Olympics showcase Polynesian culture

by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer Tahitian performers wearing skirts made of palm leaves mixed with Olympic surfers, residents, and visitors during the start of the Summer Games opening ceremony in French Polynesia on Friday morning, a considerable distance of around 10,000 miles from the primary event in Paris. French Polynesia’s President Moetai Brotherson expressed his…

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Air NZ Noumea flights postponed further

Air New Zealand, the national airline of New Zealand, has recommended that passengers with travel plans to and from Nouméa postpone them until mid-December due to the ongoing uncertainties in New Caledonia. In a statement released on Monday, Air New Zealand announced the extension of its suspension of the Auckland-Nouméa service, citing concerns for passenger…

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France’s positive impact in the Pacific

by Richard Sanders, Staff Writer In the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean lie numerous island nations that face unique challenges due to their small size and isolation. Amidst these challenges, French involvement in the Pacific region has played a significant role in fostering development and bringing about positive change in otherwise economically disadvantaged island…

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Fiji human trafficking concerns

by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer Despite Fiji’s significant efforts to combat human trafficking, the country still falls short of meeting the minimum standards required for its elimination, as highlighted in the latest report by the US State Department on human trafficking. The report underscores the vulnerability of children in Fiji to forced labor in various…

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Melanesia calls for UN mission to New Caledonia

by Richard Sanders, Staff Writer Leaders of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) are urging France to permit a collaborative United Nations-MSG initiative to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the political climate in New Caledonia and suggest potential resolutions for the ongoing crisis. Representatives from the member countries of the sub-regional alliance – including Fiji, FLNKS,…

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