New Caledonia Politics: Pro-France Virginie Ruffenach has been elected president of the Congress after a governance deal with the “kingmaker” Eveil Océanien party, giving anti-independence forces control of the chamber’s key political and budget guidelines. New Caledonia Governance: Anti-independence parties also regained Congress control following decisive support from Oceanian Awakening, reshaping the institutional balance ahead of a still-sensitive independence debate. Telecom & Connectivity: OPT New Caledonia is partnering with US firm Lynk Global to test direct-to-device satellite services, already proving SMS connectivity in Plum where terrestrial coverage is lacking, with another trial planned for end-2026. Maritime Security & Defence: France has ordered 24 new coastal patrol vessels for the Maritime Gendarmerie, with five earmarked for overseas territories including New Caledonia, supporting patrol, anti-trafficking, environmental protection and search-and-rescue. Climate & Risk: Pacific countries are being urged to stay vigilant through cyclone season, with warnings to follow daily forecasts from national meteorological services. Energy Transition: Palau’s solar-plus-storage project is expanding with an added 19.8MWh battery system, lifting total storage to 15MWac/32.7MWh as the country reduces diesel dependence. Business & Innovation: A Pacific Innovation Forum in Vanuatu highlighted eco-concrete and grass-based soil stabilisation as top climate solutions, with a AU$10,000 pitch prize for an Envirocrete Pacific project. Regional Outlook: A WMO report says the South-West Pacific saw its second-warmest year on record in 2025, with marine heatwaves, ocean acidification and sea-level risks hitting fisheries and coastal communities.