AGP Executive Report

Fiji Airways Restarts Nouméa–Nadi Flights: Fiji Airways has launched a new direct Nouméa (New Caledonia) to Nadi service, running bi-weekly on Tuesdays and Fridays, after it was suspended following the 2024 unrest that shut La Tontouta airport. The airline says the route adds more than 10,000 seats a year, with a possible third weekly flight from 13 December 2026. MSG Prime Minister’s Cup (New Caledonia focus): Fiji’s Kulas will play for pride against New Caledonia in their final pool match next Tuesday after three straight defeats, while Vanuatu’s strong form has put the final race in play. Pacific Diplomacy: India has been placed on the “Strategic Partner Stream” in the Pacific Islands Forum, with Jaishankar citing cooperation in healthcare, renewables, connectivity and capacity building. Pacific Media Push: Fiji PM Rabuka launched a Pacific Centre for Communications and Journalism at Fiji National University to strengthen regional training, research and media literacy, including responsible AI use. Travel Spotlight: Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2027 includes New Caledonia as a top destination, highlighting growing demand for slower, less crowded trips.

MSG Prime Minister’s Cup (Women): Fiji’s Kulas are out of the final race after a third straight loss, going down 1-0 to the Solomon Islands as Lorina Solosaia scored late. They now face New Caledonia next Tuesday, while Vanuatu’s big 5-0 win over New Caledonia keeps the top-two fight wide open. MSG Prime Minister’s Cup (Men): Solomon Islands kept their title hopes alive with a dramatic 3-3 fightback draw against defending champions Vanuatu, with Javin Wae scoring four minutes from fulltime. Pacific diplomacy: India has been placed on the “strategic partner stream” in the Pacific Islands Forum, with Jaishankar pointing to cooperation in healthcare, renewables, connectivity and capacity building. Media and governance: Fiji’s Deputy PM says governments should work with media to tackle misinformation without strangling sustainable journalism, while Rabuka launched a new Pacific centre for communications and journalism in Savusavu. Travel spotlight: Lonely Planet named New Caledonia among its 2027 top destinations, as the guide pushes “slower travel” and meaningful experiences.

Pacific Media & Governance: Fiji’s Deputy PM Manoa Kamikamica urged governments to work with media to tackle misinformation while keeping newsrooms sustainable, as AI reshapes the information landscape. Regional Diplomacy: India has been placed on the “strategic partner stream” in the Pacific Islands Forum, with Jaishankar pointing to cooperation on healthcare, renewables, connectivity and capacity building. New Caledonia in the Spotlight: Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2027 names New Caledonia among top Pacific destinations, alongside French Polynesia and Samoa experiences. Women’s Rights Across Oceania: More than 140 Pacific feminists gathered in Fiji for the 4th Pacific Feminist Forum, including New Caledonia’s Sonia Togna, calling for action on inequality, human rights and social justice. Sports (MSG Prime Minister’s Cup): Fiji’s men sit under pressure after a 1-0 loss to Solomon Islands, while the Fiji Kulas chase first points; New Caledonia is yet to register in the women’s standings. Air Links: Fiji Airways reinstated direct Nadi–Nouméa flights twice weekly, boosting seats and regional connectivity.

Pacific Air Links: Fiji Airways has reinstated direct flights between Nadi and Nouméa, New Caledonia, with twice-weekly services (Tuesdays and Fridays) starting today, adding more than 10,000 seats a year and making it easier for travellers, business and families to connect via Fiji’s wider network. Regional Football: The MSG Prime Minister’s Cup is heating up in Suva: PNG’s Kapuls and Bilums opened with wins, while Fiji’s men are under pressure after just one point from two matches; New Caledonia are still searching for their first points. Women’s Sports Spotlight: In the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, Nigeria’s Falconets were eliminated in the quarter-finals by Colombia after a late stoppage-time goal, ending a run that included a big win over New Caledonia. Media & Training: Fiji PM Sitiveni Rabuka launched a new Pacific Centre for Communications and Journalism at Fiji National University, aiming for stronger, more independent regional journalism and training, including media literacy and responsible AI use. Travel Inspiration: Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2027 puts New Caledonia among top destinations and highlights a growing appetite for slower, less crowded trips.

Pacific Media: Fiji PM Sitiveni Rabuka has launched a new Pacific Centre for Communications and Journalism at Fiji National University, aiming for independent, professional reporting and better media literacy across the region, with training, research and cooperation including responsible AI use. Regional Sports (MSG Prime Minister’s Cup): Fiji’s Bula Boys sit fourth after one point from two matches, with New Caledonia yet to register a point; the men’s competition resumes with New Caledonia vs Solomon Islands and Fiji vs Vanuatu, while the women’s race also has New Caledonia and Fiji still searching for their first points. Air Connectivity: Fiji Airways has reinstated direct Nadi–Nouméa flights twice weekly (Tuesdays and Fridays), adding 10,000+ seats a year and boosting travel links between Fiji and New Caledonia. U-20 Women’s World Cup: Nigeria’s Falconets were knocked out in the quarter-finals by Colombia after a late goal, ending a run that included a 10-1 win over New Caledonia.

Air Connectivity: Fiji Airways has reinstated direct Nadi–Nouméa flights, running twice weekly (Tuesdays and Fridays) from today, adding more than 10,000 seats a year and giving New Caledonia easier access to Fiji’s wider Pacific, NZ, Asia, Australia and North America network. Regional Media: PINA is looking at restructuring to boost reach and inclusion, with leaders pointing to gaps in remote areas and naming New Caledonia among places needing stronger engagement. Football (MSG Prime Minister’s Cup): Solomon Islands edged New Caledonia 2-0 in Suva, while Fiji’s Bula Boys and Kulas both face must-win pressure as the men’s and women’s competitions tighten. OFC U-16 Women: New Zealand beat New Caledonia 4-0 to win the OFC title again, with captain Bonnie Rice scoring twice. Sports (U-20 Women’s World Cup): Nigeria’s Falconets were eliminated in the quarter-finals by Colombia 1-0 after a late goal.

Air Links: Fiji Airways has reinstated direct flights between Nadi and Nouméa, starting today with two services a week (Tuesdays and Fridays), adding 10,000+ seats annually and making it easier for New Caledonia travellers to connect via Fiji to destinations across the Pacific, New Zealand, Asia, Australia and North America. Regional Media: Ahead of the 8th PINA Summit, Pacific Islands News Association president Kalafi Moala says the group may need to restructure to reach remote and underrepresented communities, pointing to New Caledonia and other French territories as key areas for stronger engagement. Sports—OFC U-16: New Zealand won the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship again, beating New Caledonia 4-0 in the final in Honiara, with captain Bonnie Rice scoring twice as the Young Football Ferns kept their unbeaten run. Pacific Football—MSG Prime Ministers Cup: Solomon Islands beat New Caledonia 2-0 in Suva, while the tournament continues with New Caledonia set to face Solomon Islands again in the men’s schedule.

OFC U-16 Women’s Championship: New Zealand kept its perfect record, beating New Caledonia 4-0 in the final in Honiara. Captain Bonnie Rice scored twice, with Kodi Wilson and Louisa Egley-Turner adding late goals as the Young Football Ferns finished unbeaten and with 19 goals without reply. MSG Prime Ministers Cup (football): Solomon Islands set up a New Caledonia test after a dramatic 3-3 comeback against Fiji in Suva, while Fiji’s men will face Vanuatu after a 3-3 draw and the women’s side fell 1-0 to Vanuatu. FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup: Nigeria’s Falconets were knocked out 1-0 by Colombia in added time, ending their quarter-final run after a red card left them defending for long spells. Pacific climate media push: Journalists at the Pacific Summit in Wallis and Futuna urged stronger youth engagement on climate change, calling it an “invisible war” for island communities. AI and heritage: A new report warns generative AI can spread fake cultural history and strip Indigenous knowledge of context. Regional security: Pacific nations backed a Nouméa-coordinated operation targeting illegal fishing, inspecting 40 vessels and boarding five under WCPFC rules.

OFC U-16 Women’s Final: New Zealand defended their OFC U-16 Women’s Championship title with a 4-0 win over New Caledonia in Honiara. Captain Bonnie Rice scored twice, with Kodi Wilson and Louisa Egley-Turner adding late goals as the Young Football Ferns stayed unbeaten and finished with 19 goals in five matches. MSG Prime Minister’s Cup (Women): Fiji’s Kulas fell 1-0 to Vanuatu in Suva after Elina Aruvuha scored in the 64th minute. Fiji pressed late but couldn’t find an equaliser, while Vanuatu held firm. MSG Prime Minister’s Cup (Men): Fiji’s Bula Boys aim to improve finishing when they face Vanuatu again today after drawing 3-3 with Solomon Islands in their opener. Pacific security: A joint Pacific operation coordinated from Nouméa inspected 40 fishing vessels and boarded five to tackle illegal fishing, with forces from multiple nations including New Caledonia-based coordination.

Pacific Security: France-coordinated Pacific Quad operation out of Nouméa inspected 40 fishing vessels and boarded five to crack down on IUU fishing, using air and naval assets from Fiji, Solomon Islands, Samoa, Tonga, Vanuatu and more. MSG Prime Minister’s Cup (Suva): Fiji Kulas chase their first win tonight vs Vanuatu after a 4-0 loss to Papua New Guinea, with New Caledonia vs PNG also on the women’s slate and men’s action featuring PNG’s 2-1 win over Vanuatu and Fiji’s 3-3 draw with Solomon Islands. Football (Poland): Nigeria’s Falconets set up a quarter-final vs Colombia after beating England 3-0, following their 10-1 demolition of New Caledonia; the winner advances to the semis. OFC U-16 (Honiara): New Zealand beat New Caledonia 4-0 to claim an eighth straight OFC U-16 Women’s title, with Bonnie Rice scoring twice. Local Environment: Norfolk Island’s tiger sharks are among the world’s biggest, with a push to expand the marine sanctuary around Norfolk and Lord Howe.

FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup (Poland): Nigeria’s Falconets booked a quarter-final spot with a 3-0 Round of 16 win over England, thanks to Tosin Rafiu, Seimeyeha Janet Akekoromowei and Mary Mamudu, plus a key penalty save by goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma. They now face Colombia in Łódź, with the winner heading to the semis. OFC U-16 Women’s Championship (Solomon Islands): New Zealand beat New Caledonia 4-0 in the final to claim an eighth title, while Samoa finished fifth after a 2-0 win over hosts Solomon Islands. MSG Prime Minister’s Cup (Suva): PNG came from behind to beat Vanuatu 2-1 in the tournament opener, setting up a New Caledonia clash next. Pacific AI governance: A Kanak AI creator in Auckland says Pacific leaders’ push for human-centred, transparent AI must also include knowing when systems can’t verify answers. Environment: A Norfolk Island shark study highlights unusually large tiger sharks, as proposals look to expand marine sanctuary areas.

OFC Football: New Zealand wrapped up the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship in Honiara with a 4-0 win over New Caledonia on 19 September, extending a perfect tournament record. Captain Bonnie Rice scored twice, with Kodi Wilson and Louisa Egley-Turner adding late goals as the Young Football Ferns broke through after a tight first half. FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup: Nigeria’s Falconets surged into the quarter-finals after a 3-0 Round of 16 win over England in Poland, with Tosin Rafiu, Seimeyeha Janet Akekoromowei and Mary Mamudu scoring, plus a key penalty save by goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma. They now face Colombia for a semi-final spot. Regional Sport: The MSG Prime Minister’s Cup gets underway in Suva, with Solomon Islands opening against Fiji and PNG starting against defending champions Vanuatu, with New Caledonia among the other round-robin teams. AI Governance: A Kanak AI creator based in Auckland says Pacific AI must be transparent about sources and know when it can’t verify, as Pacific leaders back a regional AI governance framework.

Falconets Surge: Nigeria’s U-20 women’s team, the Falconets, crushed England 3-0 in the Round of 16 in Poland to book a quarter-final spot, with Tosin Rafiu scoring early and Seimeyeha Janet Akekoromowei and Mary Mamudu adding second-half goals; coach Moses Aduku says the World Cup “has only just begun,” while Nigeria’s sports chief Philip Shaibu praised the turnaround after a tough start. Next Match Focus: Nigeria are set to face Colombia in the quarter-finals on Sunday, Sept 20, after Colombia edged hosts Poland 1-0. Regional Football Watch: In Fiji’s Suva, PNG’s Kapuls opened the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup with a 2-1 comeback win over Vanuatu, and Solomon Islands begin their campaign against Fiji, with New Caledonia also in the five-team mix. Pacific AI Governance: A Kanak AI creator in Auckland says Pacific AI must be transparent about sources and know when it can’t verify, as Pacific leaders back a regional AI governance framework.

FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup: Nigeria’s Falconets booked a quarter-final spot with a 3-0 Round of 16 win over England in Poland, thanks to Tosin Rafiu (8’), Seimeyeha Janet Akekoromowei (47’) and Mary Mamadu (73’), after a crucial penalty save by goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma. Path to the next round: The Falconets’ run was powered by a 10-1 group-stage demolition of New Caledonia, finishing second in Group F behind Spain, and they now await their quarter-final opponent. MSG Prime Minister’s Cup (Suva): Papua New Guinea rallied to beat Vanuatu 2-1 in the tournament opener, and now turns to New Caledonia next, while Solomon Islands begin their campaign against Fiji at HFC Bank Stadium. Pacific AI governance: A Kanak AI creator based in Auckland says Pacific AI must be transparent about sources and know when it can’t verify—after Pacific leaders backed a regional AI governance push. OFC U-16 Women’s: Samoa finished fifth at the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship after a 2-0 win over Solomon Islands, missing out on next year’s U-17 World Cup.

Pacific AI governance: A Kanak AI creator in Auckland says Pacific leaders’ push for an AI framework must demand transparency on where answers come from and clear limits when systems can’t verify. Regional sport spotlight: The MSG Prime Minister’s Cup is underway in Suva, with PNG’s Kapuls starting against Vanuatu and Fiji set to host the Melanesian cultural football festival through Oct 3. Football—Falconets surge: Nigeria’s U-20 women’s team booked a quarter-final spot after a 3-0 win over England, with a key penalty save helping set up goals from Tosin Rafiu, Seimeyeha Janet Akekoromowei and Mary Mamadu. Local football pathway: Fiji’s Bula Boys name a 20-player squad for the MSG Cup, while Fiji’s U16 women’s team plays New Caledonia in a semi-final that decides a place at next year’s U17 World Cup. Humanitarian deployment: NZDF personnel have arrived on Penrhyn in the Cook Islands for construction, health, water and maritime work under Exercise Tropic Twilight. Air quality warning: Pakistan topped IQAir’s 2025 pollution ranking for PM2.5, far above WHO guideline levels.

U-20 Women’s World Cup (Poland): Nigeria’s Falconets have set up a Round of 16 showdown with England after smashing New Caledonia 10-1 to finish second in Group F, with Moses Aduku urging the team to fix finishing and defensive lapses before the knockout stage. Match-up details: The England clash is at Stadion Miejski in Bielsko-Biała on Thursday (2pm Nigeria time), with England advancing after a strong group that included a 5-1 win over Tanzania. Local football pathway (OFC): Fiji’s Baby Kulas U16 women’s team faces New Caledonia in a semi-final in Honiara, with a World Cup spot on the line in Morocco next year. Regional sport (MSG Prime Minister’s Cup): Fiji’s Bula Boys kick off the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup in Suva this week against the Solomon Islands, with New Caledonia also on the round-robin schedule. Maritime safety (Vanuatu): Questions continue after a passenger ferry sinking off Vanuatu left at least two dead and more than 30 missing, with authorities saying the incident was reported late.