pacific representatives urged a UN visiting mission to New Caledonia, citing ongoing political uncertainty and hardship since the deadly 2024 unrest. Regional Tensions: At the UN hearing, Indonesia protested after a speaker raised West Papua while addressing New Caledonia, and called for the remarks to be struck from the record. Invasive Wildlife: Researchers say the island’s rusa deer population grew from 12 animals brought from Java in 1870 to an estimated 250,000–370,000, threatening native plants in the biodiversity hotspot. Tourism & Respect: Cruise coverage highlights calls for visitors to Lifou and other South Pacific ports to respect local customs and dress appropriately.

UN Decolonisation: Indonesia formally protested after a speaker at a UN hearing on New Caledonia raised West Papua and called for its return to the UN decolonisation list. Jakarta asked for the remarks to be ruled out of order and removed from the record. Political Future: Pacific representatives renewed calls for a UN visiting mission to New Caledonia, saying an independent assessment could help address political uncertainty and hardship after the 2024 unrest. MSG leaders, including FLNKS representatives, also discussed self-determination at a regional meeting in Fiji. Tourism and Respect: Cruise passengers are being urged to respect South Pacific customs, with complaints about revealing swimwear in Lifou prompting calls to cover up. Connectivity: Provider Easterra says its network now serves New Caledonia, amid strong growth in its Asia-Pacific business.

UN and Self-Determination: Pacific countries renewed calls for a UN visiting mission to New Caledonia, seeking an independent assessment amid political uncertainty and continuing social and economic hardship after the deadly 2024 unrest. Melanesian Cooperation: At a regional meeting in Fiji, Melanesian leaders discussed self-determination and climate finance, with New Caledonia’s FLNKS represented. Regional Tensions: Vanuatu condemned a letter from New Caledonian MP Nicolas Metzdorf that used Vanuatu’s colonial-era name and proposed French administration of islands claimed by Vanuatu. Tourism and Respect: Cruise visitors to Lifou are being urged to dress modestly and respect local customs, as complaints over swimwear fuel concern about relations with South Pacific ports.

Tourism: South Pacific cruisers are urging visitors to respect local customs and cover up in towns, citing complaints about swimwear at Lifou. UN & Self-Determination: Pacific representatives renewed calls for a UN visiting mission to New Caledonia, seeking an independent assessment amid political uncertainty and hardship after the 2024 unrest. Melanesian Cooperation: At a Pre-COP31 meeting, MSG leaders and FLNKS representatives discussed regional priorities, including New Caledonia’s self-determination. Regional Tensions: Vanuatu condemned a letter from New Caledonian MP Nicolas Metzdorf that used the colonial-era name “New Hebrides” and proposed French administration of Vanuatu’s southern islands. Football: New Caledonia finished last in the men’s MSG Cup standings after losing 2-1 to Fiji, who went on to win the title.

Decolonisation: French Polynesia President Moetai Brotherson has proposed a three-step UN process: explain political status options, send a UN mission to hear residents, then agree on a path to a referendum. He says France must allow the territory to decide its future. New Caledonia: Pacific representatives renewed calls for a UN visiting mission, saying it could help address political uncertainty and hardship after the deadly 2024 unrest. Papua New Guinea urged the UN to fund the mission, while the Melanesian Spearhead Group highlighted continuing pressures on Kanak communities. Regional Tensions: Vanuatu condemned a letter from New Caledonian lawmaker Nicolas Metzdorf that used the colonial-era name “New Hebrides” and suggested French administration of Vanuatu’s southern islands. The dispute follows Vanuatu’s renewed sovereignty claim over Matthew and Hunter islands. Melanesian Cooperation: Leaders at an MSG meeting in Fiji, joined by New Caledonia’s FLNKS, discussed regional priorities including self-determination and climate finance.

UN Mission: Pacific countries renewed calls for a UN visiting mission to New Caledonia, arguing an independent assessment could help address political uncertainty and hardship since the 2024 unrest. Papua New Guinea urged the mission be sent soon, while the Melanesian Spearhead Group highlighted pressures facing Kanak communities. Regional Diplomacy: At a Pre-COP31 meeting in Fiji, Melanesian leaders and New Caledonia’s FLNKS representatives discussed climate finance, security and self-determination. Sovereignty Dispute: Vanuatu condemned a letter from New Caledonian anti-independence lawmaker Nicolas Metzdorf that mocked the country and suggested French administration of its southern islands, amid a dispute over Matthew and Hunter islands. Maritime Security: A French-led Pacific patrol operation coordinated from New Caledonia brought regional partners together to detect illegal fishing and strengthen information sharing. Conservation: Long-term monitoring found three seabird populations on New Caledonia’s Surprise Island grew two to tenfold after invasive rats were eradicated.

Sovereignty Dispute: Vanuatu has condemned New Caledonian lawmaker Nicolas Metzdorf over a letter mocking its sovereignty claims and suggesting several Vanuatu islands could come under French administration. The dispute centres on Matthew and Hunter islands, claimed by both Vanuatu and France. Regional Football: New Caledonia finished last in the men’s MSG Prime Minister’s Cup standings, with three points. Fiji beat the team 2–1 on the final day, then won the title. Marine Security: A Pacific fisheries patrol led by French forces in New Caledonia brought together regional partners to tackle illegal fishing and improve maritime coordination. Conservation: On New Caledonia’s Surprise Island, seabird populations grew two to tenfold after invasive rats were eradicated in 2005.

Fiji–New Caledonia football: Fiji booked the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup final with a 2-1 win over New Caledonia in Suva, after trailing 0-1 at halftime; Scott Wara equalised and Maikah Dau added the second. Vanuatu–PNG women’s final: Vanuatu won the women’s MSG Cup title, beating Papua New Guinea 6-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw, in a match dedicated to victims of the MV Matui tragedy. Pacific climate diplomacy: Pre-COP31 talks in Fiji are drawing global attention, with only two leaders from outside the Pacific attending; Australia’s Chris Bowen says the meeting is key ahead of COP31, while Pacific negotiators warn they won’t accept a weak deal. Sovereignty clash: Vanuatu condemned a letter from New Caledonian MP Nicolas Metzdorf, calling it insulting and neo-colonial after he used the “Condominium of the New Hebrides” label and suggested French control over southern islands. Regional security: Operation Nasse in the Pacific—led by French forces in New Caledonia—targeted illegal fishing and boosted maritime coordination, with Australia contributing personnel and support. Local environment win: Long-term monitoring after invasive rats were cleared from Surprise Island found seabird breeding populations rising two to tenfold over the following years.

Pacific Climate Diplomacy: Only two leaders from outside the Pacific are attending Australia, Fiji and Tuvalu’s Pre-COP meeting in Fiji, with Pacific ministers warning the talks must deliver stronger climate action and finance ahead of COP31. Regional Security & Fisheries: Operation Nasse, led by French forces in New Caledonia, brought together Pacific partners and Australia to detect and deter illegal fishing, with ADF and AFMA support and an embedded liaison in Nouméa. Vanuatu–New Caledonia Row: Vanuatu has condemned a pro-France New Caledonian lawmaker’s “racist, neo-colonial” rant over Matthew and Hunter Islands, rejecting the “New Hebrides” framing and calling the comments an attack on sovereignty. Football (MSG Prime Minister’s Cup): Fiji won the men’s title by beating New Caledonia 1-0 in the final, while Vanuatu claimed the women’s crown after a 1-1 draw with PNG and a 6-4 penalty shootout. Sports Spotlight: Fiji’s U15 drew New Caledonia 2-2, with Simione Poe scoring twice.

Vanuatu–New Caledonia Diplomatic Row: Vanuatu has condemned a letter and social media rant by pro-France New Caledonian MP Nicolas Metzdorf, calling it insulting, neo-colonial and racist after he used the colonial “Condominium of the New Hebrides” name and floated French control over islands including Matthew and Hunter. MSG Cup Football: Vanuatu’s women won the 2026 MSG Prime Minister’s Cup in Suva, beating PNG 6-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw, with the match dedicated to victims of the MV Matui tragedy. Pacific Climate Talks: Only two leaders outside the Pacific are attending Australia–Fiji–Tuvalu’s Pre-COP meeting in Fiji, as Pacific negotiators warn they won’t accept a weak climate outcome and stress climate finance and a “just transition” can’t be separated from money. Maritime Security in the Region: Operation Nasse boosted Pacific fisheries patrol and maritime coordination, with Australia contributing personnel and support and embedding staff in the Noumea joint coordination centre. Local Environment Win: After invasive rats were cleared from New Caledonia’s Surprise Island in 2005, monitored seabird breeding populations later rose two to tenfold, showing long-term conservation results. Sports (Fiji vs New Caledonia): Fiji booked the MSG Cup men’s final by beating New Caledonia 2-1, setting up a final against Vanuatu.

Climate Diplomacy: Only two non-Pacific leaders are attending Fiji’s Pre-COP31 meeting, where Australia’s Chris Bowen says the talks are vital for keeping global focus on Pacific climate threats ahead of COP31. Pacific Climate Priorities: Pacific negotiators warn they won’t accept a weak deal, stressing that “just transition” can’t be separated from finance. Sovereignty Row: Vanuatu has condemned a French MP’s letter targeting Matthew and Hunter Islands, calling it racist and neo-colonial, after the dispute flared following a UN speech. Regional Security: Australia says it helped boost maritime security and fisheries patrols in Operation Nasse, including liaison and intelligence support in Nouméa. Football (MSG Cup): Vanuatu won the women’s MSG Prime Minister’s Cup in Suva on penalties, while Fiji booked the men’s final with a 2-1 win over New Caledonia. Sports (Youth): Fiji’s U15 drew 2-2 with New Caledonia, setting up their next match against Tahiti.