by Richard Sanders, Staff Writer Last week’s missile test conducted by China in the Pacific Ocean sent ripples of concern through French Polynesia, though a subsequent event hosted by China appeared to ease local tensions. The ballistic missile reportedly landed about 700 kilometers from the Marquesas Islands, outside of French Polynesia’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)….
by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer New Caledonia is currently facing a series of bushfires, particularly in the northwestern part of Grande Terre, leading local firefighters to suspect arson. Since early September, efforts have been underway to manage multiple fires in the northern area, particularly around the small towns of Koumac, Pouembout, and Kaala-Gomen in the…
by Jake Sanders, Editor A bipartisan group from New Caledonia is scheduled to travel to Paris next week. French media reports that they will engage with significant officials, including the presidents of both parliamentary chambers. Their visit will take place from September 23 to October 4 and will feature four Members of Parliament from New…
by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer The French government is introducing a new financial aid package of approximately €130 million to support New Caledonia’s economy. This funding aims to provide urgent assistance to prevent critical services, such as the main electricity provider ENERCAL and social services, from facing imminent collapse, according to a release from the…
by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer Business owners in New Caledonia’s capital, Nouméa, are noticing a concerning trend where individuals or newly established entities are increasingly providing “protection” services, as per a report by local public broadcaster NC la Première. These “protection fees” are being imposed on businesses that have not yet been destroyed by fire…
by Richard Sanders, Staff Writer The Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) and Prime Minister of Tonga, Hu’akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni, is still awaiting approval from Paris for a Pacific mission to New Caledonia. Recently, the French Ambassador to the Pacific, Véronique Roger-Lacan, mentioned that President Emmanuel Macron has not yet signed a letter permitting…
by Tusi Tasi, Staff Writer A prominent Kanak tribal leader has declared his resignation from the Customary Senate of New Caledonia. Hippolyte Sinewami Htamumu, who once led the 16-member traditional Senate of chiefs established under the terms of the Nouméa Accord signed in 1998, cited reasons of “inefficiency” and “politicization” for his decision to step…
by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer Following a meeting between President Macron and New Caledonia’s French Parliamentarians in Paris, the French Pacific archipelago announced a relaxation of its curfew hours on Friday. The dusk-to-dawn curfew, originally imposed after violent civil unrest on May 13, will now be in effect from 10 pm to 5 am starting…
by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer The French Ambassador to the Pacific has stated that President Emmanuel Macron has not yet considered a letter from the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) seeking approval for a high-level Pacific mission to New Caledonia. Véronique Roger-Lacan mentioned that due to the Paris Olympics commencing this week, it may be challenging…
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…