AGP Executive Report

Tsunami Watch for French Polynesia: After a 7.8 quake off Mindanao, the US Tsunami Warning Centre issued advisories for many Pacific coasts, including French Polynesia, with waves forecast under 0.3m above tide levels and officials urging people to stay out of the water. Air Travel Boost: Air Tahiti Nui and Air Tahiti activated a codeshare from June 3, letting travelers book one ticket for international flights plus inter-island hops to places like Bora Bora. Marine Protection Push: French Polynesia says it will expand fully protected “no-take” zones inside its giant Tainui Ātea marine protected area, adding new areas near the Marquesas and Austral Islands. Green Hospitality: Hilton Hotel Tahiti in Papeete received Green Globe certification, highlighting its partnership with OceanIA and an autonomous solar-powered marine observation platform. Local Sport Spotlight: Cook Islands paddler Reuben Dearlove won the Masters Men 50 division at Te Aito 2026 in Tahiti.

Marine Protection Push: French Polynesia says it will expand its fully protected “no-take” waters inside Tainui Ātea, boosting the strictly forbidden zone from 1.1 to 1.6 million sq km and adding new areas near the Marquesas and Austral Islands. World Oceans Day: As MPAs reach about 10% of the ocean, the UN is urging progress toward the 30% goal by 2030, with French Polynesia highlighted for its scale. Whale Rights Draft Laws: The Moananui Sanctuary Trust released two model legal frameworks for public consultation, aiming to strengthen whale protection by blending Indigenous stewardship with modern legal rights. Local Tourism Sustainability: Hilton Hotel Tahiti in Papeete earned Green Globe certification, citing its partnership with OceanIA and an autonomous solar-powered observation platform. Inter-island Travel: Air Tahiti Nui and Air Tahiti activated a codeshare from June 3, letting travelers book one ticket for international-to-inter-island connections. Regional Safety Alert: After a 7.8 quake off Mindanao, tsunami advisories were issued for multiple Pacific coasts including French Polynesia, with officials urging coastal communities to follow local guidance. Cyber Readiness in Tahiti: U.S. Army Pacific’s new 1st TIAD took part in the Marara Cyber Challenge during Exercise Marara 26 in French Polynesia. Cruise Disruption: Holland America’s Zaandam delayed its Alaska departure from Vancouver due to propulsion repairs, reshuffling ports and schedules.

Green Tourism Win: Hilton Hotel Tahiti in Papeete has received Green Globe certification, highlighting its partnership with local marine NGO OceanIA, including an autonomous solar-powered observation platform for marine conservation. Whale Rights Drafts: The Moananui Sanctuary Trust released two model Pacific legislative frameworks for public consultation, aiming to give whales stronger legal protection and rights grounded in Indigenous stewardship and modern science. Codeshare Boost: Air Tahiti Nui and Air Tahiti activated a codeshare from June 3, letting travelers book one ticket for international flights plus inter-island hops to destinations like Bora Bora. Ocean Protection Push: French Polynesia plans to expand fully protected “no-take” marine zones inside Tainui Ātea, adding new areas near the Marquesas and Austral Islands. Tsunami Watch: After a 7.8 quake off Mindanao, regional tsunami advisories were issued for parts of the Pacific including French Polynesia, with officials urging coastal safety steps. UNESCO Oversight: French Polynesia’s Court of Auditors says management of UNESCO World Heritage sites Taputapuatea and the Marquesas Islands has shortcomings, including weak monitoring and outdated visitor information.

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, warning of possible sea-level changes under 0.3m and urging coastal authorities to inform residents and keep people out of the water where needed. Ocean Protection Push: French Polynesia says it will expand its fully protected “no-take” zones inside the huge Tainui Ātea marine protected area, adding new areas near the Marquesas and Austral islands to boost strict protection from 1.1 to 1.6 million sq km. Travel Connectivity: Air Tahiti Nui and Air Tahiti have activated a codeshare, letting passengers book one ticket for international flights plus inter-island hops to places like Bora Bora. Local Governance & Heritage: The Court of Auditors flags shortcomings in how UNESCO World Heritage sites are managed in French Polynesia, including monitoring and visitor information at Taputapuatea and the Marquesas. Sailing & Sport: Vaimo’oi’a Ripley (Samoa) won top female honours at Tahiti’s 2026 Oceania Championships, while Cook Islands paddler Reuben Dearlove took the Masters Men 50 title at Te Aito 2026.

Aviation & Connectivity: Air Tahiti Nui and Air Tahiti have activated their codeshare, letting passengers book one ticket from Europe, the US, Japan or New Zealand to Tahiti and then connect on inter-island flights to places like Bora Bora. Ocean Protection: French Polynesia says it will expand its fully protected “no-take” zones inside Tainui Ātea, growing strict protection from 1.1 to 1.6 million sq km and adding new areas near the Marquesas and Austral Islands. World Oceans Day: Marine protected areas worldwide have reached 10% coverage, with French Polynesia highlighted for creating the world’s largest MPA. Tsunami Watch: After a 7.8 quake off Mindanao, US tsunami advisories listed many Pacific coasts including French Polynesia, with officials urging coastal communities to follow local guidance. Local Culture & Heritage: The Court of Auditors flags management gaps at French Polynesia’s UNESCO sites, including Taputapuatea marae and the Marquesas Islands. Sports: Vaimo’oi’a Ripley (Samoa) won top female honours at Tahiti’s Te Aito 2026.

Tsunami Watch: A 7.8 quake off Mindanao triggered Pacific tsunami advisories, with possible sea-level changes under 0.3m for places including French Polynesia, Fiji, New Caledonia, Hawai‘i, and Wallis & Futuna, while New Zealand says there’s no threat. Ocean Protection Push: French Polynesia says it will expand “no-take” fully protected zones inside Tainui Ātea, boosting strictly forbidden areas from 1.1 to 1.6 million sq km and adding new MPAs near the Marquesas and Austral Islands. World Oceans Day: Marine protected areas hit 10% of the ocean in 2026, but only a small share is fully protected; the UN and partners are urging faster progress toward the 30% goal by 2030. Decolonisation & Nuclear Legacy: Pacific leaders and advocates say decolonisation remains unfinished decades after nuclear testing, linking unresolved contamination and self-determination to ongoing colonial power dynamics. Bora Bora Tourism: Bloody Mary’s in Bora Bora is set to open its new hotel in September, extending the legendary restaurant into a full stay experience. Local Governance Oversight: French Polynesia’s Court of Auditors flags management shortcomings at UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Taputapuatea and the Marquesas Islands. Cyber Cooperation: U.S. Army Pacific and French-led Exercise Marara 26 added a cyber challenge in French Polynesia to strengthen regional readiness and partnerships. Biodiversity Research: New Palau study updates the life cycle of the longnose emperor, aiming to support healthier fisheries management.

Marine Protection Push: French Polynesia says it will expand its fully shielded “no-take” zones inside the world’s largest marine protected area, adding new protected areas northeast of the Marquesas and south of the Austral Islands, with the ban on human activity rising from 1.1 to 1.6 million sq km. World Oceans Day: UN-linked reporting notes MPAs now cover about 10% of the ocean, with more protection needed to reach the 30% goal by 2030, and highlights French Polynesia’s 2025 move as a major benchmark. 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 people and stay out of the water where conditions are hazardous. Governance & Heritage: The Court of Auditors flags management gaps at French Polynesia’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Taputapuatea marae and the Marquesas Islands, citing outdated visitor information and weak monitoring. Cyber Cooperation: US Army Pacific’s new 1st Theater Information Advantage Detachment joined Exercise Marara 26 in French Polynesia, adding a cyber challenge to strengthen regional readiness.

World Oceans Day / Marine Protection: French Polynesia says it will expand its fully protected “no-take” zones inside Tainui Atea, boosting strict protection from 1.1 to 1.6 million sq km and adding new areas near the Marquesas and Austral Islands. Tsunami Watch: After a 7.8 quake off Mindanao, the US Tsunami Warning Centre issued advisories for many Pacific coasts, including French Polynesia, with waves forecast under 0.3m above tide levels; New Zealand says there’s no threat. Decolonisation Push: Pacific voices, including French Polynesia-linked speakers, renewed calls at UN forums for faster decolonisation and for nuclear-era harms to be addressed, as leaders mark major anniversaries. Local Governance / Heritage: The Court of Auditors says UNESCO World Heritage sites in French Polynesia—Taputapuatea marae and the Marquesas Islands—are facing management and monitoring shortcomings. Security & Defence: US Army Pacific’s new TIAD unit joined Exercise Marara 26 in French Polynesia, adding a cyber challenge to strengthen regional readiness. Regional Connectivity: Fiji Airways will restart direct Nadi–Nouméa flights from 22 September.

Tsunami Watch in the Pacific: After a 7.8 quake off the Philippines’ Mindanao, the US Tsunami Warning Centre issued advisories for many Pacific coasts, including French Polynesia, with waves forecast under 0.3m and officials urging coastal communities to follow local guidance. World Oceans Day, Polynesia Style: French Polynesia says it will expand its fully protected “no-take” marine zones inside the huge Tainui Atea area, adding new protected areas near the Marquesas and Austral Islands as it pushes conservation-led tourism. UN Decolonisation Pressure: The British Virgin Islands and Virgin Islands urged the UN decolonisation committee to use “good offices” and visiting missions to advance self-government for remaining non-self-governing territories. Regional Security Push: Australia pledged AUD$46m for police deployments in the Solomon Islands, citing China’s growing security role and warning that without investment, others will “fill the vacuum.” Local Governance & Heritage: The Court of Auditors flagged shortcomings in how French Polynesia manages UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Taputapuatea and the Marquesas.

Marine Protection Push: French Polynesia says it will expand its fully protected “no-take” marine reserves inside the world’s largest marine protected area, banning all human activity over an added 500,000 sq km (from 1.1 to 1.6 million sq km), with new areas planned near the Marquesas and the Austral Islands. World Oceans Day Scorecard: On June 8, the UN highlighted that marine protected areas now cover about 10% of the ocean—one-third of the 2030 goal—while noting gaps where some zones still allow damaging practices. Tsunami Watch in the Pacific: After a 7.8 quake off Mindanao, tsunami advisories were issued across much of the Pacific, including French Polynesia, with officials urging coastal communities to follow local guidance and stay out of the water if told. Regional Air Links: Fiji Airways will restart direct Nadi–Nouméa flights from 22 September, twice weekly, restoring a key connection between the two French Pacific markets. Cyber Cooperation in Tahiti: U.S. Army Pacific’s new 1st TIAD took part in Exercise Marara 26’s Marara Cyber Challenge in French Polynesia, aiming to boost regional cyber readiness and partnerships.

Pacific Tsunami Watch: A powerful 7.8 quake off Mindanao, Philippines, has triggered tsunami monitoring across the wider Pacific, with the US Tsunami Warning Centre forecasting sea level changes under 0.3 metres above tides and issuing advisories for places including French Polynesia; authorities are urging coastal communities to follow local guidance and stay out of hazardous waters. Regional Security Training: In French Polynesia, U.S. Army Pacific’s new 1st Theater Information Advantage Detachment joined Exercise Marara 26’s Marara Cyber Challenge to boost cyber readiness and build partnerships with French and Pacific response partners. UNESCO Oversight: The Court of Auditors says management of Taputapuatea and the Marquesas Islands UNESCO sites has serious gaps, including outdated visitor information and weak monitoring of required plans. Coral Conservation: Beyond Green highlights coral reef restoration projects across its network, including work in French Polynesia, ahead of World Oceans Day. Sailing & Sports: Tahiti hosts the Oceania Championships, where Samoan sailor Vaimo’oi’a Ripley wins top female honours, adding momentum toward the 2028 Olympics.

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 on monitoring and visitor information, raising concerns about long-term preservation duties. Cyber Security in the Pacific: U.S. Army Pacific’s new 1st Theater Information Advantage Detachment joined Exercise Marara 26 in French Polynesia for the Marara Cyber Challenge, aiming to boost cyber readiness and multinational cooperation. Health & Drugs Warning Signs: A report flags rising drug and disease risks across the Pacific, pointing to police busts in French Polynesia and “warning signs” seen in places like Tonga and the Solomon Islands after Fiji’s HIV crisis. Coral Conservation Spotlight: Beyond Green highlights coral reef projects across its properties, including French Polynesia, ahead of World Oceans Day, as reefs face bleaching, pollution, and other pressures. Regional Travel Links: Fiji Airways says it will restart direct Nadi–Nouméa flights from 22 September, restoring a key air connection between two French Pacific markets. Voyaging & Climate: The Polynesian Voyaging Society adjusts the Moananuiākea Voyage route due to El Niño and storm concerns, with a revised departure from New Zealand in August and stops across the region. Local Sailing Success: Samoa’s Vaimo’oi’a Ripley won top female honours at the Oceania Championships in Tahiti, building momentum toward the 2028 Olympics.

UNESCO Oversight: The French Polynesia Court of Auditors says UNESCO World Heritage management is falling short at Taputapuatea marae and the Marquesas Islands, citing outdated visitor information and weak monitoring of preservation plans. Cyber Cooperation in Tahiti: U.S. Army Pacific’s new 1st TIAD took part in the Marara Cyber Challenge during Exercise Marara 26 in French Polynesia, teaming with France and Pacific partners to boost cyber readiness and interoperability. Voyaging and Climate Risk: The Polynesian Voyaging Society is adjusting the Moananuiākea Voyage route as El Niño and storm activity concerns grow, shifting departure to late August from Aotearoa with stops in Tonga, Samoa and Fiji. Coral Reef Alarm in Moorea: A new study in Moorea finds dead corals being held in place by algae, blocking the usual “reset” after storms and slowing reef recovery. Drug Trade Warning Signs: Security experts warn Australia’s region is seeing early spillover from Fiji’s HIV and drug crisis, with meth traces reported in Tonga wastewater and drug busts in French Polynesia. Rapa Nui Ocean Leaders: Rapa Nui’s ocean council and voyaging groups hosted Te Piri mā’ohi o Te Moana Nui a Hiva, bringing Pacific leaders together to strengthen high-seas protection and marine conservation.

Cyber & Security in Tahiti: U.S. Army Pacific’s new 1st Theater Information Advantage Detachment joined the Marara Cyber Challenge during Exercise Marara 26 in French Polynesia, teaming with France and regional partners to boost cyber readiness and interoperability. Ocean Protection & Culture: The Polynesian Voyaging Society is adjusting the Moananuiākea Voyage sail plan as El Niño and storm risks rise, with a revised August departure from Aotearoa and stops across Tonga, Samoa and Fiji, while Rapa Nui hosted Pacific leaders to strengthen voyaging ties and high-seas marine conservation. Coral Conservation in French Polynesia: A new study on Moorea finds dead corals can be “scaffolded” in place by algae, slowing reef recovery after storms—adding urgency to reef restoration efforts. Drug Trafficking Watch: Fiji’s major cocaine bust tied to Colombia’s Clan del Golfo was discussed at a regional crime summit, underscoring how trafficking networks reach across the Pacific, including via routes involving the Vatia area. Sustainable Tourism Spotlight: Beyond Green highlights coral reef projects supported by its member properties, including in French Polynesia, ahead of World Oceans Day on June 8.

Security & Crime in the Pacific: Fiji police say a massive 2.64 tonnes cocaine haul seized at the abandoned Vatia jetty (valued around $3 billion) was trafficked from Colombia, linked to Clan del Golfo, with arrests of Ecuadorians reported after a Transnational Crime Summit in Nadi. Public Health & Drugs: Australia-linked reporting warns illicit drugs are spreading beyond Fiji, with traces of meth found in Tonga wastewater and “narco-subs” washing up in the Solomon Islands, raising fears for HIV and other transmissible diseases across Pacific tourist hubs. Ocean Protection & Voyaging: Polynesian Voyaging Society adjusts the Moananuiākea Voyage route due to El Niño and storm concerns, shifting departure to late August from Aotearoa and planning stops in Tonga, Samoa and Fiji for ocean-protection discussions. Marine Conservation Research (Moorea): A new study finds dead corals in Moorea are being held in place by encrusting algae, blocking reef recovery after storms. Regional Leadership (Rapa Nui): Ocean council and voyaging groups hosted Te Piri mā’ohi o Te Moana Nui a Hiva, bringing Pacific leaders together to share wayfinding and push high-seas marine conservation. Sports (Tahiti): Samoan sailor Vaimo’oi’a Ripley wins top female honours at the Oceania Championships in Tahiti, building toward LA 2028.

Voyaging & Climate Watch: The Polynesian Voyaging Society says the Moananuiākea Voyage sail plan will be adjusted as El Niño and storm risks rise, with a revised departure from Aotearoa in late August and stops in Tonga, Samoa and Fiji, arriving mid-October for ocean-protection talks. Marine Conservation in Focus: A new study on Moorea finds dead coral skeletons being held in place by algae, blocking new coral space even after storms—an urgent clue for reef survival in French Polynesia. Health & Security Warning Signs: Experts warn that drug trafficking patterns seen in Fiji may be spreading across nearby Pacific islands, pointing to meth traces in Tonga wastewater and drug busts including in French Polynesia. Regional Crime Update: Fiji’s biggest cocaine seizure—2.64 tonnes linked to Colombia’s Clan del Golfo—was discussed at a transnational crime summit, underscoring how global networks reach the Pacific. Local Sport Spotlight: Samoa’s Olympic sailor Vaimo’oi’a Ripley earned top female honours at the 2026 Oceania Championships in Tahiti, building momentum toward the 2027 Pacific Games. Tourism & Travel: NCL extends its South Pacific season with more close-to-home cruise options, while Tahiti and French Polynesia continue to draw sailing and cruise interest.