AGP Executive Report

Nouméa Diplomacy: France’s foreign minister accused an Azerbaijani group of holding conferences in Nouméa that encourage revolt in French overseas territories. Azerbaijan rejected the charge, saying it seeks to overshadow local concerns. Youth Tennis: Solomon Islands won the under-14 and under-18 doubles finals against New Caledonia at the Pacific Youth Tennis International in Païta, which runs through October 17. Regional Policing: Pacific police chiefs endorsed a new regional policing constitution, with New Caledonia among the participating members. Tourism: Swan Hellenic has announced a 2027 expedition cruise featuring New Caledonia, Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands, sailing from Auckland to Honiara from March 21 to April 3.

Nouméa Tennis: Solomon Islands players won the under-14 and under-18 doubles titles, beating New Caledonia in the finals of the Pacific Youth Tennis International in Païta. The tournament ran through Friday. France–Azerbaijan Dispute: French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot accused an Azerbaijani-linked group of stirring unrest in New Caledonia. Baku rejected the charge, calling it unfounded and accusing Paris of confrontational rhetoric. Pacific Policing: Regional police chiefs endorsed a new Pacific-led policing framework, with New Caledonia among its members; Wallis and Futuna joined as the 23rd member. Cyclone Outlook: Forecasters expect seven to 11 named cyclones across the southwest Pacific. New Caledonia and Vanuatu face normal to below-normal risk, though severe storms could affect communities anywhere in the region. Regional Cruise: Swan Hellenic plans a 2027 voyage from Auckland to Honiara, calling at New Caledonia, Vanuatu and Solomon Islands, with a SETI scientist aboard.

Pacific Voyage: Swan Hellenic’s 2027 cruise from Auckland to Honiara will stop in New Caledonia, Vanuatu and Solomon Islands, with planetary scientist Ross Beyer joining guests aboard the Minerva from March 21 to April 3. Nouméa Diplomatic Row: France’s foreign minister accused an Azerbaijani group of provoking unrest through conferences in Nouméa; Baku rejected the claim as unfounded, escalating a dispute over foreign influence and New Caledonia’s political future. Youth Tennis: Solomon Islands players won Under-14 and Under-18 doubles titles at the Pacific Youth Tennis International in Païta, beating New Caledonian hosts in both finals. Cyclone Outlook: Forecasters expect normal to reduced cyclone risk around New Caledonia this season, but warn that severe storms could strike anywhere in the Southwest Pacific. Regional Policing: New Caledonia joined Pacific police leaders in endorsing a new regional policing body, PACPOL, at their conference in the Northern Mariana Islands.

Nouméa–Paris Tensions: France’s foreign minister accused an Azerbaijan-linked group of promoting revolt in New Caledonia; Baku rejected the charge, calling it unfounded. Youth Tennis: Solomon Islands players won the Under-14 and Under-18 doubles finals against New Caledonia at the Pacific tournament in Païta, running through 17 October. Cyclone Outlook: New Caledonia faces normal to below-normal cyclone risk this season, though forecasters warn severe storms could affect communities anywhere in the Southwest Pacific. Regional Policing: Pacific police chiefs endorsed the new PACPOL framework, with New Caledonia among its members. Family Violence: France’s 2025 figures recorded two women killed by current or former partners in New Caledonia.

Youth Sport: Solomon Islands players won the Under-14 and Under-18 doubles finals against New Caledonia at the Pacific Youth Tennis International in Païta, where teams from across Melanesia are competing through 17 October. Decolonisation Debate: France opposed a UN fact-finding mission on French Polynesia’s future, insisting consultations stay within French institutions. Separately, Azerbaijan rejected French claims of interference in the rights movements of New Caledonia and other overseas territories. Cyclone Outlook: New Caledonia faces normal to reduced cyclone risk this season, but forecasters warn at least four severe cyclones could occur somewhere in the southwest Pacific and urge all communities to prepare. Climate Funding: The Pacific Community reports US$129.9 million in new climate-finance approvals for 2025, including support for tuna-dependent Pacific communities to adapt. Invasive Wildlife: Rusa deer introduced to New Caledonia in 1870 have multiplied to an estimated 250,000–370,000, posing a major ecological challenge.

France–Azerbaijan Dispute: Baku has rejected French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot’s claim that Azerbaijan interferes in the rights struggles of people in New Caledonia and other French territories, calling the accusation unfounded. Cyclone Outlook: New Caledonia faces normal-to-reduced cyclone risk this season, but forecasters warn severe cyclones could occur anywhere in the Southwest Pacific and urge communities to prepare. Partner Violence: France recorded 136 deaths involving current or former partners in 2025; New Caledonia accounted for two victims. Wildlife Pressure: A population of up to 370,000 rusa deer, descended from just 12 animals brought to the territory in 1870, is threatening native plants across Grande Terre. Pacific Links: New Caledonia was among the teams Fiji drew with at the OFC Under-15 tournament, before Fiji was named for the inaugural FIFA U-15 event in Baku.

Paris–Baku Dispute: Azerbaijan rejected French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot’s claim that it interferes in the rights movements of New Caledonia and other French territories. Baku called the accusation unfounded and said it obscures local people’s concerns. Decolonisation: At a UN hearing on New Caledonia, Indonesia protested after a petitioner raised West Papua’s status and urged its return to the UN decolonisation list. Women’s Safety: France recorded 111 women killed by current or former partners in 2025; two victims were in New Caledonia. Cyclone Outlook: New Caledonia faces normal to reduced cyclone risk this season, but forecasters warn that severe storms could occur anywhere in the Southwest Pacific and urge communities to prepare. Environment: Researchers estimate 250,000 to 370,000 rusa deer now inhabit New Caledonia, descended from 12 animals brought from Java in 1870; browsing threatens the islands’ unique native plants.

Cyclone Outlook: New Caledonia and Vanuatu face a normal-to-reduced cyclone risk this season, but forecasters warn that at least four severe cyclones could form anywhere in the Southwest Pacific and urge all communities to stay prepared. Regional Rescue: French aircraft from New Caledonia helped deliver life rafts, water-making equipment and other supplies to 73 passengers stranded aboard the MV Awka near the Solomon Islands after engine failure. Decolonisation Debate: Indonesia protested at a UN hearing on New Caledonia after a petitioner raised West Papua’s status; the petitioner also called for Kanak people to determine their political future. Environment: New Caledonia’s rusa deer population, descended from 12 animals brought from Java in 1870, is estimated at up to 370,000 and threatens the islands’ native plants. Tourism: Lonely Planet included New Caledonia in its 2027 Best in Travel list, while a Nouméa gathering welcomed Pacific Rally sailors at the close of the cruising season.

Decolonisation Debate: Indonesia formally protested at a UN hearing on New Caledonia after a speaker called for West Papua to return to the UN decolonisation list. The exchange came during debate on Kanak self-determination. Regional Rescue: New Caledonian aircraft joined the international response to a disabled Solomon Islands ferry, dropping supplies for 73 passengers and crew stranded at sea. Tourism: New Caledonia made Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2027 list, while a Pacific yacht rally in Nouméa brought visiting sailors together with local tourism and marine businesses. Environmental Pressure: A recent report highlights the damage caused by rusa deer, descended from just 12 animals brought from Java in 1870; estimates put the herd at 250,000 to 370,000.

Tourism: A Pacific Rally gathering in Nouméa marked the end of the sailing season, with organisers highlighting New Caledonia’s role as a stopover for yachts heading to Australia and New Zealand. Regional Rescue: French aircraft from New Caledonia joined the international response to the stranded MV Awka ferry in Solomon Islands waters, dropping supplies and equipment for passengers and crew. Self-Determination: Pacific representatives renewed calls at the UN for a visiting mission to New Caledonia, citing political uncertainty and hardship since the deadly 2024 unrest. Indonesia separately protested after a speaker at the same hearing raised West Papua. Environment: Researchers warn that rusa deer, introduced to New Caledonia in 1870, have grown to an estimated 250,000–370,000 and threaten native plants. Travel Spotlight: Lonely Planet named New Caledonia among its recommended destinations for 2027.

Nouméa Marina Links: A Pacific Rally celebration in Nouméa brought yacht crews together with local and Australian marinas, as sailors wrap up the season and head onward. The rally supports more than 260 yachts cruising the Pacific. Regional Rescue: Aircraft from New Caledonia joined the operation to assist 73 passengers and crew stranded aboard the MV Awka in Solomon Islands waters, delivering supplies and rescue equipment as vessels headed to help. Decolonisation Debate: Pacific representatives renewed calls for a UN visiting mission to New Caledonia, citing political uncertainty and hardship since the 2024 unrest. At the same UN hearing, Indonesia protested after a speaker raised West Papua. Environment: A study traces Grande Terre’s rusa deer to 12 animals brought from Java in 1870; the population was estimated at up to 370,000 in 2011, threatening the territory’s native plants. Tourism: Lonely Planet named New Caledonia among its top destinations to visit in 2027.

Regional Rescue: New Caledonian and Australian aircraft helped deliver emergency supplies to the MV Awka after its engine failed off the Solomon Islands. More than 70 passengers and crew remain stranded as rescue vessels head to the ferry. Decolonisation: Pacific representatives renewed calls at the UN for a visiting mission to New Caledonia, citing continuing political uncertainty and hardship. Indonesia separately protested after a speaker raised West Papua during the hearing. Environment: A study traces New Caledonia’s invasive rusa deer to 12 animals brought from Java in 1870; estimates put the population at 250,000 to 370,000 in 2011, with browsing threatening native plants. Tourism: New Caledonia has been named among Lonely Planet’s top destinations to visit in 2027.

Maritime Rescue: New Caledonia joined an international effort to help 73 passengers aboard the drifting Solomon Islands ferry MV Awka, with a French aircraft from Nouméa delivering life rafts, water supplies and other essentials as rescue ships made their way to the vessel. UN Decolonisation Debate: Indonesia protested after a speaker at a UN hearing on New Caledonia called for West Papua to be restored to the UN decolonisation list; Indonesian representatives sought to have the remarks removed from the record. Pacific nations also renewed calls for a UN visiting mission to New Caledonia, citing political uncertainty and hardship since the 2024 unrest. Regional Diplomacy: Melanesian leaders, joined by representatives of New Caledonia’s FLNKS, discussed self-determination and regional priorities at a meeting in Fiji. Tourism: Lonely Planet included New Caledonia on its Best in Travel list for 2027. Environment: A study highlights the scale of the rusa deer problem: descendants of 12 animals introduced in 1870 now number an estimated 250,000 to 370,000 and threaten the territory’s native plants.

Regional Rescue: More than 70 passengers remain stranded aboard the drifting Solomon Islands ferry MV Awka after its engine failed. A French aircraft from New Caledonia dropped life rafts and desalination equipment, while Australian and Solomon Islands rescue efforts brought food, water, medical supplies and communications gear. Travel: New Caledonia has been named one of Lonely Planet’s 50 must-visit destinations for 2027. UN Decolonisation Debate: Pacific nations renewed calls for a UN visiting mission to assess conditions in New Caledonia and support a lasting political settlement. At a separate UN hearing, Indonesia protested after a speaker raised West Papua’s status during discussion of New Caledonia. Wildlife: An estimated 250,000 to 370,000 rusa deer descend from just 12 animals brought from Java in 1870. Researchers say the invasive herds threaten native plants across Grande Terre.

Regional Rescue: A French aircraft carrying food, water and medical supplies left Nouméa to assist 73 passengers stranded aboard the MV Awka near the Solomon Islands. Australia and New Zealand also offered support. Wildlife Pressure: New Caledonia’s rusa deer population, descended from 12 animals brought from Java in 1870, is estimated at 250,000 to 370,000. Researchers warn the invasive herds threaten the islands’ unique native plants. UN Decolonisation Debate: Pacific countries renewed calls for a UN visiting mission to New Caledonia, citing political uncertainty and hardship since the deadly 2024 unrest. At the same hearing, Indonesia protested after a speaker raised West Papua’s status. Melanesian Cooperation: MSG leaders, including representatives of New Caledonia’s FLNKS, discussed regional priorities and reaffirmed attention to self-determination issues.

Regional Rescue: A French aircraft departed Nouméa with food, water and medical supplies for 73 passengers aboard the drifting MV Awka near Solomon Islands. Australia and New Zealand have also offered support as rough seas complicate the response. UN Debate: Indonesia protested after a speaker at a UN hearing on New Caledonia called for West Papua to be restored to the UN decolonisation list, asking for the remarks to be struck from the record. Self-Determination: Pacific representatives renewed calls for a UN visiting mission to New Caledonia, citing political uncertainty and hardship since the deadly 2024 unrest. Environment: New Caledonia’s rusa deer population, descended from 12 animals brought from Java in 1870, is estimated to have reached 250,000–370,000, threatening the territory’s native plants.