Pacific Arts & Philosophy: Award-winning Fijian philosopher-artist Josaia Waqabaca McNamara is taking ancient symbolism and vibrant Fijian motifs to international audiences, with exhibitions and biennale selections spanning Tahiti, New Caledonia, Europe and beyond. Local Governance: Milakulo Tukumuli, from New Caledonia’s Eveil Océanien “kingmaker” party, has been elected President of the territory’s collegial government by the 54-member Congress, following June 28 provincial elections and a governance pact with the pro-France bloc; Christopher Gygès becomes Vice-President, with an eye on a France-financed recovery plan. Decolonisation Politics: The pro-independence New Caledonian Union says it won’t walk away from decolonisation gains under the 1998 Noumea Accord, rejecting any move to re-integrate New Caledonia into France. Regional Ocean Stewardship: Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves (MOCOR) momentum continues as Solomon Islands joins a transboundary network of marine protected areas first announced by PNG, Vanuatu and Fiji. Maritime Boundary & Customary Ties: Talks over the Vanuatu–New Caledonia maritime boundary stall again, with France’s stance on two disputed uninhabited islands clashing with customary leaders’ oral-tradition links. Sports & Community: Taylor Duba has been named Caledonia varsity girls’ lacrosse head coach, returning to build confident student-athletes and stronger relationships with families.