AGP Executive Report

Earthquakes Watch: A magnitude 6.6 quake struck off New Caledonia near the Loyalty Islands, with no tsunami threat reported; earlier reports also cited a 7.0 quake before revisions, and residents in Nouméa and nearby areas reported light to moderate shaking. Regional Diplomacy: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale renewed calls at the UN for Indonesia to allow the UN human rights chief to visit West Papua, linking the issue to Pacific decolonisation including New Caledonia. Sports (MSG Prime Minister’s Cup): Fiji’s Bula Boys beat PNG 2-0, while New Caledonia’s men edged PNG 2-1 in Suva—keeping the men’s final race tight. Women’s Football: PNG booked the Women’s final after a 2-0 win over Vanuatu, with the remaining spot still to be decided. Maritime Safety: Maritime New Zealand coordinated the rescue of four sailors after an Australian-flagged yacht was hit by a whale and began sinking in the South Pacific near Nouméa. Local Life & Travel: A feature highlights New Caledonia’s Blue River Provincial Park as a protected, off-the-beaten-path nature escape near Nouméa.

MSG Prime Minister’s Cup (Women): PNG’s Bilums booked the final with a 2-0 win over Vanuatu in Fiji, keeping their perfect run alive as Phyllis Pala broke the deadlock and Keren Kalapai added a second. MSG Prime Minister’s Cup (Men): New Caledonia beat PNG 2-1, with Brice Dahite scoring early and Ati Kepo equalising before an own goal gave New Caledonia the edge. West Papua diplomacy: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale urged Indonesia at the UN to allow the UN human rights chief to visit West Papua, linking the call to Melanesian solidarity and Pacific decolonisation, including New Caledonia. UN veto row: Wale also attacked the UN Security Council veto as a “relic of 1945,” arguing it entrenches double standards. Earthquake watch (New Caledonia): A revised 6.6 quake hit near the Loyalty Islands with no tsunami threat reported, after an earlier 7.0 reading; residents in Nouméa reported light to weak shaking. Blue River Park feature: A local travel piece highlights restricted access and guided ways to explore New Caledonia’s Blue River Provincial Park.

UN Diplomacy: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale used the UN General Assembly to renew calls for a UN human rights team to investigate alleged abuses in West Papua, and he also backed decolonisation for New Caledonia and French Polynesia. Earthquakes in the region: A 7.0 quake struck near New Caledonia’s Loyalty Islands, followed by a 6.6 event off the coast; no tsunami threat was reported and there were no immediate reports of major damage. MSG Prime Minister’s Cup (men): The race for the final stays tight after New Caledonia beat PNG 2-1, while Vanuatu and Solomon Islands drew 3-3—leaving several teams within a few points. MSG Prime Minister’s Cup (women): PNG booked the women’s final with an unbeaten run after beating Vanuatu 2-0, with the remaining spot to be decided after Solomon Islands’ win over New Caledonia. Maritime rescue: Maritime New Zealand coordinated the rescue of four sailors after an Australian yacht struck a whale and began sinking in the South Pacific, with help from nearby vessels and Nouméa-area partners. Aviation link: Fiji Airways has restarted direct Nadi–Nouméa flights, welcomed as a confidence boost for New Caledonia’s tourism after the 2024 unrest.

Earthquake Watch: A magnitude 7.0 quake struck 68 km ENE of Tadine in New Caledonia’s Loyalty Islands, with later reports revising it to 6.6; the USGS put it at about 17 km deep and the tsunami warning system said there’s no tsunami threat for Hawaii, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands or American Samoa. Aftershocks Felt Locally: Shaking was reported across New Caledonia including Nouméa and Mont-Dore, with residents describing beds and shelves moving and sideways swaying. Maritime Rescue: Maritime New Zealand coordinated the rescue of four sailors after an Australian-flagged yacht, Tai Tam, struck a whale and began sinking about 185 nautical miles southeast of Nouméa; the crew spent hours in a life raft before being picked up by the MV Sofrana Surville. Regional Sports: In the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup race, New Caledonia beat Papua New Guinea 2-1, while Vanuatu and Solomon Islands drew 3-3—keeping the final spot tightly contested. Aviation Update: Fiji Airways has restarted direct Nadi–Nouméa flights bi-weekly, welcomed as a confidence boost for New Caledonia’s tourism after the 2024 unrest.

Earthquake Watch for New Caledonia: A magnitude 6.6 quake struck off the Loyalty Islands near Maré, with the epicentre about 80 km ENE of Tadine and a depth around 10 km; no tsunami threat was reported and authorities say there are no immediate reports of major damage or casualties, though residents across the territory reported moderate to weak shaking. Regional Sports — MSG Prime Minister’s Cup: The race for the 2026 final stayed tight after New Caledonia beat Papua New Guinea 2-1, while Vanuatu and Solomon Islands drew 3-3, leaving the top positions separated by just a few points. Pacific Climate Push at the UN: Pacific leaders used the UN General Assembly to press urgent action on sea-level rise and climate finance, with Tuvalu’s PM calling it a “present reality” and warning that small island states face existential risks. Fiji Airways Restores Nouméa Link: Fiji Airways relaunched direct Nadi–Nouméa flights, welcomed as a confidence boost for New Caledonia’s tourism after the 2024 unrest disrupted services.

Earthquake Watch (New Caledonia): A 6.6-magnitude quake struck northeast of the Loyalty Islands, about 252 km from Nouméa, at shallow depth, with no tsunami threat reported. Aftershock/Follow-up (Loyalty Islands): Earlier reports in the same event sequence included a 7.0 quake near the Loyalty Islands, also without tsunami warnings, and residents in Nouméa and nearby areas reported light to weak shaking. Climate & Borders (UN): Pacific leaders used the UN General Assembly to press urgent action on sea-level rise, with Tuvalu’s PM calling it a “present reality” and warning that climate finance must be scaled up. Regional Legal Push (ICJ): A Pacific writeshop in Nadi is preparing submissions to the ICJ on climate change, with New Caledonia among participating territories. Air Links (Fiji–Nouméa): Fiji Airways has relaunched direct Nadi–Nouméa flights, adding capacity and signalling confidence after the 2024 unrest. Sport (MSG Prime Minister’s Cup): New Caledonia beat PNG 2-1, keeping the final race tight, while Solomon Islands and Vanuatu played out a 3-3 draw.

Fiji Airways resumes Nouméa links: Fiji’s national carrier has restarted its Nouméa–Nadi direct service, bi-weekly on Tuesdays and Fridays, adding over 10,000 seats a year and potentially a third weekly flight from 13 December—an important boost for New Caledonia’s tourism still recovering after the 2024 unrest. Climate justice push in the Pacific: Attorney-General of Fiji Siromi Turaga opened a regional writeshop in Nadi for Pacific submissions to the ICJ climate-change advisory proceedings, with delegates including New Caledonia arguing for urgent climate justice. Regional football spotlight: In the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup in Suva, Papua New Guinea’s women’s Bilums began with wins over Fiji and New Caledonia, while Fiji’s Kulas are out of contention after a third straight loss and will face New Caledonia next Tuesday; Solomon Islands and Vanuatu also clash today with the top-two race tight. Pacific diplomacy: India has been placed on the “strategic partner stream” in the Pacific Islands Forum, with cooperation flagged across healthcare, renewables, connectivity and capacity building. Women’s rights forum: More than 140 Pacific feminists gathered in Fiji for the 4th Pacific Feminist Forum, including New Caledonia’s Sonia Togna, calling for stronger action on inequality and human rights.

Climate Justice at the ICJ: Fiji’s attorney-general opened a regional writeshop in Nadi for Pacific submissions to the International Court of Justice climate case, with legal teams from 16 Pacific countries and territories including New Caledonia urging urgent climate action and “climate justice.” Air Links to Nouméa: Fiji Airways relaunched direct Nadi–Nouméa flights this week after a 2024 shutdown tied to unrest, with bi-weekly services (Tuesdays and Fridays) and plans to add a third weekly flight from 13 December if demand holds. Pacific Diplomacy: India was placed on the “strategic partner stream” of the Pacific Islands Forum, with Foreign Minister S Jaishankar citing cooperation areas including healthcare, renewables, connectivity and capacity building. Women’s Football in the Region: PNG’s Bilums started strongly at the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup, beating Fiji and New Caledonia, while Fiji’s Kulas remain winless and will play New Caledonia next Tuesday. Regional Media Push: Fiji’s PM Rabuka launched a Pacific centre for communications and journalism at Fiji National University, aiming to strengthen independent, credible reporting and media literacy across the Pacific.

MSG Prime Minister’s Cup (Women): Fiji’s Kulas are out of final contention after a third straight loss, 1-0 to the Solomon Islands, and now face New Caledonia next Tuesday. MSG Prime Minister’s Cup (Men): The Bula Boys are still searching for form after a 1-0 loss to Vanuatu and a 3-3 draw with Solomon Islands; the men’s race stays tight with New Caledonia yet to register a point. MSG Cup (Men): Solomon Islands fought back for a 3-3 draw with defending champions Vanuatu in a six-goal thriller, with Javin Wae scoring late to earn a valuable point. Pacific diplomacy: India has been placed on the “Strategic Partner Stream” in the Pacific Islands Forum, with Jaishankar citing cooperation in healthcare, renewables, connectivity and capacity building. Pacific media push: Fiji PM Rabuka launched a Pacific Centre for Communications and Journalism in Savusavu, aiming for stronger, more independent regional journalism and media literacy. Pacific women’s rights: More than 140 feminists from 21 countries gathered in Fiji for the 4th Pacific Feminist Forum, calling for action on inequality, human rights and social justice.

Fiji Airways resumes direct Nadi–Nouméa flights: The airline has brought back twice-weekly services (Tuesdays and Fridays), adding more than 10,000 seats a year and boosting travel links for Nouméa and the wider Pacific. MSG Prime Minister’s Cup (women): Fiji’s Kulas are still searching for their first win after a 1-0 loss to the Solomon Islands; they play New Caledonia next as the tournament tightens. MSG Prime Minister’s Cup (men): Fiji’s Bula Boys sit under pressure after one point from two matches, following a 3-all draw with Solomon Islands and a 1-0 defeat by Vanuatu. Pacific media push: Fiji PM Sitiveni Rabuka launched a Pacific Centre for Communications and Journalism in Savusavu, aiming for stronger, independent regional journalism and training, including digital skills and AI literacy. Pacific Feminist Forum: More than 140 feminists from 21 countries gathered in Fiji to demand action on inequality and rights, including recognition for activists from Fiji and New Caledonia. India in Pacific Islands Forum: Jaishankar says India has been placed on the PIF “strategic partner stream,” highlighting cooperation in healthcare, renewables, connectivity and capacity building.

Air Links for New Caledonia: Fiji Airways has reinstated direct Nadi–Nouméa flights, running twice weekly (Tuesdays and Fridays) from today, adding 10,000+ seats a year and making it easier for travellers and regional delegates to connect via Fiji. Regional Football (MSG Prime Minister’s Cup): In Suva, PNG opened strongly in the men’s and women’s competitions, while Fiji’s “Bula Boys” sit under pressure after one point from two matches; Solomon Islands and Vanuatu are also in the mix as the round continues. Pacific Media Push: Fiji PM Sitiveni Rabuka launched a new Pacific Centre for Communications and Journalism in Savusavu, aiming for stronger, independent media across the region, as Pacific media leaders also debate how to reach remote communities. Pacific Feminists Forum: More than 140 feminists and rights advocates gathered in Fiji for the 4th Pacific Feminist Forum, focusing on “Feminist Futures, Just Pacific.” Travel Spotlight (Lonely Planet): Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2027 names New Caledonia among top destinations, alongside Pacific experiences and a growing push for slower, less crowded trips.

Pacific Media & AI: Fiji PM Sitiveni Rabuka has launched the Pacific Centre for Communications and Journalism at Fiji National University, aiming for independent, credible reporting and training on digital journalism, media literacy and responsible AI. Regional Connectivity: Fiji Airways has reinstated direct Nadi–Nouméa flights twice weekly (Tuesdays and Fridays), adding 10,000+ seats a year and boosting travel links for Nouméa and Suva. Sport—MSG Prime Minister’s Cup: Fiji’s Bula Boys are under pressure after one point from two matches; New Caledonia still has yet to register a point as the men’s round-robin continues in Suva. Sport—OFC U-16 Women: New Zealand beat New Caledonia 4-0 to win the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship again, finishing unbeaten across the tournament. Football—U-20 Women’s World Cup: Nigeria’s Falconets exited the quarter-finals after a late 1-0 loss to Colombia, with visa-related claims emerging about two key players missing the tournament.

Air Links: Fiji Airways has reinstated direct flights between Nadi and Nouméa, operating twice weekly on Tuesdays and Fridays from today, adding over 10,000 seats a year and giving New Caledonia easier access to Fiji’s wider Pacific and beyond network. Football (MSG Prime Minister’s Cup): Solomon Islands beat New Caledonia 2-0 in Suva, with Raphael Le’ai and Javin Wae scoring as the Cagous were held goalless until late; the result lifts Solomon Islands to four points from two matches. Football (U-20 Women’s World Cup): Nigeria’s Falconets were knocked out in the quarter-finals, losing 1-0 to Colombia after a stoppage-time goal, ending a run that included a 10-1 win over New Caledonia and a 3-0 win over England. Pacific Media: PINA president Kalafi Moala says the regional journalists’ body needs restructuring to reach remote and underrepresented areas, pointing to French territories including New Caledonia as priorities. Regional Security: A joint Pacific operation coordinated from Nouméa targeted illegal fishing, inspecting 40 vessels and boarding five, with France, Fiji and others involved.

Air Connectivity: Fiji Airways has reinstated direct Nadi–Nouméa flights, running twice weekly (Tuesdays and Fridays) from today, adding 10,000+ seats a year and giving New Caledonia easier links via Fiji to the wider Pacific, New Zealand, Asia, Australia and North America. Regional Media: PINA president Kalafi Moala says the Pacific Islands News Association is considering restructuring to expand outreach and better include remote and underrepresented areas, naming French Polynesia, New Caledonia and West Papua as priorities. Pacific Security: A joint Pacific operation coordinated from Nouméa targeted illegal fishing under WCPFC rules, inspecting 40 vessels via 17 flights and boarding five ships, using assets from multiple countries. Sports—OFC U-16: New Zealand won the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship again, beating New Caledonia 4-0 in Honiara to keep a perfect record since 2010. MSG Prime Ministers Cup: Solomon Islands beat New Caledonia 2-0 in Suva, while Fiji’s men drew 3-3 with Solomon Islands after leading 3-1, setting up Fiji vs Vanuatu and New Caledonia vs Solomon Islands fixtures.

MSG Prime Ministers Cup (Suva): Solomon Islands edged New Caledonia 2-0, with Raphael Le’ai scoring and Javin Wae netting a stoppage-time winner, handing the Cagous their first men’s defeat of the tournament and setting up a quick turnaround against Vanuatu. OFC football (Honiara): New Zealand won the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship for an eighth straight time, beating New Caledonia 4-0 in the final as captain Bonnie Rice scored twice. U-20 Women’s World Cup (Poland): Nigeria’s Falconets were eliminated after a 1-0 quarter-final loss to Colombia, with Valerin Loboa scoring in added time; earlier they had beaten England 3-0 and thrashed New Caledonia 10-1. Regional security (Nouméa): A Pacific-wide operation coordinated from Nouméa carried out 40 vessel inspections and boarded five ships to tackle illegal fishing under WCPFC rules. Climate media push: Pacific journalists at the 8th Pacific Summit urged stronger youth engagement on climate change, highlighting shared challenges across island communities.

OFC U-16 Women’s Final: New Zealand kept its perfect record, beating New Caledonia 4-0 in Honiara to win the OFC title for the eighth straight time, with captain Bonnie Rice scoring twice and Kodi Wilson plus Louisa Egley-Turner adding late goals. MSG Prime Minister’s Cup (women): Fiji’s Kulas were edged 1-0 by Vanuatu in Suva, after Elina Aruvuha scored in the 64th minute; Fiji now look to regroup ahead of their next match. MSG Prime Minister’s Cup (men): Fiji’s Bula Boys drew 3-3 with Solomon Islands after leading 3-1, with a late comeback and a red card turning the game; they’ll face Vanuatu next. Regional security (IUU fishing): A Pacific-wide operation coordinated from Nouméa inspected 40 vessels via 17 flights and boarded five ships, targeting illegal fishing in WCPFC-regulated waters. Pacific AI governance: A Kanak AI creator in Auckland says Pacific leaders’ push for AI rules should demand transparency and clear limits on what systems can verify.