AGP Executive Report

Critical Minerals: New Caledonia and the European Commission signed a partnership to develop sustainable raw-material supply chains, attract investment and strengthen industrial ties. The territory produced 3.1% of the world’s nickel in 2024. Debate Over Activism: France’s foreign minister accused an Azerbaijan-linked group of holding “provocative” conferences in Nouméa that call for revolt in overseas territories. The group presents itself as an anti-colonial advocate; critics say its activities serve geopolitical interests. Pacific Food Trade: A new cocoa-processing facility in Fiji aims to support Indigenous farmers and build export markets, including a potential route to New Caledonia.

Nickel and Industry: New Caledonia and the EU signed a partnership to develop sustainable raw-material supply chains, building on the territory’s role as a major nickel producer. Regional Trade: A new cocoa-processing facility in Fiji could open export opportunities in New Caledonia while supporting indigenous farmers and rural communities. Decolonisation Debate: France’s foreign minister criticised an Azerbaijani group for holding Nouméa conferences calling for revolt in overseas territories. The group presents itself as an anti-colonial advocate; France says such activity risks polarising public debate.

EU Partnership: New Caledonia and the European Commission have signed a strategic partnership to develop sustainable raw-material supply chains, building on the territory’s role as a major nickel producer. Debate Over Activism: France’s foreign minister criticised an Azerbaijani group holding conferences in Nouméa that call for revolt in overseas territories. The group describes its work as supporting anti-colonial struggles and Indigenous rights. Melanesian Women’s Leadership: A new programme launching in Auckland on 31 October will connect Melanesian women and girls through mentoring and opportunities in education, wellbeing, social entrepreneurship and climate leadership.

Regional Foodways: Fiji’s new cocoa-processing plant in Dreketi aims to strengthen Indigenous farming communities and open export routes to New Caledonia, Japan and Australia. Nouméa and Anti-Colonial Activism: France’s foreign minister criticised an Azerbaijani group holding conferences in Nouméa, accusing it of stirring revolt in French territories; the group says it supports Indigenous rights and self-determination. Women’s Leadership: A new Melanesian programme launching in Auckland will connect women and girls through mentoring, education, wellbeing and climate leadership, building on knowledge already present in their communities. Climate Resilience: The Pacific Community secured US$129.9 million in climate funding approvals for projects including support for tuna-dependent communities and climate-related health resilience in Micronesia.

Indigenous Enterprise: A new cocoa processing facility in Fiji’s Macuata province aims to support Indigenous farmers and rural jobs, with export markets including New Caledonia among its targets. New Caledonia and Regional Politics: France’s foreign minister criticised an Azerbaijani group holding anti-colonial conferences in Nouméa, calling its actions provocative. The Baku Initiative Group says it supports Indigenous and minority rights; critics question its motives. Melanesian Women: A new programme launching in Auckland on 31 October will connect women and girls, support mentoring and build leadership across the Pacific and its diaspora. Climate Action: The Pacific Community reports US$129.9 million in new climate funding approvals in 2025, including support for tuna-dependent communities and climate-related health resilience.

Indigenous Enterprise: Fiji has opened its first cocoa-processing facility in Dreketi, aiming to strengthen rural economies and create opportunities for Indigenous farmers. Its founder says the business hopes to reach export markets including New Caledonia. Women’s Leadership: A new Melanesian women’s programme will build connections and mentorship around education, wellbeing, entrepreneurship and climate leadership, launching at Auckland’s Melanesian Festival Aotearoa on 31 October. Nouméa and Regional Politics: France’s foreign minister criticised an Azerbaijani-backed group holding conferences in Nouméa on anti-colonial activism, warning that foreign actors could polarise public debate. Climate Action: The Pacific Community reports US$129.9 million in new climate funding approvals, including support for tuna-dependent communities and climate-related health resilience in Micronesia.

Regional Food and Trade: Fiji’s first cocoa-processing facility has opened in Dreketi, aiming to support Indigenous farmers and build export links with New Caledonia, Japan and Australia. New Caledonia Politics: France’s foreign minister criticised an Azerbaijani group holding anti-colonial conferences in Nouméa, accusing it of stirring revolt in French territories; the group says it supports Indigenous rights and self-determination. Women’s Leadership: A new Melanesian women’s programme launching in Auckland will foster mentoring, confidence and leadership, with a focus on education, wellbeing and climate action. Pacific Travel: A diving guide highlights New Caledonia among the island destinations reachable from Australia, linking the territory to wider Pacific travel routes.

Nouméa and Decolonisation: France’s foreign minister criticised an Azerbaijani group holding anti-colonial conferences in Nouméa, accusing it of stirring revolt and polarising public debate. Climate Action: The Pacific Community reports US$129.9 million in new climate funding approvals, including support for tuna-dependent communities and climate-related health resilience. Women’s Leadership: Melanesian Women Today is launching a programme for women and girls focused on mentoring, wellbeing, education and climate leadership at Auckland’s Melanesian Festival Aotearoa on 31 October. Pacific Travel: A new dive guide highlights New Caledonia among the island destinations easily reached from Australia.

Nouméa and Regional Politics: France’s foreign minister criticised an Azerbaijani group holding conferences in Nouméa that call for revolt in French overseas territories. The Baku Initiative Group describes its work as anti-colonial advocacy, while critics say it serves geopolitical interests. Women’s Leadership: Melanesian Women Today is launching Sista Hemi Empawa, a programme to connect women and girls, share community knowledge and support leadership in areas including health, education and climate. It launches at the Melanesian Festival Aotearoa in Auckland on 31 October. Climate Resilience: The Pacific Community secured US$129.9 million in new climate funding approvals, including support to help tuna-dependent communities adapt and strengthen climate-related health resilience in Micronesia. Travel: A new diving guide highlights New Caledonia among Pacific destinations reachable from Brisbane, alongside Fiji, Vanuatu and Solomon Islands.

Nouméa and Regional Politics: France’s foreign minister criticised an Azerbaijani group for holding conferences in Nouméa that he said encouraged revolt in the overseas territories. The Baku Initiative Group presents itself as an anti-colonial organisation, while critics question its motives. Climate and Communities: The Pacific Community secured US$129.9 million in climate funding approvals for regional projects, including support for tuna-dependent communities and climate-related health resilience. Women’s Leadership: A new Melanesian women’s programme will connect women and girls across the Pacific and diaspora through mentoring, education, wellbeing and climate leadership. It launches at Auckland’s Melanesian Festival Aotearoa on 31 October. Nature: Rusa deer, introduced to New Caledonia in 1870, have spread across Grande Terre and threaten native plants, many of which are found nowhere else. Travel: New Caledonia features on Lonely Planet’s list of best places to visit in 2027.

Nouméa and Anti-Colonial Politics: France’s foreign minister criticised the Baku Initiative Group for holding conferences in Nouméa that he said encouraged revolt in French territories. The group presents itself as an anti-colonial advocate; critics say it serves Azerbaijan’s geopolitical interests. Melanesian Women’s Leadership: A new programme launching in Auckland aims to connect women and girls across Melanesia and its diaspora through mentoring, education, wellbeing and climate leadership. Travel Spotlight: New Caledonia features on Lonely Planet’s list of 25 places to visit in 2027, while a dive-travel guide highlights connections from Australia to the territory. Wildlife and Conservation: Rusa deer introduced to New Caledonia in 1870 have spread across Grande Terre; researchers warn their browsing threatens the islands’ rich native plant life.

Kanak Self-Determination: At a UN decolonisation hearing on New Caledonia, petitioner Roland Arnold urged Kanak people to freely determine their future and raised West Papua’s status. Indonesia protested his remarks and sought to have them removed from the record. Nouméa Debate: France’s foreign minister criticised an Azerbaijani group holding conferences in Nouméa, accusing it of stirring revolt in overseas territories; the group says it supports anti-colonial struggles and Indigenous rights. Women’s Leadership: A new Melanesian women’s programme launching in Auckland aims to build connections and confidence through mentoring, education, wellbeing and climate leadership. Nature Under Pressure: New Caledonia’s rusa deer population, descended from 12 animals brought from Java in 1870, is estimated at up to 370,000 and threatens native plants in the biodiversity-rich archipelago. Travel Spotlight: New Caledonia has been named among Lonely Planet’s top places to visit in 2027.

Decolonisation Debate: France’s foreign minister criticised an Azerbaijani group holding anti-colonial conferences in Nouméa, warning that outside actors could polarise public debate. Separately, an opinion piece says Paris is resisting UN involvement in discussions over French Polynesia’s future. Melanesian Women: A new programme launching in Auckland aims to connect women and girls across the Pacific and diaspora through mentoring, education, wellbeing and climate leadership. Travel and Culture: New Caledonia features on Lonely Planet’s list of places to visit in 2027. Meanwhile, cruise passengers are being urged to respect local customs, including dressing appropriately when visiting Lifou. Island Ecology: A story traces New Caledonia’s rusa deer population to 12 animals brought from Java in 1870; their descendants now pose a major threat to native plants.

Decolonisation Debate: French Polynesia’s President Moetai Brotherson is calling for public education on political options, a UN visiting mission and an agreed path to a referendum. Paris opposes UN involvement in deciding the territory’s future, keeping the dispute over self-determination in the spotlight across the region. Pacific Climate: The Pacific Community secured US$129.9 million in climate funding approvals in 2025, including support for climate resilience in tuna-dependent communities and health services in Micronesia. Women’s Leadership: A new programme for Melanesian women and girls will focus on connection, mentoring and leadership, launching at Auckland’s Melanesian Festival on 31 October. Travel and Culture: New Caledonia features on Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2027 list. As cruise season approaches, visitors to Lifou are also being urged to respect local customs and dress appropriately in towns. Land and Heritage: Rusa deer introduced from Java in 1870 have multiplied to an estimated 250,000–370,000, threatening native plants in New Caledonia’s biodiversity-rich landscapes. UN Hearing: Indonesia protested after a speaker at a UN hearing on New Caledonia raised West Papua’s decolonisation status.

Pacific Women: A new Melanesian women’s programme will foster connection, mentorship and leadership, with a focus on wellbeing, education and climate action. Climate Action: The Pacific Community secured US$129.9 million in climate funding approvals, including support for tuna-dependent communities and climate-related health resilience. Travel: New Caledonia features on Lonely Planet’s 2027 best-places list, bringing fresh attention to the archipelago’s distinctive landscapes and culture. Kanak Self-Determination: At a UN hearing on New Caledonia, a petitioner backed Kanak people’s right to decide their political future; Indonesia protested after he also raised West Papua. Nature: A study warns that rusa deer—descendants of 12 animals brought to New Caledonia in 1870—now number up to 370,000 and threaten the islands’ exceptional native plant life. Respectful Visits: Cruise passengers are again debating dress codes in South Pacific ports, including Lifou, and the importance of respecting local customs.

Melanesian Women: A new programme launching in Auckland on 31 October aims to connect women and girls across the Pacific and diaspora, sharing existing knowledge and building confidence, mentorship and leadership. Travel Spotlight: New Caledonia has made Lonely Planet’s 2027 list of 50 places to visit, drawing fresh attention to the archipelago’s culture and landscapes. Kanak Self-Determination: Pacific representatives at the UN renewed calls for a visiting mission to New Caledonia, citing ongoing political uncertainty and hardship in Kanak communities. Regional Voices: Indonesia protested after a speaker at a UN hearing on New Caledonia raised West Papua’s decolonisation status. Respectful Tourism: Cruise passengers are again urging visitors to cover up in South Pacific towns, including Lifou, and respect local customs. Biodiversity: Rusa deer introduced to New Caledonia in 1870 have multiplied to an estimated 250,000–370,000, threatening the islands’ native plants.