AGP Executive Report

Emergency Evacuation: The Trump administration has approved $750,000 to charter a yacht to evacuate one American from Pitcairn Island after possible exposure to hantavirus linked to the Dutch MV Hondius cruise, adding pressure to the State Department’s emergency “K Fund.” Travel Links: Air Tahiti Nui and Air Tahiti have activated a codeshare from June 3, letting passengers book one ticket for international flights plus inter-island hops to places like Bora Bora. Aviation Watch: Holland America’s Zaandam is delayed by a propulsion problem, with itinerary changes and refunds offered for the Alaska sailing. Tsunami Monitoring: After a 7.8 quake off the Philippines, Pacific agencies issued advisories for multiple areas including French Polynesia, urging coastal communities to follow local guidance. Ocean Protection: French Polynesia says it will expand fully protected no-take marine areas inside Tainui Ātea, boosting the strict ban zone from 1.1 to 1.6 million sq km. Local Heritage Oversight: The Court of Auditors says management of UNESCO sites Taputapuatea and the Marquesas Islands has shortcomings, including outdated visitor information and weak monitoring. Sports: Samoan Olympian Vaimo’oi’a Ripley won top female honours at Tahiti’s Oceania Championships, a key step toward the 2027 Pacific Games in French Polynesia.

Sailing Spotlight: Samoan Olympian Vaimo’oi’a Ripley returned to Tahiti to win top female honours at the 2026 Oceania Championships, racing in the ILCA 6 fleet at the Yacht Club de Tahiti as preparations continue for the 2027 Pacific Games in French Polynesia. World Oceans Day & Marine Protection: French Polynesia says it will expand its fully shielded no-take reserves inside the Tainui Ātea marine protected area, adding new protected zones near the Marquesas and Austral Islands as it pushes toward stronger ocean safeguards. Tsunami Watch in the Pacific: After a 7.8 earthquake off Mindanao, US tsunami advisories were issued for multiple Pacific locations including French Polynesia, with authorities urged to inform coastal communities and stay out of the water where needed. Regional Decolonisation Push: Pacific leaders and advocates renewed calls for decolonisation to move beyond nuclear-era legacies, with French Polynesia again tied to wider debates over self-determination and unresolved colonial impacts. Bora Bora Tourism Update: Bloody Mary’s in Bora Bora is set to open a new hotel in September, extending the iconic restaurant’s lagoon-side experience with new dining and bar concepts.

Marine Protection Push: French Polynesia says it will expand its fully protected “no-take” zones inside Tainui Ātea, boosting the strictly shielded area from 1.1 to 1.6 million sq km, adding new reserves near the Marquesas and Austral Islands as President Moetai Brotherson frames it as an “Oceanians” mission. World Oceans Day: Ahead of June 8, global figures show MPAs now cover about 10% of the ocean, but only a small share is fully protected—while French Polynesia’s large-scale approach is highlighted as conservation and tourism can go together. Decolonisation After Nuclear Testing: Pacific leaders and advocates say unresolved colonial legacies still shape communities decades after nuclear testing, pointing to issues of self-determination and who benefits from natural resources. Tsunami Watch in the Pacific: After a 7.8 quake off the Philippines, tsunami advisories were issued for many Pacific coasts including French Polynesia, with officials urging coastal communities to follow local guidance. Regional Security & Aid: Australia plans AUD$46m for police deployments in Solomon Islands, citing growing security pressure in the Pacific. Bora Bora Tourism: Bloody Mary’s in Bora Bora is set to reopen as Bloody Mary’s Hotel in September, expanding the iconic restaurant into a new stay experience.

Marine Protection Push: French Polynesia says it will expand its fully shielded “no-take” natural reserves inside the world’s largest marine protected area, growing strict protection from 1.1 to 1.6 million sq km and adding new zones near the Marquesas and Austral Islands, with President Moetai Brotherson calling it a Pacific-wide model for protecting the ocean while supporting sustainable tourism. World Oceans Day: As MPAs worldwide pass the 10% mark, the UN highlights the push toward 30% by 2030, with French Polynesia cited for its large-scale protection of its entire exclusive economic zone. Tsunami Watch: After a 7.8 quake off Mindanao, the US Tsunami Warning Centre issued advisories for parts of the Pacific including French Polynesia, urging coastal authorities to inform communities and stay out of the water where needed. Regional Security & Diplomacy: Australia pledged AUD$46m for police deployments in Solomon Islands as it seeks to strengthen Pacific security ties amid China’s growing influence, while Pacific leaders and advocates renewed calls for decolonisation to be treated as a priority alongside security agendas. Local Governance Scrutiny: French Polynesia’s Court of Auditors raised concerns about how UNESCO World Heritage sites are managed, pointing to gaps in monitoring and upkeep.

Tsunami Watch: A 7.8 quake off Mindanao triggered tsunami advisories across much of the Pacific, with waves forecast under 0.3m above tide levels for places including French Polynesia, Fiji, New Caledonia and Hawai‘i; New Zealand says there’s no threat, but coastal agencies are urged to inform communities and stay out of the water. Marine Protection: French Polynesia says it will expand its fully protected “no-take” zones inside the world’s largest marine protected area, adding new areas near the Marquesas and Austral Islands and boosting the strictly forbidden zone from 1.1 to 1.6 million sq km. Decolonisation Push: Pacific and Caribbean territories are again pressing the UN Special Committee on Decolonisation to use “good offices” and visiting missions to advance self-government for remaining colonies. Regional Security & Tech: U.S. Army Pacific’s new Marara Cyber Challenge unit took part in Exercise Marara 26 in French Polynesia, while Australia announced AUD$46m for Solomon Islands police deployments amid growing great-power competition. Aviation: Fiji Airways will resume direct Nadi–Nouméa flights from 22 September.

Decolonisation & Sovereignty Debate: Former Pacific Islands Forum chief Dame Meg Taylor urged leaders to stop sidestepping hard questions on self-determination, saying security agendas are drowning out what islanders need most. World Oceans Day Conservation: French Polynesia says it will expand its fully protected “no-take” marine areas inside the world’s largest marine protected zone, adding new zones near the Marquesas and Austral Islands. MPA Milestone: The UN notes marine protected areas now cover about 10% of the world’s oceans, with more needed to reach the 30% goal by 2030. Tsunami Watch in the Pacific: After a 7.8 quake off Mindanao, US tsunami advisories listed French Polynesia among areas facing possible sea-level changes under 0.3m, with officials told to inform coastal communities. Local Heritage Oversight: The Court of Auditors flags management and monitoring shortcomings for French Polynesia’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Taputapuatea. Cyber Security in Tahiti: US Army Pacific took part in Exercise Marara 26’s Marara Cyber Challenge in French Polynesia to boost regional cyber readiness.

Marine Protection Push: French Polynesia says it will expand its fully protected “no-take” marine areas inside the world’s largest marine protected zone, banning all human activity over a larger stretch (from 1.1 to 1.6 million sq km) and adding new protected areas near the Marquesas and Austral Islands. World Ocean Day Spotlight: A new World Ocean Day feature highlights how Tahiti’s conservation rules and marine protected areas are helping tourism and protecting reefs and lagoon life. Tsunami Watch in the Pacific: After a 7.8 quake off Mindanao, the US Tsunami Warning Centre issued advisories for many Pacific coasts including French Polynesia, with officials urging coastal communities to follow local guidance and stay out of the water. Cyber Cooperation in Tahiti: U.S. Army Pacific’s new information advantage unit took part in Exercise Marara 26 in French Polynesia, joining partners to strengthen cyber readiness and regional security ties. Telecom & Digital Infrastructure: Telstra and Google announced an expanded alliance aimed at boosting network resilience and security as AI and cloud demand grows, with Google using Telstra’s terrestrial fibre and Telstra tapping Google’s Pacific subsea initiatives. Local Governance Oversight: The Court of Auditors flags shortcomings in how UNESCO World Heritage sites in French Polynesia are monitored and managed, including outdated visitor information and weak monitoring systems.

Tsunami Watch for French Polynesia: After a powerful 7.8 quake struck the southern Philippines near Mindanao, Pacific emergency agencies put coastal monitoring on alert and issued a regional tsunami advisory that includes French Polynesia, with expected wave impacts under 0.3 metres above tide levels and warnings to stay out of the water. UNESCO Oversight: The Court of Auditors flags management gaps at French Polynesia’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, saying monitoring and visitor information for Taputapuatea marae and the Marquesas Islands are not meeting long-term preservation obligations. Cyber Cooperation in Tahiti: U.S. Army Pacific’s new 1st Theater Information Advantage Detachment joined Exercise Marara 26 in French Polynesia, adding a Marara Cyber Challenge to boost cyber readiness and partner coordination across the Indo-Pacific. Coral Conservation Spotlight: Beyond Green highlights coral reef restoration projects across its network, including work in French Polynesia tied to protecting marine ecosystems ahead of World Oceans Day. Voyaging Route Update: The Polynesian Voyaging Society adjusts the Moananuiākea Voyage sail plan as El Niño concerns and storm activity rise, with a revised route targeting Tonga, Samoa and Fiji.

U.S.-France Cyber Cooperation in Tahiti: U.S. Army Pacific’s new 1st Theater Information Advantage Detachment took part in Exercise Marara 26’s Marara Cyber Challenge, teaming with French Armed Forces, Pacific Response Group and other Indo-Pacific partners to boost cyber readiness and regional security cooperation. UNESCO Oversight Concerns: The French Polynesia Court of Auditors says management and monitoring of UNESCO World Heritage sites Taputapuatea marae and the Marquesas Islands fall short, citing outdated visitor information and gaps in ensuring historical accuracy. El Niño Route Update for Moananuiākea: The Polynesian Voyaging Society is adjusting the Moananuiākea Voyage sail plan as forecasts warn of a potentially strong El Niño and rougher weather, shifting departure to late August from Aotearoa with stops in Tonga, Samoa and Fiji. Coral Reef Recovery Stalls in Moorea: A new study highlights a troubling pattern in Moorea where dead coral skeletons are kept in place by algae, limiting new coral space even after storms. Pacific Security Watch: A report warns Australia’s near region is seeing “warning signs” of drug and related health risks spreading beyond Fiji, including meth traces in Tonga wastewater and drug busts in French Polynesia. Voyaging Leaders Meet on Rapa Nui: Ocean council and voyaging groups hosted Te Piri mā’ohi o Te Moana Nui a Hiva, bringing Pacific community and government leaders together to share wayfinding knowledge and coordinate high-seas ocean protection.

UNESCO Oversight: The Court of Auditors says management of French Polynesia’s UNESCO World Heritage sites—Taputapuatea marae (Raiatea) and the Marquesas Islands—falls short, citing outdated visitor panels, weak procedures for historical accuracy, and insufficient monitoring of management plans. Regional Security & Cyber: U.S. Army Pacific’s new 1st Theater Information Advantage Detachment took part in Exercise Marara 26’s Marara Cyber Challenge in Tahiti, joining French-led efforts to boost cyber readiness and multinational partnerships. Ocean & Climate Watch: The Polynesian Voyaging Society is adjusting the Moananuiākea Voyage route as El Niño and storm risks rise, with a revised departure from Aotearoa in August and planned stops in Tonga, Samoa and Fiji. Coral Conservation: A new study on Moorea highlights how hollowed-out dead corals are being held in place by encrusting algae—an alarming clue for why reefs may struggle to recover after storms. Voyaging Leaders Meet: On Rapa Nui, ocean and cultural leaders gathered to strengthen ancestral ties and coordinate high-seas marine conservation, with participation including French Polynesia. Drug-Trade Warning Signs: Security experts warn Australia’s region is seeing early signs of drug and disease spillover, pointing to meth traces in Tonga wastewater and drug busts in French Polynesia.

Marara 26 Cyber Challenge: U.S. Army Pacific’s new 1st Theater Information Advantage Detachment (TIAD) took part in the Marara Cyber Challenge in French Polynesia, teaming with French forces and Indo-Pacific partners to boost cyber readiness and interoperability. Ocean & Climate Watch: The Polynesian Voyaging Society is adjusting the Moananuiākea Voyage sail plan as El Niño and storm risks rise, with a revised route via Tonga, Samoa and Fiji and a focus on ocean protection talks. Coral Conservation Spotlight: Beyond Green is highlighting coral reef restoration projects across its member properties, including French Polynesia, ahead of World Oceans Day on June 8. Local Security Context: A week of Pacific security coverage includes warnings that illicit drugs are spreading beyond Fiji, with meth traces reported in Tonga wastewater and drug busts noted across the region, including French Polynesia. Tourism & Lifestyle: A new travel feature spotlights Moorea as a “road trip” island, while sailing and cruise stories keep pointing to the South Pacific as a top draw.

Drug Warning for the Pacific: Security and health experts say the illicit drug trade is showing “warning signs” beyond Fiji, with traces of meth found in Tonga wastewater and “narco-subs” washing up in the Solomon Islands—while police have also made drug busts in French Polynesia. Voyaging & Ocean Protection: The Polynesian Voyaging Society is adjusting the Moananuiākea Voyage sail plan as El Niño and storm activity concerns grow, shifting the departure to late August from Aotearoa and routing stops in Tonga, Samoa and Fiji, with ocean-protection discussions planned for mid-October. Reef Recovery Struggle in Moorea: A new study finds dead corals in Moorea are being held in place by encrusting algae, blocking the usual “reset” after storms and leaving reefs stuck between life and death. Rapa Nui High-Seas Gathering: Ocean councils and voyaging groups hosted Te Piri mā’ohi o Te Moana Nui a Hiva on Rapa Nui, bringing Pacific leaders together to share wayfinding knowledge and push high-seas marine conservation. Local Sport Spotlight: Samoan sailor Vaimo’oi’a Ripley won top female honours at the 2026 Oceania Championships in Tahiti, a step in her road to Los Angeles 2028.

Ocean Safety & Climate Watch: The Polynesian Voyaging Society says it’s adjusting the Moananuiākea Voyage sail plan as El Niño concerns and storm activity rise, with Hōkūleʻa now targeting departure from Aotearoa in the third week of August and revised stops in Tonga, Samoa and Fiji, arriving mid-October for ocean-protection discussions. Marine Conservation: A new study on Moorea finds dead coral skeletons can stay in place because encrusting algae structurally “scaffold” hollowed-out corals, blocking new space for recovery after storms—raising fresh alarm for reef resilience in French Polynesia. Regional Culture & High Seas Protection: On Rapa Nui, voyaging and ocean leaders—including French Polynesia representatives—gathered for Te Piri mā’ohi o Te Moana Nui a Hiva to strengthen ancestral ties and coordinate marine conservation efforts focused on the high seas. Sporting Spotlight: Samoan Olympic sailor Vaimo’oi’a Ripley won top female honours at the 2026 Oceania Championships in Tahiti, building momentum toward Los Angeles 2028 while racing close to home. Tourism & Travel Buzz: Cruise lines and travel operators keep spotlighting the South Pacific, with new itineraries and packages featuring Tahiti, Bora Bora and nearby islands, reflecting continued demand for multi-island trips.

Voyaging & Climate Watch: The Polynesian Voyaging Society says it’s adjusting the Moananuiākea Voyage sail plan as El Niño concerns and storm activity rise, including a shift to depart Aotearoa in the third week of August with stops in Tonga, Samoa and Fiji, arriving mid-October for ocean-protection discussions. Ocean Conservation & Culture: Leaders and experts gathered on Rapa Nui for Te Piri mā’ohi o Te Moana Nui a Hiva to strengthen voyaging ties and push marine conservation, with French Polynesia among the participating communities. Reef Health in French Polynesia: A new study on Moorea finds dead coral skeletons are being held in place by algae, slowing reef recovery after storms—raising fresh alarm for coral survival. Regional Crime & Security: Fiji’s Transnational Crime Summit heard details of a major cocaine bust linked to Colombia’s Clan del Golfo, with police disputing claims about alleged prior movement of the drugs through Suva. Tahiti Sailing Spotlight: Samoan sailor Vaimo’oi’a Ripley won top female honours at the 2026 Oceania Championships in Tahiti, building momentum toward the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.

Climate & Voyaging: The Polynesian Voyaging Society says it’s adjusting the Moananuiākea Voyage sail plan as El Niño concerns and storm activity rise across parts of the Pacific, with Hōkūleʻa now targeting a late-August departure from Aotearoa (instead of May), then stopping in Tonga, Samoa and Fiji before mid-October discussions focused on ocean protection. Ocean Health in Focus: A new study on Moorea finds dead corals can be “scaffolded” in place by algae, slowing reef recovery after storms—an alarming twist for French Polynesia’s already stressed reefs. Regional Leadership on the Water: Pacific community and government leaders gathered on Rapa Nui for Te Piri mā’ohi o Te Moana Nui a Hiva, strengthening voyaging ties and pushing marine conservation, especially for high seas protection. Sports & Talent: Samoa’s Olympic sailor Vaimo’oi’a Ripley was named leading female sailor at the 2026 Oceania Championships in Tahiti, a key step toward the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics and the 2027 Pacific Games in French Polynesia.

Sailing & Sport: Tahiti’s sailing scene gets a boost as Samoan Olympian Vaimo’oi’a Ripley wins top female honours at the 2026 Oceania Championships in Tahiti, building momentum toward LA 2028 and strengthening Pacific racing ties. Ocean Protection & Culture: On Rapa Nui, voyaging and ocean leaders gathered to share wayfinding knowledge and push high-seas marine conservation, with French Polynesia among the participating communities. Environment: A new study on Moorea finds dead corals can stay “scaffolded” in place by algae, slowing reef recovery after storms—an urgent clue for coral survival in French Polynesia. Tourism & Travel: Cruise lines keep betting on the South Pacific: Norwegian extends its 2026–27 season with longer, close-to-home itineraries, while Viking unveils 2028–29 world cruise routes that include Hawaii and French Polynesia. Regional Security: Fiji-linked reporting at a transnational crime summit says a major $3bn cocaine haul seized near Vatia was trafficked from Colombia, highlighting the wider Pacific drug route.