“I am hopeful that we will increase our score”: New Caledonia’s referendum
On 4 October, New Caledonians will vote in a referendum on self-determination, to determine the political status of the French Pacific dependency. This is the second referendum to be held under the Noumea Accord, an
Pacific awakening in New Caledonia
“We haven’t created a movement to fight for independence or to fight for France – we’ve created a movement to fight poverty in New Caledonia. That’s our struggle.” That’s Milakulo Tukumuli, leader of
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,
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
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,
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
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
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,
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
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
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
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
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
