Neighbours: Australia and New Caledonia boost diplomatic and defence ties

Eighty years ago, fearful of Japan, Australia sent a diplomat and a warship to New Caledonia. Today, Australia is mobilising defence and diplomacy against another rising Asian power. On the morning of 19 September 1940,

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New team in Paris faces urgent Pacific crises

Just three months before New Caledonia’s next referendum on self-determination, French President Emmanuel Macron has reshuffled his Cabinet in Paris, appointing a new Prime Minister and ministers responsible for

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Another killer: dengue

The impact of the novel coronavirus has understandably absorbed all the energies and resources of health ministries across the region. But even as the Pacific grapples with the real and anticipated impact of COVID-19,

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Guam reports 4th COVID-19 death, Fiji 5 more cases

An update on COVID-19 related developments in the region today: Guam Guam has suffered its fourth COVID -19 related death.   The Guam Daily Post reports that the a 67-year-old woman, who had recently traveled

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Coronavirus travel restrictions: a Pacific wrap

There have been no cases of coronavirus reported in the Pacific Islands region, although Australia and New Zealand have reported cases, and in the case of Australia, one death. However the Pacific region has responded

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Pacific predictions: 2020

As we enter not only a new year but a new decade, there is much to anticipate in the Pacific islands region. Elections and domestic politics A number of countries in the region will have elections during 2020: Kiribati,

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Shipping nickel to China

At a time Western security analysts are fretting over Chinese strategic influence in the Pacific, some local businesses are looking at opportunities for trade and investment with China. In the French

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Hola heads for New Caledonia and NZ

By Netani Rika VILLAGERS on Vanuatu’s outer islands have been warned to expect damaging winds of up to 205kmph as Tropical Cyclone Hola heads south towards New Caledonia. There are no reports of major damage at this

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Blue boats unacceptable – New Caledonia

French navy intercepts Vietnamese  fishermen By Netani Rika in Manila.     THE French Navy has intercepted two Vietnamese blue boats fishing illegally in New Caledonian waters. This is the second

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New Caledonia elections reaffirm divisions

Philippe Gomes is a happy man. His anti-independence party Calédonie Ensemble has done well in New Caledonia’s elections, gaining more seats than the conservative RassemblementUMP (RUMP) Party that has long dominated

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UN sends mission to New Caledonia

Debates over electoral rolls and alliances The United Nations has sent a delegation to New Caledonia in the lead up to crucial municipal and provincial elections as supporters and opponents of independence joust over

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French Navy seized Chinese fishing boat

Maritime border dispute flares up again Sea border dispute between Vanuatu and New Caledonia has resulted in the arrest and conviction of a Chinese boat captain and members of his crew. New Caledonian maritime

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