AFL & Brand Fallout: Isaac Heeney’s suspension after an alleged Melbourne hotel sexual assault is rippling beyond the field, with reports saying his fiancée Steffanie Waters left their Sydney home for Noosa and that Heeney has already lost a Colgate partnership and seen a children’s book pulled from major Australian retailers. Legal & Claims Risk: New allegations are emerging around the incident, and lawyers for two women say they’re preparing civil action seeking damages for pain, suffering, psychological injury and economic loss. Pacific Business & Security Roundup: A wider regional scan flags ongoing concerns about foreign influence and fragile Pacific unity as leaders weigh security pressures and nuclear-related developments. Maritime Energy Watch: Core Power’s memorandum with the Port of Corpus Christi aims to study readiness for floating nuclear power and nuclear-powered commercial ship calls—an energy and infrastructure signal with potential knock-on effects for Pacific-facing shipping. Deep-Sea Mining Governance: Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) is taking Cook Islands concerns to the International Seabed Authority, opposing American Deep-Sea Minerals’ push for an exploration licence tied to the South Penrhyn Basin, an enclave surrounded by Cook Islands, Kiribati and French Polynesia.
AGP Executive Report
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Geopolitics & Security: Pacific leaders are bracing for a tougher regional agenda as China’s nuclear missile test fallout spills into diplomacy, with experts warning foreign influence could quietly weaken Pacific unity and ministers pushing for “regional ownership” despite fragile bloc cohesion. Regional Governance: Cook Islands politics is shifting as an election delivers a powerful majority for Brown, with Mangaia MPs joining government—an internal move with potential knock-on effects for trade and policy. Maritime Energy & Infrastructure: In a sign of how energy planning is turning global, Core Power has teamed up with the Port of Corpus Christi on a maritime nuclear readiness study, exploring both floating nuclear power for ports and nuclear-powered commercial ship calls. Environment & Mining Oversight: Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) has taken Cook Islands concerns about deep-seabed mining to the International Seabed Authority, opposing a US company’s exploration push in the South Penrhyn Basin. Health Misinformation: A fact check debunks claims that actress Hayden Panettiere died from a COVID-19 vaccine, saying there’s no evidence linking the death to vaccination. Sports & Youth Pathways: Guam’s women crushed FSM 110-44 in the FIBA Micronesian Cup, keeping momentum toward the 2027 Pacific Games in French Polynesia.
Regional Security & Diplomacy: Pacific foreign ministers backed a push for “regional ownership” as unity strains under rising geopolitical pressure, with Fiji and other Forum members failing to agree on a common response to China’s nuclear missile test; China also dismissed Palau President claims and warned diplomats not to jeopardize ties over Taiwan. Nuclear & Defence Watch: Guam plans troop deployments to the Middle East and Caribbean, while analysts flag risks as the Pentagon reviews nuclear options; Palau and the Marshall Islands joined calls for 24-hour notice for missile tests. Environment Governance: Wallis-et-Futuna chairs the SPREP Executive Board meeting in Apia, aiming to ensure smaller territories’ environmental concerns are heard. Deep-Sea Mining: Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) took Cook Islands’ objections to the International Seabed Authority forum, opposing a US company’s exploration push in the South Penrhyn Basin that sits within an enclave of international waters around Cook Islands, Kiribati and French Polynesia. Health & Business Relevance: A diabetes ranking roundup highlights very high prevalence in Pacific states like the Marshall Islands, underlining growing demand pressures on health systems and related services.
Maritime Energy & Nuclear Readiness: Core Power has signed a memorandum with the Port of Corpus Christi Authority to study how a major US export hub could prepare for a floating nuclear power plant and for calls by nuclear-powered commercial ships, with the work focused on small modular reactor pathways and the infrastructure needed for energy resilience. Pacific Governance & Environment: Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) has taken Cook Islands concerns over deep-seabed mining to the International Seabed Authority, challenging a US company’s bid for an exploration licence tied to the South Penrhyn Basin—an area surrounded by the maritime borders of Cook Islands, Kiribati and French Polynesia. Regional Sports & Tourism Pipeline: The Pacific Games Council says Tahiti’s 2027 Pacific Games preparations are on track after briefings and facility tours, with key venues expected to be ready by early 2027—good news for regional business planning. Cruise Demand Signal: Royal Caribbean plans a bigger Australian-to–South Pacific push in 2027-28, adding ships in Brisbane and returning Ovation of the Seas after refurbishment, a move that could boost visitor flows toward French Polynesia-linked itineraries. Ocean Tech & Safety Narrative: Ocean conservationist Dr. Sylvia Earle’s DOER Marine says its new “Honu” submersible will make its first dive in French Polynesia later this year, positioning certified deep-sea travel as safer than past high-profile incidents.
Tourism & Investment: Royal Caribbean says it will expand its Australian fleet for the 2027-28 summer, adding a bigger Brisbane season and boosting capacity to carry Australians into the South Pacific—an indirect tailwind for French Polynesia-linked demand as cruise operators plan more regional itineraries. Sports & Local Economy: The Pacific Games Council gave Tahiti 2027 a thumbs-up, with organizers and stakeholders reporting preparations are on track and key facilities expected to be ready by end of Q1 2027—good news for contractors, venues, and services tied to the event. Environment Governance: Wallis-et-Futuna chairs the Fifth SPREP Executive Board Meeting in Apia, with the agenda focused on climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and disaster risks—relevant for regional funding priorities that can flow into member projects. Deep-Sea Mining & Policy: Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) brought Cook Islands concerns over deep-seabed mining to the International Seabed Authority forum, opposing a US company’s exploration push in an area surrounded by French Polynesia and others—watch this space for regulatory and reputational impacts. Ocean Tech & Business: Ocean conservationist Dr. Sylvia Earle’s DOER Marine plans a new “Honu” submersible with first dives in French Polynesia later this year, positioning certified safety and new underwater vehicle capability as a business opportunity after past submersible tragedies.
Pacific Games 2027: The Pacific Games Council has given Tahiti the thumbs-up, saying preparations are on track after tours of venues and athlete accommodation sites; facilities are expected to be ready by end of Q1 2027. Ocean & seabed governance: Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) has taken Cook Islands concerns over deep-sea mining to the International Seabed Authority forum, opposing a US company’s push for an exploration licence tied to the South Penrhyn Basin. Regional environment leadership: SPREP’s fifth Executive Board meeting in Samoa is reviewing priorities and funding as Director General Sefanaia Nawadra warns Pacific islands face the “triple planetary crises” despite contributing just 0.01% of global emissions. Climate diplomacy: Forum foreign ministers endorsed a stronger regional push ahead of COP31, backing more climate finance, renewable investment, and Pacific-led Pre-COP31 meetings, with French Polynesia represented at special envoy level. Local business angle: Royal Caribbean plans to expand its Australian fleet for 2027-28, adding more capacity to reach the South Pacific—an indirect boost for regional tourism demand.
Pacific Games 2027: The Pacific Games Council has given Tahiti the thumbs-up, saying preparations are on track after council meetings and facility tours, with key venues expected to be ready by end of Q1 2027. Cruise & Tourism Investment: Royal Caribbean plans to expand its Australian fleet for 2027-28, adding more capacity for South Pacific travel and boosting Brisbane as a hub—an indirect signal for regional demand that could benefit French Polynesia’s visitor economy. Deep-Sea Mining Governance: Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) is taking Cook Islands concerns over seabed mining to the International Seabed Authority forum, challenging a US company’s push for exploration in an area surrounded by Cook Islands, Kiribati and French Polynesia. Regional Environment Policy: SPREP’s Executive Board is meeting in Samoa, reviewing priorities tied to climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, with Wallis-et-Futuna chairing the session for the first time. Ocean Safety & Tech: Ocean conservationist Dr. Sylvia Earle says certified deep-sea vehicles can be “safer than flying,” and says her DOER Marine submersible “Honu” will make its first dive in French Polynesia later this year. Health Misinformation Watch: A fact-check rejects claims that Hayden Panettiere’s death was caused by a COVID-19 vaccine, noting no official cause has been announced.
Cruise & Tourism: Royal Caribbean says Tahiti’s 2027 Pacific Games build-up is on track and highlights major South Pacific capacity moves, including a bigger Brisbane season and new French Polynesia itineraries in 2028-29, signaling continued demand for regional travel. Ocean Economy & Safety: Ocean conservationist Dr. Sylvia Earle’s DOER Marine plans a new “Honu” submersible with dives in French Polynesia later this year, pitching certified deep-sea exploration as safer than the Titan-era narrative. Deep-Sea Mining Governance: Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) brings Cook Islands concerns to the International Seabed Authority arena, challenging a US push for exploration licensing tied to the South Penrhyn Basin enclave surrounded by French Polynesia and others. Environment & Funding: SPREP’s 5th Executive Board meeting in Samoa centers on the “triple planetary crises” and how climate, biodiversity loss, and pollution are hitting Pacific livelihoods hardest despite tiny emissions. Climate Diplomacy: Forum foreign ministers back stronger climate action ahead of COP31, endorsing the Pacific Resilience Facility as a key climate finance priority, with French Polynesia attending at special envoy level. Local Business Signal: Tahiti 2027 organizers get a thumbs-up from the Pacific Games Council, with facilities expected to be ready by early 2027—good news for contractors, suppliers, and tourism-linked services.
Deep-Sea Governance: Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) took Cook Islands concerns about deep-seabed mining to the International Seabed Authority meeting in Kingston, Jamaica, opposing a US company’s bid for an exploration licence tied to the South Penrhyn Basin—an area surrounded by the maritime borders of Cook Islands, Kiribati and French Polynesia. Regional Environment Policy: SPREP’s fifth Executive Board Meeting in Samoa is setting priorities around the “triple planetary crises” (climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution), with Director General Sefanaia Nawadra stressing the Pacific’s disproportionate impacts despite minimal global emissions. Climate Diplomacy: Forum Foreign Ministers backed a stronger climate push ahead of COP31, endorsing the COP31 Pacific Partnership and calling for more climate finance, renewable investment and Pacific leadership—French Polynesia attended at special envoy level. Pacific Games Watch: The Pacific Games Council gave Tahiti 2027 the thumbs-up after facility tours and briefings, saying preparations are on track and venues should be ready by end of Q1 2027. Cruise & Tourism Signals: Royal Caribbean plans a bigger Brisbane season in 2027-28, expanding its South Pacific capacity—an indirect boost for regional visitor flows. Ocean Tech & Culture: A new deep-sea submersible “Honu” is set for first dives in French Polynesia later this year, framed as safer ocean exploration after the Titan disaster.
Deep-Sea Governance: Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) took Cook Islands’ deep-seabed mining concerns to the UN International Seabed Authority, challenging a US bid by American Deep-Sea Minerals Inc. for an exploration licence tied to the South Penrhyn Basin—an enclave of international waters surrounded by Cook Islands, Kiribati and French Polynesia. Regional Environment Policy: SPREP’s fifth Executive Board Meeting in Samoa put the spotlight on the “triple planetary crises” (climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution), with Director General Sefanaia Nawadra urging Pacific action despite the region’s tiny share of global emissions. Climate Diplomacy: Forum foreign ministers backed a stronger climate push ahead of COP31, endorsing the COP31 Pacific Partnership and a Pacific Resilience Facility as a key climate-finance priority, with French Polynesia attending at special envoy level. Tourism & Shipping: Tahiti’s 2027 Pacific Games preparations received a thumbs-up from the Pacific Games Council, while cruise operators kept expanding South Pacific plans—Royal Caribbean boosting Brisbane capacity and National Geographic-Lindblad adding new French Polynesia itineraries for 2028-29. Business & Safety (Maritime Tech): Ocean conservationist Dr. Sylvia Earle says her DOER Marine “Honu” submersible—planned for first dives in French Polynesia later this year—could make deep-ocean travel “safer than flying,” contrasting it with the Titan disaster.
Pacific Games & Tourism: The Pacific Games Council has given Tahiti 2027 a thumbs-up, saying preparations are on track after facility tours and briefings; key venues and athlete accommodation are expected to be ready by end of Q1 2027. Cruise Industry & Connectivity: Royal Caribbean is expanding its 2027-28 Australian fleet to three ships, with Ovation of the Seas returning to Brisbane after refurbishment—boosting capacity for South Pacific travel that includes French Polynesia. Climate & Regional Policy: Forum foreign ministers backed a stronger climate push ahead of COP31, endorsing the COP31 Pacific Partnership and calling for more climate finance, renewable investment, and Pacific leadership; French Polynesia attended at special envoy level. Environment Governance: SPREP’s fifth Executive Board meeting in Samoa focused on the “triple planetary crises” (climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution), with priorities and funding discussions for the year ahead. Deep-Sea Mining & Local Stakes: Te Ipukarea Society raised Cook Islands concerns at the International Seabed Authority, opposing a US company’s bid for an exploration licence in the South Penrhyn Basin—an area surrounded by Cook Islands, Kiribati and French Polynesia. Ocean Tech & Safety Narrative: Ocean conservationist Dr. Sylvia Earle says her DOER Marine “Honu” submersible will make its first dive in French Polynesia later this year, positioning certified deep-sea exploration as safer than flying.
Pacific Games & Tourism: The Pacific Games Council has given Tahiti 2027 the thumbs-up, saying facilities and venues are on track after a Pape’ete visit and site tours, with key sites expected to be ready by early 2027. Cruise Industry: Royal Caribbean plans a bigger Brisbane season in 2027-28, adding ships and capacity to feed South Pacific demand, while Norwegian Cruise Line opens Summer 2028 sales with hundreds of voyages including South Pacific calls. French Polynesia Travel Products: National Geographic-Lindblad’s 2028-29 program brings new French Polynesia itineraries linking Easter Island, Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie, Makatea and the Tuamotus, and Mitsui Ocean Fuji’s “Circle Pacific” round voyage (via Cairns and Tahiti) is marketed to Australians with sector fares. Environment & Governance: SPREP’s fifth Executive Board meeting in Samoa spotlights the “triple planetary crises” and sets priorities, while Forum foreign ministers back a stronger climate push ahead of COP31, with French Polynesia attending at envoy level. Deep-Sea Mining: Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) has raised Cook Islands concerns at the International Seabed Authority over a US company’s bid for seabed mining exploration in an area surrounded by French Polynesia and other Pacific borders.
Pacific Games & Tourism: The Pacific Games Council has given Tahiti 2027 a thumbs-up, saying facilities are on track and should be ready by end of Q1 2027, after council visits to accommodation and competition sites in Pape’ete. Cruise Industry: Royal Caribbean is expanding its Australian fleet for 2027-28, adding more capacity in Brisbane and boosting South Pacific access as it leans into Ovation of the Seas. French Polynesia in the Spotlight: National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions’ 2028-29 program brings new French Polynesia itineraries, including a continued voyage linking Easter Island, Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie, Makatea and the Tuamotus. Environment & Governance: SPREP’s fifth Executive Board Meeting in Samoa is setting priorities around the triple planetary crisis, with Director General Sefanaia Nawadra stressing the region’s disproportionate burden despite minimal global emissions. Deep-Sea Mining Watch: Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) has raised Cook Islands concerns at the International Seabed Authority, opposing a US company’s push for an exploration licence tied to the South Penrhyn Basin enclave surrounded by Cook Islands, Kiribati and French Polynesia. Climate Diplomacy: Forum foreign ministers backed a stronger climate push ahead of COP31, endorsing the Pacific COP31 Envoys and the Pacific Resilience Facility as a key climate finance priority. Sports: Guam’s women’s team routed FSM 110-44 in the FIBA Women’s Micronesian Cup, with the win framed around qualifying for the 2027 Pacific Games in French Polynesia.
Deep-Sea Governance: Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) has taken Cook Islands concerns over seabed mining to the International Seabed Authority, challenging a US move by American Deep-Sea Minerals to seek an exploration licence via NOAA for the South Penrhyn Basin—an enclave of international waters surrounded by Cook Islands, Kiribati and French Polynesia. Regional Environment & Funding: SPREP’s 5th Executive Board Meeting in Samoa heard Director General Sefanaia Nawadra warn Pacific communities face the “triple planetary crises” despite contributing just 0.01% of global emissions, as members reviewed priorities and funding for climate, biodiversity and pollution work. Pacific Games Delivery: The Pacific Games Council has given Tahiti 2027 a thumbs-up, saying preparations are on track after tours of venues and accommodation sites, with facilities expected ready by early 2027. Cruise & Tourism Signals: Royal Caribbean plans a bigger Brisbane season in 2027-28, adding capacity for South Pacific travel, while Mitsui Ocean Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line both opened new 2028/29 deployments that include French Polynesia calls. Shipping Innovation for the Islands: Wind-assisted propulsion is coming to the region: bound4blue says it has installed an eSail suction sail on the Na Hiro E Pae, linking Tahiti with the remote Austral Islands while also enabling biofuel/e-fuel readiness. Ocean Safety & Tech: Ocean conservationist Dr. Sylvia Earle says her DOER Marine “Honu” submersible will make its first dive in French Polynesia later this year, pitching certified deep-sea travel as “safer than flying.”
SPREP Leadership in Samoa: Wallis-et-Futuna has taken the chair of the Fifth SPREP Executive Board Meeting in Apia, with Jean Paul Mailagi saying the goal is to ensure smaller territories’ environmental concerns are heard while reviewing priorities, funding and partnerships. Triple Planetary Crisis Focus: SPREP Director General Sefanaia Nawadra warned Pacific communities face climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution despite contributing just 0.01% of global emissions, urging stronger adaptation and resilience work. Forum Climate Push: Pacific Forum foreign ministers backed a stronger climate action drive ahead of COP31, calling for more climate finance, renewable energy investment and Pacific-led momentum through Pre-COP31 meetings; French Polynesia attended at special envoy level. Tahiti 2027 Games On Track: The Pacific Games Council gave Tahiti the thumbs-up, saying preparations are on schedule and facilities should be ready by early 2027. Cruise Market Signals: Royal Caribbean plans a bigger Brisbane season for 2027-28, expanding access to the South Pacific, while Carnival clarified onboard currency rules for its repositioning sailings. Local Shipping Innovation: Wind-assisted propulsion is coming to the region: bound4blue says it has installed an eSail on the Na Hiro E Pae to link Tahiti with the Austral Islands, with biofuel/e-fuel-ready engines.
Telecom Resilience: The Manatua submarine cable fault has degraded internet services across parts of the Pacific, with Niue and the Cook Islands hit hardest, and a permanent fix now depends on securing a specialist cable repair vessel. Regional Environment & Funding: SPREP’s 5th Executive Board Meeting in Samoa put the spotlight on the “triple planetary crises” (climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution), with Director General Sefanaia Nawadra stressing the region’s fight for survival despite contributing just 0.01% of global emissions. Local Leadership in Regional Bodies: Wallis-et-Futuna is chairing the SPREP Executive Board Troika, aiming to ensure smaller territories’ environmental concerns are properly represented. Climate Diplomacy: Forum foreign ministers backed a stronger climate push ahead of COP31, endorsing Pre-COP31 meetings and priorities including climate finance access and ocean-climate action, with French Polynesia attending at special envoy level. Tourism & Sports Momentum: The Pacific Games Council gave Tahiti 2027 a thumbs-up, saying preparations are on track for facilities readiness by early 2027. Cruise & Travel Signals for the South Pacific: Royal Caribbean plans a bigger Brisbane season for 2027-28, while Carnival clarified onboard currency rules for repositioning sailings of Carnival Luminosa. Shipping Innovation: A new multipurpose cargo vessel, Na Hiro E Pae, has installed wind-assisted propulsion (eSail) to serve Tahiti and the Austral Islands, targeting lower fuel use and emissions. Health Watch: A global diabetes ranking roundup flags Pakistan and other countries with very high prevalence rates—an issue with major long-term economic and workforce implications.
SPREP Leadership in the Spotlight: Wallis-et-Futuna makes history by chairing the Fifth SPREP Executive Board Meeting in Apia (12-13 Aug), with Jean Paul Mailagi saying the goal is to ensure smaller territories’ environmental concerns are heard while reviewing priorities, funding and partnerships. Triple Planetary Crisis Focus: SPREP DG Sefanaia Nawadra warned Pacific communities face climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution despite contributing just 0.01% of global emissions, pushing for resilience work that protects livelihoods and nature. Climate Diplomacy Ahead of COP31: Forum foreign ministers backed a stronger regional climate push, endorsing Pre-COP31 meetings in the Pacific and calling for more climate finance, renewable investment and Pacific leadership, with French Polynesia attending at envoy level. French Polynesia Tourism Signal: The Pacific Games Council gave Tahiti 2027 a thumbs-up, saying preparations are on track and facilities should be ready by early 2027. Shipping & Decarbonisation for the Islands: A wind-assisted propulsion retrofit is set to support transport between Tahiti and the Austral Islands, with the Na Hiro E Pae fitted with a 22m suction sail and engines ready for biofuel/e-fuel. Connectivity Risk: The Manatua submarine cable fault has degraded internet services in parts of the Pacific, including Niue and the Cook Islands, with repairs dependent on securing a specialist cable vessel.
Submarine Safety & Innovation: Ocean conservationist Dr. Sylvia Earle says deep-ocean travel can be “safer than flying,” and her DOER Marine “Honu” sub is set for its first French Polynesia dive later this year, carrying three passengers to 1,000m for eight hours. Whale Recording Tech: Nature sound recordist Thomas Rex Beverly completed humpback whale 3D spatial audio expeditions in Hawaii and French Polynesia, using Sennheiser HD 300 PROtect headphones and MKH 8020 microphones to monitor extreme acoustic soundscapes. Internet Resilience: The Manatua Consortium is coordinating repairs after a fault on the Manatua submarine cable degraded internet services, with a specialist cable repair vessel now needed; Niue and the Cook Islands are most affected. Climate Finance Push: SPREP’s DG warned Pacific communities face the “fight for our lives” from climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, as SPREP’s 5th Executive Board meeting progresses in Samoa. COP31 Diplomacy: Forum foreign ministers backed stronger regional climate action ahead of COP31, endorsing the Pacific Resilience Facility as a top climate finance priority; French Polynesia attended at special envoy level. Tourism & Events: The Pacific Games Council gave Tahiti 2027 a thumbs-up, saying facilities are on track for completion by early 2027. Cruise Market Signals: Royal Caribbean plans a bigger Brisbane season in 2027-28, while Lindblad’s 2028-29 deployment adds new French Polynesia itineraries. Shipping Decarbonisation: Wind-assisted propulsion is moving into practical Pacific logistics, with a new multipurpose vessel fitted with a suction sail to serve Tahiti and the Austral Islands.
Whale Tourism Tech: Nature sound recordist Thomas Rex Beverly used a custom 3D-hydrophone array in Hawaii and French Polynesia to capture spatial, high-definition humpback whale songs, with Sennheiser HD 300 PROtect headphones and MKH 8020 mics helping monitor extreme underwater soundscapes. Regional Environment & Resilience: SPREP DG Sefanaia Nawadra told members at the fifth Executive Board Meeting in Samoa that Pacific communities face a “fight for our lives” from the triple planetary crises, despite contributing just 0.01% of global emissions. Pacific Games Momentum: The Pacific Games Council gave Tahiti 2027 a thumbs-up after tours and briefings in Pape’ete, saying facilities should be ready by end of Q1 2027. Climate Diplomacy: Forum foreign ministers backed a stronger climate push ahead of COP31, endorsing the COP31 Pacific Partnership and calling for more climate finance and renewable investment, with French Polynesia attending at special envoy level. Shipping & Connectivity: The Manatua Consortium is coordinating repairs after a fault on the Manatua submarine cable degraded internet services, especially for Niue and the Cook Islands, with a specialist repair vessel now needed. Green Transport Upgrade: Wind-assisted propulsion has been installed on the Na Hiro E Pae multipurpose vessel, designed to link Tahiti with the Austral Islands while cutting fuel use.
Climate & Diplomacy: SPREP DG Sefanaia Nawadra warned Pacific communities are facing a “fight for our lives” from climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, despite contributing just 0.01% of global greenhouse gases, as SPREP sets priorities at its Samoa Executive Board meeting. COP31 Push: Forum foreign ministers backed a stronger regional climate push ahead of COP31, endorsing the COP31 Pacific Partnership and calling for more climate finance, renewable investment and Pacific leadership; French Polynesia attended at special envoy level. Digital Infrastructure: The Manatua Consortium says a fault on the Manatua submarine cable about 144 km offshore from Samoa is degrading internet services for Niue and the Cook Islands, with a specialist repair vessel now needed for a permanent fix. Shipping Decarbonisation: Wind-assisted propulsion is moving into practical service: bound4blue has installed an eSail suction sail on the Na Hiro E Pae, linking Tahiti with the Austral Islands and enabling biofuel/e-fuel readiness. Tourism & Air Access: Air Tahiti Nui and Air Tahiti launched a codeshare that lets travelers book one ticket to continue from Tahiti to the Cook Islands, simplifying connections and baggage handling. Cruise Market Signals: National Geographic-Lindblad and Norwegian both opened new 2028-29 and Summer 2028 deployments that include the South Pacific, while Carnival clarified onboard currency rules for repositioning sailings. Business Travel Deals: Alaska Airlines’ Atmos Members Day promotion offers up to 50% off select award flights, including routes to Papeete, Tahiti.
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