FLNKS joins bilateral talks in Paris

A delegation from the Kanak independence movement Front de Libération Nationale Kanak et Socialiste (FLNKS) travels to Paris this week, for discussions with the French government on New Caledonia’s political status.

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New Caledonia basketballers set for debut at Asia Cup

New Caledonia will make history by playing in basketball’s 3×3 Asia Cup in Singapore for the first time. Both its men’s and women’s teams will be taking part in the shortened version of the sport

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Noumea beaches closed due to shark attacks

Beachgoers in New Caledonia have protested against the closure of Noumea’s swimming beaches until the end of the year. The mayor took the decision ten days ago because of a spate of shark attacks, including the

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Free Visa access to New Caledonia soon

Vanuatu and New Caledonia are expected to reach a visa waiver agreement soon. This news comes after a meeting between Vanuatu Prime Minister Ishmael Kalsakau and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and

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French Senate committee questions Indo-Pacific Strategy

The French Senate in Paris has issued a report sharply critiquing France’s official Indo-Pacific Strategy, highlighting the lack of capacity of French military forces deployed in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. The

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Darmanin back in New Caledonia in March to work on a new statute

French interior minister Gerald Darmanin is due back in New Caledonia in early March to advance work on a new statute for the territory. The news agency AFP reports the minister will be in Noumea between 2 and 8 March.

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France rules out New Caledonia referendums for five years

The French government says it won’t organise another referendum in New Caledonia during the president’s current five-year term. A year ago, then-overseas minister Sebastien Lecornu said he planned to have a

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Sydney Road Blaks: Aboriginal and Island History comes to life

In 1847, a group of Pacific islanders were spotted on the road heading towards the city of Port Phillip (modern-day Melbourne). The ten men were hauling two drays laden with wool bales from the colony of New South

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Visa on arrival in PNG for Melanesian countries

Solomon Islands nationals and nationals of other Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) countries can now get their visa on arrival when travelling to Papua New Guinea. This came after the PNG government formally declared the

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New Caledonia agrees to sale of controversial nickel mine

Political leaders in French overseas territory New Caledonia have agreed new terms for the sale of the Brazilian-owned Goro nickel mine. The deal gives a majority stake-holding to state entities based on the island

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Fiji and New Caledonia win gold at FIBA Melanesia Cup

Fiji and New Caledonia each took home gold in the 2022 FIBA Melanesian Cup. New Caledonia was crowned winner in the men’s category after defeating Papua New Guinea at Vodafone Arena, Suva. New Caledonia flew out

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Deadline abandoned to re-start New Caledonia dialogue

In a major policy shift for New Caledonia, France’s new Overseas Minister has abandoned the 18-month deadline for a referendum to replace the Noumea Accord. During a five-day visit to New Caledonia between 11-15

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France defers referendum on new statute for New Caledonia

Plans to hold a referendum in New Caledonia next year on a new statute for the territory are being abandoned. The French Junior Overseas Minister, Jean-Francois Carenco, told the television station Caledonia that there

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Roch Wamytan re-elected President of New Caledonia Congress

Pro-independence leader Roch Wamytan has been re-elected President of the Congress of New Caledonia. It is Wamytan’s fourth successive term in this position. He received 29 votes in favour of his re-election and

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Opinion: The Pacific Islands Forum’s Forgotten Pacific Islanders

No one disputes that a central objective of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) is to improve and enhance the broad socio-economic and political development of Pacific Island peoples and address any and all factors

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Déwé Gorodé: champion of Oceanic culture

Yesterday before they landedin our historyof roots recitedof origins memorisedwho you were exactlywhat your place wasin the world of our peopleIt’s up to you, my mother,it’s up to you, my sisterto try and find

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“We want to engage with our neighbours”

New Caledonia at the Pacific Islands Forum “The future of New Caledonia is not in Europe – the future of New Caledonia is in the Pacific region.” That’s President Louis Mapou, the first pro-independence Kanak

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Forum mission questions credibility of New Caledonia referendum

Last December, the Pacific Islands Forum sent a ministerial mission to New Caledonia, to monitor the conduct of the third referendum on self-determination under the Noumea Accord. Their report, obtained by Islands

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An Umbilical Cord Between New Caledonia and Fiji

When the Gondwana 2 submarine cable linking New Caledonia and Fiji was landed in Suva last month, FINTEL CEO George Samisoni described it as an “umbilical cord” linking the Pacific. Samisoni said it took seven years

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New Caledonia first president Jean Laques dies

The funeral has been held for Jean Leques the former long-time mayor of Noumea and president of New Caledonia. Leques died at home last Wednesday, aged 90.  A service was held at the Noumea cathedral after he had

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Gomes concerned about China’s advance in Melanesia

New Caledonia’s outgoing member of the French National Assembly, Philippe Gomes, has expressed concern about China’s position in the Pacific, saying Beijing has already colonised Vanuatu. Philippe Gomes, who

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Macron wins re-election, but most New Caledonian voters stay home

President Emmanuel Macron has won re-election in the second round of the French Presidential poll, held on Sunday. Macron is the youngest President in French history and the first to win a second term of office in 20

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Macron in the lead, as contest for French President impacts Pacific

In a contest with significant implications for the Pacific, French President, Emmanuel Macron topped the poll in the first round of voting on

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Category 2 cyclone approaching New Caledonia

Fiji’s Meteorological Service says tropical cyclone Fili is expected to gradually weaken in strength today. In its 7.23pm bulletin last night, the Service said the cyclone was moving southeast at about 14 knots

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