AGP Executive Report

Maritime Security: Operation Nasse coordinated by the French Armed Forces in New Caledonia targeted illegal fishing across the Pacific, with partners from Fiji, Naoero, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu plus defence, fisheries and law enforcement support from Australia, France, New Zealand and the US; Australia backed the effort with the ADV Reliant, embedded liaison and intelligence in Nouméa, and fuel/victuals via the Pacific Maritime Security Program. Climate Diplomacy: Only two non-Pacific leaders are attending Fiji’s pre-COP meeting, as Australia pushes the talks to keep focus on Pacific climate risks ahead of next month’s UN conference—while facing scrutiny over costs and domestic pressures. Weather Services Funding: Pacific meteorological services are working toward a decade-long overhaul, but a funding gap threatens the pace of building local forecasting capacity and decision-ready warnings. Fisheries Patrol Support: ADF assistance helped drive a large-scale Pacific fisheries patrol, strengthening regional maritime coordination and information sharing. Seismic Alert: A 6.6 quake hit near New Caledonia’s Loyalty Islands with no tsunami threat reported, underscoring how fast regional monitoring can clear hazards. Mining & Industry Watch: Indonesia’s tighter nickel ore quotas are reshaping supply expectations, with market attention on processing ramp-ups and upcoming China factory signals.

Pacific Climate Diplomacy: Only two non-Pacific leaders are attending Fiji’s pre-COP meeting this week, as Australia, Fiji and Tuvalu push climate talks ahead of next month’s UN conference and face scrutiny over a reported $20m+ cost. Maritime Security & Fisheries: Operation Nasse in September—led by French forces in New Caledonia—brought together regional partners to deter illegal fishing, with Australia contributing personnel and support and New Caledonia hosting coordination in Nouméa. Weather Services Funding: Pacific meteorological agencies are warning of a funding gap as the region plans a decade-long overhaul to improve locally run forecasting and warnings. Earthquake Watch: A magnitude 6.6 quake struck near New Caledonia’s Loyalty Islands; tsunami alerts were cleared with no threat reported. Mining & Nickel Markets: Indonesia’s tighter nickel ore quotas are reshaping supply expectations, with investors watching China’s factory data and Nickel Industries’ ramp-up of high-pressure acid leach capacity.

Maritime Security: Operation Nasse boosted Pacific fisheries patrols and anti–illegal fishing coordination, led by French forces in New Caledonia, with Australia contributing the ADV Reliant, embedded liaison staff in Nouméa, and support via the Pacific Maritime Security Program. Weather Services Funding: Pacific meteorological services are pushing locally run forecasting and warning systems, but face a funding gap as the region plans a decade-long overhaul. Earthquake Watch: A 6.6 quake hit near New Caledonia’s Loyalty Islands with no tsunami threat reported, underscoring the need for rapid monitoring and public alerts. Industry & Trade (Nickel): Nickel supply and producer outlooks are in focus as Indonesia’s tighter ore quotas reshape flows, while China’s factory data and processing ramp-ups remain key signals. Skills & Forestry: COFI announced 2026 forestry scholarship recipients, including a New Caledonia College of New Caledonia (CNC) student, backing technical talent for the forest sector. Tourism (Pacific Travel): A local travel professional highlighted New Caledonia as a 2027 destination for Kiwis, pointing to continued demand for Pacific experiences.

Maritime Security: Operation Nasse boosted Pacific fisheries patrols, with French Armed Forces leading and New Caledonia hosting key coordination; Australia backed the effort via ADF personnel, AFMA support, and fuel/victuals for Guardian-class patrols, while a liaison officer and intelligence analyst were embedded in the Noumea Joint Coordination Centre to improve illegal-fishing detection and information sharing. Weather Resilience: Pacific weather services are pushing locally run forecasting and warning systems, with uneven progress but concrete steps like locally produced climate outlook products in the Federated States of Micronesia and plans to procure automatic weather stations and upper-air systems. Earthquake Watch: A 6.6 quake struck near New Caledonia’s Loyalty Islands with no tsunami threat reported; the offshore location and depth limited risk, but it underlined how fast regional monitoring clears alerts. Mining & Metals: Nickel supply is back in focus as Indonesia’s tighter ore quotas reshape expectations, while producers ramp up processing capacity and China’s factory data becomes a key signal for demand. Strategic Legal Cooperation: UNIDROIT marked its Asia-Pacific push in Seoul, focusing on Cape Town Convention implementation and a planned liaison office for the region.

Maritime Security: Operation Nasse boosted Pacific fisheries patrols, with French forces leading and New Caledonia hosting partners from Fiji, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu, supported by Australia’s ADF and AFMA plus a liaison officer and analyst embedded in the Nouméa Joint Coordination Centre to improve illegal-fishing detection and regional coordination. Weather Services Funding: Pacific Meteorological Council reporting warns that weather services face a funding gap as the region plans a decade-long overhaul, with uneven progress but a clear push toward locally run forecasting and warnings that reach communities. Earthquake Watch (New Caledonia): A 6.6 quake hit near the Loyalty Islands on Sept. 25 (shallow, offshore), and the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center reported no tsunami threat. Climate & Maritime Rights: At the UN General Assembly, Pacific leaders pressed climate finance and sea-level impacts, while a UN declaration affirmed legal stability of maritime boundaries to protect small island states’ fisheries and resource rights. Mining & Industry Signals: Nickel markets are watching Indonesia’s tighter ore quotas and how they flow through to producers as China’s factory data comes in and processing capacity ramps up.

Maritime Security: Australia joined Pacific partners for Operation Nasse, led by French forces in New Caledonia, to detect and deter illegal fishing and boost regional coordination; the ADF embedded staff in the Nouméa Joint Coordination Centre and supported patrol participation via the Pacific Maritime Security Program. Weather & Resilience: Pacific weather services are facing a funding gap as the region plans a decade-long overhaul, with progress uneven but a clear push toward locally run forecasting and warnings that reach communities. Climate Finance & Legal Stakes: Pacific leaders used the UN General Assembly to press for scaled climate grants and faster action, while a UN declaration on sea-level rise aims to protect the legal stability of maritime boundaries for small island states. Earthquake Watch (New Caledonia): A 6.6 quake struck near the Loyalty Islands with no tsunami threat reported, underscoring how quickly assessments can clear or confirm risk. Industry Signals: Nickel markets are watching Indonesia’s tighter ore quotas and the ramp-up of new processing capacity, with China’s factory data due to influence near-term outlook.

Climate & Resilience: Pacific weather services are pushing for a decade-long overhaul, with uneven progress but a clear shift toward locally run forecasting and warnings that reach communities fast. Disaster Readiness (FSM): In the Federated States of Micronesia, climate outlooks and EAR Watch products are now produced in all four states, with Tsunami Ready recognition and upgraded alert training; the next hurdle is coverage for outer islands via cellular and HF radio, alongside plans to procure automatic weather stations and an upper-air system. Seismic Watch (New Caledonia): A 6.6 quake hit near the Loyalty Islands with no tsunami threat reported, underscoring how quickly regional monitoring can clear hazards. Climate Diplomacy: Pacific leaders used the UN General Assembly to press for climate finance and sea-level action, with Tuvalu calling sea rise a present reality and urging grants at the scale of loss and damage. Maritime Rights: The UN adopted a declaration aimed at keeping legally established maritime boundaries stable even as coastlines shift, protecting small island states’ ocean rights. Industry & Minerals: The US backed an antimony project in North Macedonia with $5m for development work, reflecting a broader push to diversify critical minerals supply away from China.

Pacific Weather & Resilience: Pacific meteorological services are pushing for more locally run forecasting and warning systems, but face a funding gap as the region plans a decade-long overhaul—progress is uneven, yet more state-made climate outlooks, tsunami-ready training, and plans for new automatic stations aim to get alerts to communities faster. New Caledonia Earthquake Watch: A 6.6 quake struck near the Loyalty Islands on Sept. 25; the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center reported no tsunami threat, with the epicentre offshore east-northeast of Maré and no damage reports noted in early coverage. Climate Diplomacy for Small Islands: Pacific leaders used the UN General Assembly to press for climate finance and sea-level action, with Tuvalu warning impacts are already “present reality” and calling for grants and faster loss-and-damage support. Maritime Rights at Risk: The UN adopted a declaration backing legal stability of maritime boundaries despite sea-level rise, aiming to protect small island states’ fisheries and resource rights as coastlines shift. Mining & Industry Signals: Indonesia’s tighter nickel ore quotas are reshaping supply expectations, while Nickel Industries highlights stronger processing momentum and the market watches China’s factory data for next moves.

Critical Minerals & Mining: The US is backing North Macedonia’s Krstov Dol antimony project with $5m for assessment and feasibility, part of a wider push to diversify critical supplies away from China. Nickel Supply Watch: Indonesia’s tighter nickel ore quotas are reshaping the market outlook, with investors tracking how reduced RKAB volumes flow through to producers as China’s factory data looms and new processing capacity ramps up. Maritime Climate Law: The UN General Assembly adopted a declaration aimed at keeping legally established maritime boundaries stable despite sea-level rise, a key issue for Pacific island states facing shrinking coastlines. New Caledonia Earthquake Update: A 6.6 quake hit near the Loyalty Islands with no tsunami threat reported, underscoring how fast regional alerts can move. Local Industry & Skills: COFI announced 2026 forestry scholarship recipients, highlighting ongoing investment in technical and skilled-trades talent for the forest sector. Tech & Consumer Wearables: Casio and Citizen kept rolling out new watch lines (including sapphire and magnetic-resistant models), while screenless health bands and open-heart automatics expand the low- to mid-range market.

Aviation & Tourism: Fiji Airways has restarted the Nouméa–Nadi direct route (bi-weekly Tuesdays and Fridays) after a 2024 shutdown tied to unrest, adding over 10,000 seats annually and eyeing a third weekly flight from 13 December 2026—an important boost for New Caledonia’s tourism recovery. Regional Geopolitics: At the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, China’s influence and Taiwan’s presence were front and centre, with China warning of “consequences” and leaders from New Caledonia among those represented by ministers. Climate & Maritime Rights: The UN General Assembly adopted a declaration aimed at keeping legally established maritime boundaries stable as sea levels rise, a key issue for small island states whose coastlines—and therefore maritime zones—are under threat. Local Industry & Skills: COFI announced its 2026 forestry scholarship recipients, backing future talent across the forest value chain. Earthquake Watch (New Caledonia): A 6.6 quake hit near the Loyalty Islands with no tsunami threat reported.

Earthquake Watch: A magnitude 6.6 quake struck near New Caledonia’s Loyalty Islands on Sept. 25, with the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center clearing a tsunami risk. Aviation & Tourism: Fiji Airways relaunched direct Nouméa–Nadi flights (bi-weekly), adding 10,000+ seats annually and eyeing a third weekly service from Dec. 13 if demand holds. Pacific Climate Policy: Leaders at the UN General Assembly pushed urgent climate action, with Tuvalu warning sea-level rise is already “present reality” and calling for scaled grants and protection of maritime rights. Regional Geopolitics: The Pacific Islands Forum in Palau highlighted China–Taiwan competition, with New Caledonia among members sending officials amid warnings over Taiwan’s presence. Mining & Metals: Indonesia’s tighter nickel ore quotas are reshaping supply expectations; Nickel Industries points to stronger earnings as processing capacity ramps up, while China’s factory data remains a key signal. Critical Minerals (Global): The US backed North Macedonia’s antimony project with $5m for assessment and feasibility, aiming to diversify supply away from China.

Aviation & Tourism: Fiji Airways Fiji Link has relaunched the Nouméa–Nadi direct route (bi-weekly Tuesdays and Fridays), adding over 10,000 seats annually and eyeing a third weekly flight from 13 December 2026—an important confidence signal for New Caledonia’s still-recovering tourism sector after the 2024 unrest. Mining & Industry: Indonesia’s tighter nickel ore quotas are reshaping supply and are back in focus for ASX-listed Nickel Industries as China’s factory data and the ramp-up of new processing capacity could steer near-term pricing. Climate & Maritime Rights: The UN General Assembly adopted a declaration aimed at keeping legally established maritime boundaries stable despite sea-level rise—key for small island states whose EEZs underpin fisheries and potential resources. Disaster Watch: A 6.6 magnitude shallow earthquake struck near New Caledonia’s Loyalty Islands; tsunami warnings were issued then cleared with no threat reported. Regional Geopolitics: Pacific Islands Forum leaders met in Palau amid China–Taiwan diplomatic pressure, with New Caledonia among members sending officials. Media & Skills: Fiji launched a regional centre for communications and journalism to strengthen training, research, and digital media literacy across the Pacific.

Aviation & Tourism: Fiji Airways Fiji Link has relaunched the Nouméa–Nadi direct route (bi-weekly Tuesdays and Fridays), adding over 10,000 seats annually and eyeing a third weekly flight from 13 December—an important boost for New Caledonia’s still-recovering tourism after the 2024 unrest. Disaster Watch: A magnitude 6.6 earthquake struck near New Caledonia’s Loyalty Islands with no tsunami threat issued, underscoring how fast Pacific alerts can change. Regional Geopolitics: Pacific Islands Forum leaders met in Palau amid China–Taiwan rivalry, with New Caledonia among members sending ministers and Taiwan’s foreign minister attending. Climate & Maritime Rights: UN General Assembly moves to protect the legal stability of maritime boundaries as sea levels rise—key for small island states’ fisheries and energy access. Media & Skills: Fiji launched a Pacific Centre for Communications and Journalism to train regional journalists and strengthen media literacy, including responsible AI use. Local Nature & Industry: Fiji is breeding giant clams in captivity and releasing them to rebuild reef ecosystems.

Aviation & Tourism: Fiji Airways Fiji Link has relaunched the Nouméa–Nadi direct route (bi-weekly Tuesdays and Fridays), adding over 10,000 seats annually and potentially a third weekly flight from 13 December 2026—an important boost for New Caledonia’s still-recovering tourism sector. Disaster Preparedness: A magnitude 6.6 earthquake struck near the Loyalty Islands on Sept. 25; the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center reported no tsunami threat, with the quake offshore about 81 km from Maré. Climate & Maritime Rights: At the UN General Assembly, Pacific leaders pushed climate action and sea-level rise adaptation, while a new UN declaration aims to protect the legal stability of maritime boundaries for small island states. Regional Geopolitics: The Pacific Islands Forum summit in Palau highlighted China–Taiwan competition, with New Caledonia among members sending officials amid warnings over Taiwan’s presence. Media & Skills: Fiji launched a Pacific Centre for Communications and Journalism at Fiji National University, focusing on training, research, media literacy, and responsible AI use. Environment & Conservation: Fiji is working to bring giant clams back from near-extinction through captive breeding and releases to restore reef health.

Forestry Skills Boost: COFI has named the 2026 forestry scholarship recipients, awarding $2,000 each to students across B.C.’s forest sector, including Amy Oester (College of New Caledonia) — a direct pipeline for local technical talent into forestry jobs. Climate & Maritime Rights: Pacific leaders used the UN General Assembly to press for urgent climate action and climate finance, while a UN declaration aims to keep legally established maritime boundaries stable as sea levels rise. Tourism Connectivity: Fiji Airways has relaunched the direct Nouméa–Nadi service (bi-weekly), adding 10,000+ seats annually and signaling confidence for New Caledonia’s still-recovering tourism sector. Pacific Media Capacity: Fiji’s Rabuka launched a regional communications and journalism centre in partnership with Fiji National University, targeting training, research and responsible AI use to strengthen coverage across remote communities. Biodiversity Recovery: Fiji is breeding giant clams in captivity and releasing them to rebuild reef ecosystems, tackling habitat loss and overharvesting.

Pacific Climate Diplomacy: Tuvalu and the Solomon Islands used the UN General Assembly to press for urgent climate action and climate finance, warning that sea-level rise and single disasters can erase years of development. Maritime Rights Under Rising Seas: The UN adopted a declaration aimed at keeping legally established maritime boundaries stable even as coastlines shift, protecting small island states’ fisheries and potential energy/mineral access. Aviation & Tourism Restart: Fiji Airways relaunched direct Nouméa–Nadi flights after the 2024 unrest, adding 10,000+ seats annually and eyeing a third weekly service from 13 December 2026. Media & Skills for the Region: Fiji launched a Pacific Centre for Communications and Journalism at Fiji National University to train journalists, boost media literacy, and support responsible AI use. Conservation & Reef Industry: Fiji is breeding giant clams in captivity and releasing them to rebuild reef health, targeting species pushed near extinction by habitat loss and harvesting. Local Nature Access: A new report highlights restricted entry and guided transport in New Caledonia’s Blue River Provincial Park, underscoring ecosystem protection.