AGP Executive Report

Air Tahiti: The airline’s new ATR 72-600 is making its way from France to Tahiti. Its 26-seat all-business cabin is planned for inter-island flights to Bora Bora and Raiatea later this year. Ocean Protection: French Polynesia’s vast marine protections will only deliver lasting gains if they’re enforced and properly funded, conservation specialists warn. A new study also finds that restoring native vegetation and seabird populations could help atolls build resilience to rising seas. Tahiti Pro Allegations: The World Surf League provisionally suspended Mexican surfer Alan Cleland Jr. over serious allegations linked to a private gathering in Tahiti in August. The allegations are not findings of guilt. Decolonisation: French Polynesia has put a three-step UN pathway on decolonisation before France’s assembly, bringing the territory’s political status into focus. Va‘a: Tahiti’s Team OPT beat rivals Shell Va‘a to win the Molokai Hoe in Hawaii, taking the outrigger canoe title for a second straight year.

Regional Security: A new Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency report warns that traffickers are using tuna shipments, fishing vessels and refuelling operations to move cocaine across the Pacific, putting island communities and fisheries at risk. Air Tahiti: The airline’s new 26-seat, all-business ATR 72-600 is on its delivery journey from France; it is due to begin premium flights linking Tahiti with Bora Bora and Raiatea on December 8. Tahiti Surfing: The World Surf League provisionally suspended Mexican surfer Alan Cleland Jr. over serious sexual assault allegations linked to a private gathering in Tahiti in August. The allegations have not been proven. Political Future: President Moetai Brotherson has proposed a three-step UN-backed process on French Polynesia’s status, including public education, a UN visiting mission and an agreed path to a referendum. Marine Conservation: Research suggests shark ecotourism can inspire lasting conservation action; the study notes such tours operate in French Polynesia and other Pacific nations.

Air Tahiti Upgrade: Air Tahiti has taken delivery of an all-business-class ATR 72-600, with 26 seats and island flights linking Tahiti, Bora Bora and Raiatea planned from Dec. 8. Tahiti Pro Investigation: The World Surf League has provisionally suspended Mexican surfer Alan Cleland Jr. over serious allegations linked to a private gathering in Tahiti in August. Reports say four men are under investigation; no finding of guilt has been made. Outrigger Canoeing: Tahiti’s Team OPT beat fellow local crew Shell Va‘a to win the Molokai Hoe for a second straight year, completing the 41-mile race to Waikiki in near-record time. Decolonisation Dialogue: President Moetai Brotherson has asked the UN to help establish a three-step process on French Polynesia’s political future, including public education, a UN visit and an agreed path to a referendum. Island Connections: The new passenger-cargo ship Aranoa is set to sail from Papeete in 2027, serving French Polynesia’s remote islands.

Tahiti Surfing: The World Surf League provisionally suspended Mexican surfer Alan Cleland Jr. over serious sexual-assault allegations tied to a private gathering in Tahiti in August. Police are investigating; no charges have been reported, and the allegations remain unproven. Self-Determination: President Moetai Brotherson urged France to begin UN-backed talks on French Polynesia’s political future, proposing public education, a UN visit and an agreed path to a referendum—with no outcome decided in advance. Va‘a: Tahiti’s Team OPT beat fellow local crew Shell Va‘a to win the Molokai Hoe for a second straight year, completing the 41-mile race to Waikiki. Inter-Island Links: The new passenger-cargo ship Aranoa has been delivered and is due to begin voyages from Papeete in 2027, serving French Polynesia’s remote islands. Pacific Partnership: French Polynesian personnel joined a New Zealand-led aid mission to Penrhyn in the Cook Islands, where teams upgraded school facilities and water infrastructure.

Surfing: The World Surf League has provisionally suspended Mexican surfer Alan Cleland Jr over allegations involving an Australian teenager at a private gathering in Tahiti during August’s Tahiti Pro. The allegations are under investigation; no finding of guilt has been reported. Polynesian Roots: A new genetics study finds Native Hawaiians and Rapa Nui people share a closer connection than other Polynesian populations examined, drawing on data that includes French Polynesia. Va‘a: Tahiti’s Team OPT defended its Molokai Hoe title, beating 13-time champions Shell Va‘a in the 41-mile outrigger canoe race to Waikiki. Political Future: President Moetai Brotherson has urged France to begin UN-backed talks on decolonisation, proposing public education, a UN visiting mission and an agreed path toward a referendum. Island Links: The new Aranoa passenger-cargo ship is set to begin service from Papeete in 2027, serving French Polynesia’s remote islands.

Polynesian Connections: A new genetic study found Native Hawaiians and Rapa Nui are more closely related to each other than to other Polynesian groups examined. Researchers analyzed more than 1,000 genomes, including samples from French Polynesia, and say the results point to ancient Pacific voyaging and settlement. Va‘a Victory: Tahiti’s Team OPT defended its Molokai Hoe title, beating 13-time champion Shell Va‘a in the 41-mile race to Waikiki. Pacific Security: A Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency report warns criminal networks are using tuna vessels and seafood shipments to smuggle cocaine across the Pacific, putting island communities at risk. Political Future: President Moetai Brotherson has proposed a three-step, UN-backed process: educate the public on status options, send a UN mission to hear residents, then agree on a path to a self-determination referendum. He says France must engage in dialogue. Papeete Voyages: The new passenger-cargo ship Aranoa is set to begin service from Papeete in 2027, linking remote islands. Windstar has also announced French Polynesia among the destinations for its chef-hosted cruises next year.

Decolonisation: President Moetai Brotherson has proposed a three-step UN-backed process for French Polynesia’s political future: public education on status options, a UN visit to hear residents and an agreed path toward a referendum. He says France must engage in dialogue after years of deadlock. Island Connections: The new Aranoa passenger-cargo ship has been delivered and is due to begin voyages from Papeete in 2027, serving French Polynesia’s remote islands. It can carry 197 passengers and 48 cargo containers. Culinary Cruises: Windstar’s 2027 James Beard chef sailings include a voyage through French Polynesia, with chef-hosted dinners, cooking demonstrations and food-focused excursions. Pacific Ancestry: Genomic research points to close ancestral links among Polynesian populations, including Native Hawaiians and Rapa Nui. Researchers say the work underscores the need for Indigenous communities to have control over how their genetic data is used.

Tourism: Bora Bora ranked 11th among the world’s top beaches in Condé Nast Traveller’s 2026 readers’ awards. Political Future: President Moetai Brotherson has asked the UN to help restart talks with France on decolonisation, proposing public education on status options, a UN visit and an agreed route to a referendum. Island Connections: The new passenger-cargo ship Aranoa has been delivered and is due to begin South Pacific service from Papeete in 2027, serving French Polynesia’s remote islands. Cruise Travel: Windstar will offer five chef-hosted voyages in 2027, including sailings in French Polynesia alongside destinations in Europe and Asia.

Decolonisation: President Moetai Brotherson has proposed a three-step UN process to help French Polynesians choose their political future: education on status options, a UN visiting mission, then an agreed path to a referendum. He says there should be no predetermined outcome and France must engage. Aranui Fleet: The new Aranoa has been delivered and is due to begin passenger-and-cargo voyages from Papeete in 2027, serving remote islands. It can carry 197 passengers and 48 cargo containers. Polynesian Ancestry: New genomic research finds close links among Polynesian populations, including Hawaiians and Rapa Nui. Researcher Keolu Fox says the legacy of French nuclear testing in the territory helped prompt his focus on ethical, community-led health research. Tourism: Windstar has announced five chef-hosted voyages for 2027, with French Polynesia among the destinations. The territory also features in Virtuoso’s top 10 honeymoon destinations for 2027. Energy: Air conditioning accounts for 40% of French Polynesia’s electricity use, sharpening interest in ways to cool island communities with less energy.

Decolonisation: President Moetai Brotherson has asked France to begin UN-backed talks on French Polynesia’s political future. His proposed three-step process starts with public information on status options, followed by a UN visit and an agreed path to a referendum, with no predetermined outcome. Tourism: Windstar has announced five chef-hosted cruises for 2027, including voyages in French Polynesia; the islands also rank among the world’s top 10 honeymoon destinations for next year. Island Connections: The new Aranoa has been delivered to Aranui Cruises and is due to begin passenger-and-cargo service from Papeete in 2027, serving remote islands. Science: A new genetics study traces shared Polynesian ancestry linking French Polynesia, Rapa Nui and Hawaiʻi. Researchers say community partnership is central to using the findings to support health research.

Cruise Tourism: Windstar has announced five chef-hosted sailings for 2027, including voyages to French Polynesia with destination-inspired dinners and cooking demonstrations. Decolonisation: President Moetai Brotherson has proposed a three-step UN process: public education on political options, a UN mission to hear residents, and an agreed path to a referendum. He says France must engage in dialogue. Inter-island Shipping: The new Aranoa has been delivered to Aranui Cruises. It will sail from Papeete on passenger-and-cargo routes to remote islands, with service due to begin in 2027. Air Connections: Alaska Airlines lists Air Tahiti as a coming regional partner, potentially bringing new mileage options for travellers. Energy: Air conditioning accounts for about 40% of French Polynesia’s electricity use, adding urgency to efforts to cool islands with seawater.

Political Future: President Moetai Brotherson has asked the UN to help break a 13-year deadlock with France over decolonisation. His proposed process would explain political-status options, send a UN mission to hear residents and agree on a path to a referendum, with no predetermined outcome. The Assembly has backed UN-facilitated dialogue. Research and Heritage: A new genetics study traces shared ancestry among Polynesian island populations, including links between Hawaiʻi and Rapa Nui. The research also revives questions about health risks and French nuclear testing in the territory. Tourism: French Polynesia features among the world’s top 10 honeymoon destinations in Virtuoso’s 2027 luxury travel survey. Inter-island Travel: The new Aranoa has been delivered to Aranui Cruises and is due to begin passenger-and-cargo service from Papeete in 2027, serving the territory’s remote islands.

Genomics and Community Health: A new study traces shared voyaging ancestry between Hawaiʻi and Rapa Nui, with research spanning French Polynesia. Its researchers say community trust and control over genetic data matter, especially given the territory’s history of nuclear testing and gaps in health care. Decolonisation: President Moetai Brotherson has asked France to begin UN-backed talks on French Polynesia’s political future. His proposed steps include public education on status options, a UN mission to hear residents, and an agreed route to a referendum, with no outcome set in advance. Inter-island Shipping: The new Aranoa has been delivered to Aranui Cruises and is due to begin passenger-and-cargo service from Papeete in 2027, serving remote islands. Tourism: Bora Bora placed 11th in Condé Nast Traveller’s global beach rankings. Energy: At Tetiaroa, air conditioning accounts for 40% of French Polynesia’s electricity use, highlighting the challenge of reducing reliance on fossil-fuel generators.

Decolonisation: President Moetai Brotherson has asked the UN to help break a 13-year deadlock with France over French Polynesia’s political future. His three-step proposal calls for public education on status options, a UN mission to hear residents and an agreed route to a referendum. The Assembly has backed dialogue across its main political groups; Brotherson says the outcome must be for the people to decide. Island Connections: Shipbuilder Huanghai has delivered the Aranoa to Aranui Cruises. The passenger-cargo vessel will sail from Papeete to remote islands, with service planned for 2027. Energy: A report from Tetiaroa highlights the territory’s reliance on fossil-fuel generators, with air conditioning accounting for 40% of French Polynesia’s electricity use.

Decolonisation: President Moetai Brotherson renewed his call for France to join a UN-backed dialogue, saying the process has stalled 13 years after French Polynesia was added to the UN’s list of Non-Self-Governing Territories. He proposed a UN visit, public education on political options and a path to a self-determination vote, with no outcome predetermined. Aranui Fleet: Huanghai Shipbuilding delivered the Aranoa to Aranui Cruises. The 197-passenger ship will sail from Papeete on passenger-and-cargo voyages to remote islands, with service due to begin in 2027. Whaling: The International Whaling Commission rejected a push to reopen debate on commercial whaling. Palau co-sponsored the proposal, which was later withdrawn.

Whaling: A proposal to reopen debate on commercial whaling was withdrawn at the International Whaling Commission meeting. Palau was among its co-sponsors; delegates backed other measures on whale protection. Self-determination: President Moetai Brotherson asked the UN to support public education, a visiting mission and an agreed path to a referendum, saying French Polynesia’s future should not remain solely a French domestic matter. Travel links: Alaska Airlines has listed Air Tahiti as a regional partner, with the partnership marked “coming soon”; details on earning or redeeming miles are not yet clear. Science: An international study of Casuarina root nodules, including samples from French Polynesia, uncovered microbial diversity that standard lab culturing had missed.