AGP Executive Report

OFC U-16 build-up: Fiji’s Junior Bula Boys have departed for Papua New Guinea, with Mohammed Sameer among the squad as the tournament kicks off in Port Moresby this month—Fiji open against New Caledonia on July 12. Local politics: New Caledonia’s delayed provincial elections have left the Congress near deadlocked, with heavy security and lingering questions over the referendum process and governance credibility. Climate pressure: A new WMO report warns the South-West Pacific is warming and becoming more acidic, with marine heatwaves and sea-level rise threatening fisheries and coastal communities. Regional governance & culture: A Pacific forum in Rarotonga is pushing community-led conservation, bringing together leaders including New Caledonia to link customary governance with climate resilience. Aircalin rebrand: Aircalin has unveiled a new identity ahead of its first A350-900 arrival in December, with “New Caledonia” integrated into the logo.

OFC U-16 Championship: Papua New Guinea is hosting the Oceania Football Confederation Under-16 Men’s Championship in Port Moresby from Sunday to July 25, with New Caledonia among the visiting teams; the tournament’s success hinges on stadium readiness, broadcasting, security, and smooth logistics for delegations arriving via Jackson International Airport. Samoa’s Group A run: Samoa’s U-16 squad has finished final preparations for the same tournament, travelling to PNG on July 8 and opening against host Papua New Guinea on July 12, then facing Fiji (July 15) and New Caledonia (July 18). New Caledonia politics: New Caledonia’s provincial elections have left the territory in a near deadlock at Congress, with heavy security in place and the new provincial presidents now elected in the North, South and Loyalty Islands. Climate pressure on the Pacific: A new WMO report warns the South-West Pacific is getting hotter and more acidic, with marine heatwaves and ocean acidification threatening fisheries and ecosystems, while sea-level rise adds risk for low-lying communities. Aircalin rebrand: Aircalin has unveiled a new logo that more clearly integrates “New Caledonia” ahead of the arrival of its first Airbus A350-900 in December.

Pacific Security & Diplomacy: Australia’s new Pacific security pacts are being criticised as “colonial outposts” because they lack real investment, even as Canberra pushes deals like Fiji’s Ocean of Peace Alliance while also signing a Vanuatu agreement aimed at keeping ports neutral. Climate Pressure on the Blue Pacific: A WMO report says the South-West Pacific hit its second-warmest year on record in 2025, with hotter, more acidic seas, marine heatwaves, sea-level rise and major ecosystem and fisheries damage. U.S.-Pacific Partnership Critique: Pacific Elders Voice says Washington’s U.S-Pacific Partnership Declaration falls short on climate action and funding, calling climate the region’s biggest security threat. New Caledonia Politics: A Pacific Islands Forum mission report questions the credibility of New Caledonia’s 2021 referendum process, and the territory’s provincial elections have left a near deadlock in Congress. Aircalin Rebrand: Aircalin has unveiled a refreshed logo ahead of its first Airbus A350-900 arrival in December, with “New Caledonia” integrated into the identity. Football Pathways: Samoa’s U-16 side is set for the OFC tournament in Papua New Guinea, with Group A including host PNG, Fiji and New Caledonia.

Aircalin Rebrand: New Caledonia’s airline has unveiled a refreshed logo ahead of its first Airbus A350-900 arriving in December, keeping the hibiscus but adding a fifth petal and clearer “New Caledonia” branding as it expands international capacity. Climate Alarm for the Southwest Pacific: A WMO report says 2025 was the second-warmest year on record for the South-West Pacific, with hotter, more acidic oceans, marine heatwaves, sea-level rise risks, and major impacts on fisheries and coastal communities. Youth Football Spotlight: New Caledonia is set to face hosts Papua New Guinea in the OFC U-16 Men’s Championship, with the tournament also acting as a pathway toward the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2027. Local Politics—Provincial Presidents: After June 28 provincial elections, New Caledonia’s Northern, Southern and Loyalty Islands assemblies have elected their presidents, with the Southern province dominated by pro-France parties and the Northern contest split between UNI-PALIKA and Union Calédonienne-FLNKS. Regional Governance Scrutiny: The Pacific Islands Forum has received a critical mission report questioning the credibility of New Caledonia’s referendum process, even as the territory seeks regional support for its agenda.

Aircalin Rebrand: New Caledonia’s airline has unveiled a refreshed logo ahead of its first Airbus A350-900 arriving in December, keeping the hibiscus but simplifying the design and adding “New Caledonia” under the name as it pushes a stronger international identity. Climate Warning for the Southwest Pacific: A new WMO report says 2025 was the second-warmest year on record for the South-West Pacific, with hotter, more acidic oceans, marine heatwaves disrupting fisheries and ecosystems, and rising sea levels threatening low-lying communities. Youth Football Spotlight: Papua New Guinea hosts the OFC U-16 Men’s Championship this weekend, with New Caledonia drawn in Group A alongside Fiji and Samoa, and the top three teams set to qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2027. Local Politics Watch: New Caledonia’s provincial elections have left the territory’s Congress near deadlock, with pro- and anti-independence parties split after a long, delayed process marked by security and controversy. Regional Governance: The Pacific Islands Forum is weighing a sharply critical report on the credibility of New Caledonia’s referendum process, as leaders meet in Suva.

OFC U-16 Championship: Papua New Guinea hosts the OFC Under-16 Men’s Championship in Port Moresby this weekend, with New Caledonia drawn in Group A alongside Fiji and Samoa; the top three qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2027. Local Politics: New Caledonia’s provincial elections have produced a near deadlock in Congress, with pro-France parties winning big in the Southern province while horse-trading continues in the North and the Loyalty Islands. Regional Governance: A Pacific Islands Forum mission report questions the credibility of New Caledonia’s 2024 referendum process, raising legitimacy concerns even as French authorities are said to have managed the vote conduct well. Aircalin Rebrand: Aircalin has unveiled a refreshed logo ahead of its first Airbus A350-900 arriving in December, keeping the hibiscus but adding a fifth petal and integrating “New Caledonia” into the brand. Climate Watch: The WMO says 2025 was the South-West Pacific’s second-warmest year on record, with marine heatwaves disrupting ecosystems and fisheries. Sports Spotlight: Fiji’s Junior Bula Boys are finalising preparations in PNG, including two New Zealand-based players, as the tournament kicks off 12 July.

New Caledonia Election Fallout: France’s loyalist bloc won the most seats in New Caledonia’s provincial elections but fell short of a majority, leaving the centrist L’Eveil oceanien as kingmaker; with Congress split 24 loyalist seats to 26 pro-independence, the next government and president will hinge on coalition talks after the June 28 vote. Provincial Presidency Horse-Trading: The newly elected Northern, Southern and Loyalty Islands assemblies have started picking presidents, with the south largely settled under Sonia Backès’ loyalists while the north remains a tighter contest between Paul Néaoutyine and Pascal Sawa. Regional Scrutiny of Referendum: A Pacific Islands Forum mission report questions the credibility and legitimacy of New Caledonia’s 2021 referendum process, adding pressure as leaders meet in Suva. Sports—OFC Women’s Champions League: Auckland United thrashed New Caledonia debutants Drehu Athletico Club 11-1, while New Caledonia’s Drehu also opened their campaign with a heavy loss as the tournament’s early standings take shape.

New Caledonia Election Deadlock: New Caledonia’s provincial elections have left Congress without an outright winner, with the pro-France bloc (Les Loyalistes-Le Rassemblement) taking 24 seats and the pro-independence coalition winning 26, while centrist L’Eveil oceanien holds the balance with four seats—meaning negotiations over who leads the next executive are set to be intense. Provincial Presidency Horse-Trading: The newly elected Northern, Southern and Loyalty Islands assemblies have now chosen presidents, with the Southern province’s pro-France front securing a clear majority and leadership, while the Northern province remains more contested between UNI-Palika’s Paul Néaoutyine and Union Calédonienne-FLNKS’s Pascal Sawa. Regional Scrutiny of Referendums: Ahead of the Pacific Islands Forum in Suva, a Forum mission report on New Caledonia’s earlier referendum process has been flagged as sharply critical on legitimacy and credibility, even as voting conduct was acknowledged by French authorities. Sports With Local Links: In youth football, China’s U20 women’s coach appointment puts New Caledonia in its World Cup group, while in regional club action Auckland United’s big win over New Caledonia’s Drehu Athletico Club underlines the pressure on the debutants in the OFC Women’s Champions League.

New Caledonia Politics: Pro-France loyalists won the biggest share in New Caledonia’s provincial elections, but fell short of an outright majority in the Congress, leaving centrist kingmakers in play as negotiations continue over the territory’s next government and its long-term talks with Paris. Provincial Leadership: The newly elected assemblies then moved to pick presidents—Southern Province delivered a clear loyalist win, while the Northern Province leadership race was tight between pro-independence and other blocs. Forum Scrutiny: A Pacific Islands Forum mission report has raised serious questions about the credibility and legitimacy of New Caledonia’s earlier referendum process, even while noting the voting itself was conducted properly. Regional Sports: Auckland United crushed New Caledonia’s Drehu Athletico Club in the OFC Women’s Champions League, while New Caledonia’s Drehu also faces a tough group after the opening loss. Pacific Diplomacy: PM Matthew Wale called for a stronger, more effective Melanesian Spearhead Group after talks with PNG’s James Marape. Pacific Fisheries: The 25th Forum Fisheries Committee ministerial meeting wrapped up in Wellington, with New Caledonia represented as an observer.

New Caledonia Election Fallout: Pro-France loyalists have emerged as the largest bloc after the June 28 provincial vote, but they fell short of an outright majority—leaving a centrist party, L’Eveil oceanien, as kingmaker. Final figures show Sonia Backès’ “Strong and United” list winning 28 of 40 seats in the South, while the North is split neck-and-neck between pro-independence UC-FLNKS and UNI-Palika, and the Loyalty Islands remain divided. Provincial Presidencies: The newly elected assemblies have now picked presidents: Backès secured the South top job with no rival, while the North presidency fight is tighter, reflecting the close ballot results. Forum Watch on Referendum Credibility: A Pacific Islands Forum mission report, discussed in Suva, questions the credibility of New Caledonia’s 2021 referendum process, even while noting the voting conduct by French authorities. Regional Sports: New Caledonia’s Drehu Athletico Club opened the OFC Women’s Champions League with a heavy loss to Auckland United, while Auckland’s dominance underlines the pressure on New Caledonia’s debutants.

New Caledonia Provincial Politics: With the first provincial vote since 2019 now settled, pro-France parties have emerged as the largest bloc but still fall short of an outright majority in the Congress, setting up fresh coalition talks. Final figures show Sonia Backès’ “Strong and United” list taking 28 of 54 seats overall (28/40 in the South), while the pro-independence side wins 26 seats split across blocs, and the centrist L’Eveil océanien holds the balance with 4 seats—meaning the next executive could hinge on bargaining with that small party. Forum Scrutiny of Referendum: Separately, a Pacific Islands Forum mission report has raised sharp questions about the credibility of New Caledonia’s recent self-determination referendum process, even while noting the voting itself was conducted properly. Sports—Local Impact: In football, Auckland United’s early demolition of New Caledonia’s Drehu Athletico Club (11-1) has set the tone for the OFC Women’s Champions League, with New Caledonia’s teams now chasing crucial results in the group stage. Pacific Spotlight: China has appointed a new U20 women’s coach ahead of the World Cup, with New Caledonia drawn in the same group as Spain and Nigeria. Regional Science & Environment: Research into “slow earthquakes” is pointing to water released from minerals, with New Caledonia rock samples used to study the trigger—while Pacific leaders also gather to push Indigenous-led conservation and climate resilience.

Provincial power reshuffle in New Caledonia: After the June 28 provincial vote, the non-independence bloc has emerged as the largest force but still falls short of an outright majority, with the Congress split 24 seats loyalists vs 26 pro-independence, and a four-seat centrist party (L’Eveil océanien) poised as kingmaker. Southern Province sweep: In the South, pro-France “Strong and United” (Les Loyalistes–Le Rassemblement) won 28 of 40 seats and 50.4% of the vote, while pro-independence lists took the rest. Northern and Loyalty Islands tight races: The North stayed closely contested (UC-FLNKS vs UNI-Palika), and the Loyalty Islands saw pro-independence lists take key seats, setting up tough coalition talks. Forum referendum credibility questioned: A Pacific Islands Forum mission report has raised serious concerns about the legitimacy and credibility of the December referendum process, even while noting the voting itself was well run. Regional sport ripple: New Caledonia’s Drehu Athletico Club were hammered 11-1 by Auckland United in the OFC Women’s Champions League, but still have a path forward in the group.

New Caledonia Politics: Anti-independence parties won the biggest share in the territory’s first provincial elections since 2019, but fell short of an outright majority in Congress—Les Loyalistes-Le Rassemblement took 24 of 54 seats, pro-independence blocs won 26, and centrist L’Eveil océanien holds 4 kingmaker seats. Southern Province Shift: The “Strong and United” pro-France list dominated the South (including Nouméa), winning 28 of 40 seats there with 50.4% of the vote, while pro-independence support stayed stronger in the North and Loyalty Islands. Turnout and Stakes: Turnout was 63.71%, down from 66.50% in 2019, and the vote follows the 2024 unrest—so negotiations with Paris over New Caledonia’s long-term future are set to intensify. Regional Sports: In the OFC Women’s Champions League, Auckland United crushed New Caledonia debutants Drehu Athletico 11-1, while Puaikura FC (Cook Islands) lost 7-0 to Auckland but still has a shot at the semis.

New Caledonia Politics: Anti-independence parties won the most seats in the territory’s first provincial elections since 2019, but they still fell short of an outright majority in Congress. Final results show Les Loyalistes–Le Rassemblement taking 24 of 54 seats, while the pro-independence bloc (UC-FLNKS, UNI-Palika and Dynamique Autochtone) won 26, leaving centrist L’Eveil océanien as kingmaker with 4 seats—meaning the next government will hinge on coalition talks. Southern Province Shift: The biggest change came in the South, where the “Strong and United” pro-France list led by Sonia Backès secured 28 of 40 seats with 50.4% of the vote, while pro-independence lists held firm in the North and the Loyalty Islands. Election Context: Turnout dropped to 63.7% after the 2024 unrest, with heavy security deployed as negotiations with Paris over New Caledonia’s future move into a new phase.

New Caledonia Politics: Pro-France parties won the most seats in the territory’s first provincial elections since 2019, but fell short of an outright majority—24 of 54 for Les Loyalistes–Le Rassemblement versus 26 for the pro-independence bloc, with centrist L’Eveil oceanien holding the balance with 4 seats; turnout was 63.7% after the vote was delayed from 2024 following the 2024 unrest, and the result will shape talks with Paris. Southern Province Results: In the South, the “Strong and United” list led by Sonia Backès took 50.4% and 28 of 40 seats, while pro-independence lists took 7 seats (FLNKS) and 5 seats (Eveil Océanien), reinforcing a loyalist surge in Nouméa and nearby towns. Regional Diplomacy: Prime Minister Matthew Wale called for a stronger, more effective Melanesian Spearhead Group after talks with PNG’s James Marape in Port Moresby. Indigenous Conservation: Pacific leaders and traditional authorities met for an IUCN-backed forum on Indigenous-led conservation, climate resilience and sustainable financing, including participants from New Caledonia. Science & Local Risk: Research teams studying slow earthquakes travelled to New Caledonia to look for “fossil” signs of water in rocks, aiming to improve preparedness for hard-to-detect seismic events.

New Caledonia Provincial Election: Pro-France loyalists emerged as the largest bloc after the June 28 vote, winning 24 of 54 seats in Congress but falling short of an outright majority, with pro-independence parties taking 26 and the centrist L’Eveil océanien holding 4—meaning coalition talks will shape who leads the next executive. Southern Province Sweep: In the South, the “Strong and United” alliance (Les Loyalistes and Le Rassemblement) won 28 of 40 seats with 50.4% of the vote, while FLNKS took 7 seats and Eveil océanien 5. Turnout and Context: Turnout was 63.71%, down from 66.50% in 2019, and the election followed the 2024 unrest and repeated delays, with tight security deployed across the territory. Research Spotlight (New Caledonia link): A study on slow earthquakes used “fossil” rock samples from New Caledonia to understand how water in minerals can trigger long-lasting seismic events.