AGP Executive Report

Pacific Forum Hosting Plan: Pacific Islands Forum leaders have locked in the next five host nations for the annual leaders’ meetings, with New Zealand (2027), Nauru (2028), the Marshall Islands (2029) and Vanuatu (2030) set to welcome delegations, and French Polynesia reaffirmed as host for 2031—often timed to major independence anniversaries. Forum Wrap-Up in Palau: The summit in Palau ended with the “Belau Declaration” calling for urgent, inclusive climate action, plus a new annual police ministers meeting and reforms to how external partners are handled. Missile Test Diplomacy: On China’s July intercontinental ballistic missile test, leaders stopped short of condemnation, choosing instead to “register concern” over inadequate notice; Nauru was the lone dissenter. French Polynesia Sovereignty Push: Oscar Temaru, leader of Tavini Huiraatira, says a statement backing full sovereignty for Maohi Nui will be presented at the UN in October, alongside a petition to show public support. Local Spotlight—Tourism Image: A new look at Tahiti’s branding says the islands are trying to move beyond the “elite honeymoon” stereotype tied to the classic “Tahiti looks nice” ad.

Pacific Islands Forum diplomacy: Leaders in Palau agreed to “register concern” over China’s July ICBM test after it overflew parts of the region without adequate notice, but stopped short of condemnation; Nauru dissented, and the final stance also called for advance notification of tests. Australian rebuke: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese publicly condemned the lack of notice and said the situations differ from US testing arrangements, while Palau’s president highlighted the missile’s proximity to French Polynesia and other island states. French Polynesia sovereignty push: Oscar Temaru says a statement on Maohi Nui’s full sovereignty will be presented at the UN in October, alongside a petition to show public support for independence. Ocean protection and policy: French Polynesia’s president Moetai Brotherson told the Palau forum that the “Blue Pacific” faces deep-sea mining, plastic pollution and climate threats, arguing for a regional response. Local governance & infrastructure: French Polynesia will host the Pacific Water and Wastewater Ministers Meeting and PWWA conference in Papeete from Aug. 31 to Sept. 4, focusing on climate-resilient water services. Tourism image shift: Tahiti tourism is trying to move beyond the “honeymoon elite” stereotype tied to the “Tahiti looks nice” ad, pitching the islands as for more than just couples.

Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: Leaders are heading into a closed-door retreat to agree the final communique, with language on China’s missile tests a key sticking point after Australia and others failed to reach consensus in earlier talks. Regional Security Debate: Civil society groups are urging a pause on plans to integrate police, military and intelligence agencies into a new regional security architecture. French Polynesia Sovereignty Push: Oscar Temaru says a statement calling for Maohi Nui’s full sovereignty will be presented at the UN in October, alongside a petition to show public support for independence. Ocean Protection & Research: A new study finds damselfish can speed coral wound healing, while separate coverage highlights Tetiaroa’s ongoing conservation success for green sea turtles. Local Cruise Momentum: Tahiti Cruise Club has elected new leadership and says cruise activity has tripled since 2012, with a big 2026 push in port calls and smaller ships. Transport & Growth: Air Moana is seeking new financing to support fleet upgrades and schedule growth. Tourism Spotlight: SeaDream Yacht Club announced SeaDream III, its first new ship in 25 years, with bookings opening for July 2029 voyages.

Sovereignty Push: Oscar Temaru says a statement on Maohi Nui’s full sovereignty will be presented at the UN in October, aiming to end French political dependence and build a sovereign state. Regional Diplomacy: Nauru (now “Naoero”) has been nominated to host the next Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in 2028, with the PIF chair role expected to follow. Blue Pacific Ocean of Peace: French Polynesia President Moetai Brotherson, in Palau for the Pacific Islands Forum, warns that deep-sea mining, plastic pollution and climate change threaten the “Ocean of Peace” and calls for a regional response. Cruise Growth in Tahiti: Tahiti Cruise Club names Edouard Gaide as president, saying cruise activity has tripled since 2012 and 2026 is set for about 1,300 port calls, mostly by smaller ships. Marine Conservation: At Tetiaroa, biologists report 15,614 green sea turtle hatchlings in a recent survey, with 113 nesting females and 161 nests protected by the atoll. Coral Science: A new study finds damselfish can speed up coral wound healing, suggesting fish habitat protection could boost reef recovery. Air Moana Financing: Air Moana is seeking up to €17 million to upgrade its ATR fleet and support schedule growth. Water Security Meeting: French Polynesia will host the Pacific Water and Wastewater Ministers Meeting and PWWA conference in Papeete from Aug. 31 to Sept. 4.

UN Decolonisation Push: Oscar Temaru, President of Tavini Huiraatira, says a statement backing full sovereignty for Maohi Nui will be presented at the UN in October, aiming to end France’s political and institutional dependence and build a sovereign state, with a petition planned to show public support. Regional Diplomacy: Nauru is set to be endorsed as the next Pacific Islands Forum host and chair, with the 2028 Leaders Meeting in Naoero’s spotlight and a reported shift in how journalists are allowed in. Blue Pacific Focus: French Polynesia President Moetai Brotherson is in Palau for the Pacific Islands Forum, warning that the “Ocean of Peace” faces threats like deep-sea mining, plastic pollution and climate change, and calling for a regional response. Water Security in the Spotlight: French Polynesia will host the 10th Pacific Water and Wastewater Ministers Meeting in Papeete from Aug. 31 to Sept. 4, bringing ministers and utilities together on climate-resilient water and wastewater services. Cruise Boom Locally: Tahiti Cruise Club has a new president, Edouard Gaide, as cruise activity continues to grow, with 2026 port calls expected to rise and most calls handled by smaller ships.

French Polynesia in Regional Spotlight: President Moetai Brotherson is in Palau for the 55th Pacific Islands Forum, pushing the “Ocean of Peace” agenda and warning that deep-sea mining, plastic pollution and climate change need a coordinated regional response. Water Security in Papeete: French Polynesia will host the 10th Pacific Water and Wastewater Ministers Meeting and the PWWA conference from Aug. 31 to Sept. 4, aiming to strengthen governance and climate-resilient water services across the Pacific. Cruise Sector Momentum: Tahiti Cruise Club has a new president, Edouard Gaide, as cruise activity keeps climbing; the club expects a strong 2026 surge with about 1,300 port calls and a focus on smaller ships. Air Moana Financing: Air Moana is seeking up to €17 million to fund schedule growth and replace parts of its ATR fleet. Blue Pacific Research & Protection: A report highlights Palau’s “deep reefs” work, while another piece backs nature-based solutions to protect Pacific biodiversity. Regional Disaster Preparedness: Pacific partners met in Honiara to strengthen earthquake, tsunami and geohazard monitoring, including better data sharing and early-warning capacity.

Pacific Ocean Protection: On World Environment Day, the Pacific Community (SPC) urged putting nature at the heart of development, warning that human activity has heavily altered Pacific land and marine ecosystems and threatening reefs and species. Regional Diplomacy & Security: French Polynesia President Moetai Brotherson is in Palau for the 55th Pacific Islands Forum, pushing an “Ocean of Peace” approach as leaders weigh deep-sea mining, plastic pollution and climate risks amid US-China competition. Water & Wastewater Focus: French Polynesia will host the 10th Pacific Water and Wastewater Ministers Meeting and the PWWA conference in Papeete (Aug 31–Sept 4), aiming to strengthen governance and climate-resilient services. Blue Pacific Resilience: Pacific states met in Honiara to boost earthquake, tsunami and geohazard monitoring, backing priority actions for 2026–2030 including better data sharing and early-warning capacity. Cruise Growth in Tahiti: Tahiti Cruise Club named Edouard Gaide as president, saying cruise activity has tripled since 2012 and expecting a strong 2026 rise in port calls and passengers. Local Transport & Aviation: Air Moana is seeking up to €17m to finance an ATR fleet upgrade and support schedule growth.

French Polynesia Aviation: Air Moana is seeking up to €17 million to fund growth and a fleet upgrade for its ATR aircraft. Nuclear Legacy & Peace: Nuclear test survivors, including Kazakhstan’s Karipbek Kuyukov, warned at the UN that “every step towards disarmament matters,” recalling generations harmed by Semipalatinsk. Regional Diplomacy: President Moetai Brotherson is in Palau for the Pacific Islands Forum, pushing a regional response to threats to the “Blue Pacific” from deep-sea mining, plastic pollution and climate change. Water Security in the Pacific: French Polynesia will host the Pacific Water and Wastewater Ministers Meeting and PWWA conference in Papeete from Aug. 31 to Sept. 4, aiming to strengthen climate-resilient water services. Cruise Boom in Tahiti: Tahiti Cruise Club elects Edouard Gaide, saying cruise activity has tripled since 2012 and 2026 should bring about 1,300 port calls, mostly with smaller ships. Blue Pacific Safety: Pacific nations met in Honiara to boost earthquake, tsunami and geohazard monitoring, including better data sharing and early warning capacity. Ocean Conservation Spotlight: A French Polynesia coral grower, Titouan Bernicot, is highlighted for restoring reefs—“rainforests of the sea.” Sports: Barbadian surfer Chelsea Tuach posted a top-five finish at the Super Girl Surf Pro in Oceanside, with French Polynesia among the competitors.

Ocean Diplomacy: French Polynesia President Moetai Brotherson is in Palau for the 55th Pacific Islands Forum, warning that the “Ocean of Peace” faces deep-sea mining, plastic pollution and climate change, and calling for a regional response to protect the Blue Pacific. Water & Sanitation Planning: French Polynesia will host the 10th Pacific Water and Wastewater Ministers Meeting and the PWWA conference in Papeete from Aug. 31 to Sept. 4, aiming to boost governance, climate resilience and sustainable water services. Cruise Growth in Tahiti: Tahiti Cruise Club has a new president, Edouard Gaide, as cruise activity keeps rising; the club expects about 1,300 port calls this year, with most run by smaller ships. Regional Disaster Readiness: Pacific leaders met in Honiara to push stronger earthquake, tsunami and geohazard monitoring and early warning, including better data sharing and maintenance. Blue Pacific Science: A new profile spotlights coral “gardening” in French Polynesia, framing reefs as vital ecosystems and a lifeline for island life.

Tahiti Cruise Club Leadership: Edouard Gaide has been unanimously elected president of the Tahiti Cruise Club, with Ororiki Rickenbach as secretary and Torea Colas staying on as treasurer, as cruise activity in French Polynesia continues to surge. Tourism & Ports Update: Gaide says 2026 should bring a strong jump in passengers and port calls, with about 1,300 scheduled calls—mostly by smaller ships under 600 passengers—and a heavy focus on homeporting and arrivals/embarkations via Tahiti. Regional Disaster Preparedness: Pacific leaders and technical partners met in Honiara to push multi-hazard earthquake, tsunami and geohazard resilience, including better seismic data sharing and stronger early-warning capacity, with French Polynesia among participants. Pacific Islands Forum Watch: An upcoming Pacific Islands Forum leaders meeting in Palau will test whether island nations can keep a united voice as China, the US and partners compete over Taiwan and ocean resources. Kiribati Diplomacy Shift: Kiribati is considering a constitutional change aimed at making it harder for future governments to switch diplomatic recognition away from China. Coral Conservation Spotlight: A French Polynesia-based coral gardener, Titouan Bernicot, is profiled for growing coral as a “rainforest of the sea,” highlighting reef recovery and marine life.

Tahiti Cruise Club Leadership: Edouard Gaide has been unanimously elected president of the Tahiti Cruise Club, replacing Bud Gilroy, with Ororiki Rickenbach as secretary and Torea Colas staying on as treasurer; Gaide says cruise activity has tripled since 2012 and expects a strong 2026 push with about 1,300 port calls, 89% handled by ships under 600 passengers, and most calls focused on homeporting vessels. Regional Safety & Resilience: Pacific nations met in Honiara to strengthen earthquake, tsunami, volcano and landslide monitoring, backing priority actions for 2026–2030 including better seismic data sharing, interoperability, workforce training and investment in monitoring infrastructure—French Polynesia included. Pacific Islands Forum Watch: Leaders head to Palau for the Pacific Islands Forum summit (Aug 30–Sept 4), where unity and control over ocean resources will be tested amid US-China competition. Tourism Numbers: July 2026 visitor spending in Hawaii rose to $1.99B (+1.7%), with more visitors but shorter stays. Culture & Nature: A new profile highlights Titouan Bernicot’s coral “rainforest of the sea” work, while a separate piece spotlights French Polynesia-linked whale sound recording efforts. Sports: Chelsea Tuach posted a top-five finish at the Super Girl Surf Pro in California.

Cruise Boom for Tahiti: The Tahiti Cruise Club has elected Edouard Gaide as its new president, with plans to build on a sector that has tripled since 2012; the club expects a strong 2026 lift in passengers and port calls, with about 1,300 calls scheduled and most run by smaller ships under 600 passengers. Regional Security Watch: Pacific leaders will meet in Palau for the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, where the big question is whether island nations can keep a united voice as China, the US and partners compete for influence and access to ocean resources. Disaster Preparedness: Pacific countries gathered in Honiara to push stronger earthquake, tsunami and geohazard monitoring, backing priority actions for 2026–2030 including better data sharing and upgraded early-warning systems. Environment & Culture: A new profile spotlights coral restoration in French Polynesia through Titouan Bernicot’s “rainforest of the sea” approach, growing coral one piece at a time. Sports (Local Connection): Chelsea Tuach earned a top-five finish at the Super Girl Surf Pro in Oceanside, with French Polynesia among the competitors.

Pacific Islands Forum: Leaders from across the region will meet in Palau from Aug. 30 to Sept. 4, with French Polynesia among the 18 forum members, as they try to keep a common voice while China, the US and partners compete over Taiwan, ocean minerals and security ties. Cruise Growth in Tahiti: Tahiti Cruise Club has elected Edouard Gaide as president, saying cruise activity has tripled since 2012 and that 2026 should bring about 1,300 port calls, with most run by smaller ships and many outside the Society Islands’ Windward areas. Coral Conservation Story: A local diver and coral grower, Titouan Bernicot, is highlighted for “rainforest of the sea” work—growing coral one piece at a time to restore reefs. Regional Disaster Readiness: Pacific officials in Honiara backed a 2026–2030 plan to strengthen earthquake and tsunami monitoring, including better data sharing and maintenance, with French Polynesia among participants. Sports (Polynesia in the mix): French Polynesia surfer Chelsea Tuach posted a top-five finish at the Super Girl Surf Pro in Oceanside.

Tahiti Tourism & Cruise Growth: The Tahiti Cruise Club has elected Edouard Gaide as its new president, with a team led by secretary Ororiki Rickenbach and treasurer Torea Colas, as cruise activity in French Polynesia continues to surge—tripling since 2012 and now expected to bring about 1,300 port calls in 2026, with most calls handled by smaller ships and a large share outside the Society Islands’ Windward Islands. Marine Conservation & Culture: Titouan Bernicot is profiled as a “coral gardener,” growing reef life one coral at a time and calling coral the “rainforest of the sea.” Regional Disaster Preparedness: Pacific nations, including French Polynesia, met in Honiara to push stronger earthquake, tsunami and geohazard monitoring and early warning for 2026–2030. Sports (Regional Spotlight): French Polynesia’s Chelsea Tuach earned a top-five finish at the Super Girl Surf Pro in Oceanside, while local surfer Kaikora “KK” Nauenberg advanced in the WSL Super Girl Surf Pro qualifying series. Visitor Economy (Elsewhere in the Pacific): July visitor spending rose in Hawaii, with higher daily spend but shorter stays.

Coral Conservation Spotlight: A French Polynesian diver, Titouan Bernicot, is “gardening” coral reefs in the ocean—calling them the “rainforests of the sea” and describing how his work grows ancient marine life one coral at a time. Cruise & South Pacific Travel: Norwegian Cruise Line says its 2028 summer deployment will include more overnight stays and late departures across Europe, Australia, the South Pacific and Alaska, with sailings from Sydney, Lautoka, Honolulu and Papeete. Expedition Cruising in the Region: Silversea has launched its 77-day Grand South Pacific Expedition 2026, linking the Kimberley, the South Pacific and stops including Pitcairn and Easter Island. Disaster Preparedness for the Pacific: Pacific leaders and technical partners met in Honiara to push stronger earthquake, tsunami and geohazard monitoring, including better data sharing and maintenance for early-warning systems, with French Polynesia among participants. Local Sports Note: Barbadian surfer Chelsea Tuach earned a top-five finish at the Super Girl Surf Pro in Oceanside, with competition including surfers from North America, Hawaii and French Polynesia.

Regional Disaster Preparedness: Pacific Island nations met in Honiara to push stronger earthquake, tsunami and geohazard monitoring, with French Polynesia among participants agreeing priority actions for 2026–2030, including better seismic data sharing and early-warning coordination. Tourism & Travel Economy: Hawaii’s July 2026 visitor spending rose to $1.99bn (+1.7%), but stays shortened to 7.59 days (-14.1%), with higher average daily spend (+17.1%). South Pacific Surf Spotlight: French Polynesia’s Chelsea Tuach earned a top-five finish at the Super Girl Surf Pro in Oceanside, reaching the quarter-finals after strong wins. Marine Science & Sound: A recordist captured spatialized humpback whale songs on expeditions to Hawaii and French Polynesia, aiming for higher-definition underwater recordings. Cruise Moves in the Region: Norwegian Spirit will sail 11–13 night cruises in the South Pacific and French Polynesia in summer 2028, while Silversea launched its 77-day Grand South Pacific Expedition 2026 calling at Marquesas and beyond. Local Sports Culture: Clare Balding says walking keeps her grounded and highlights the mental and social benefits of hikes.