AGP Executive Report

New Caledonia Finance Crunch: New government president Milakulo Tukumuli says the territory is in “cessation of payments” and warns of a possible full shutdown if about 13 billion Pacific francs (€109m) isn’t found by end-August, as officials try to mobilise “refoundation pact” funds. Cabinet Portfolios: Tukumuli has unveiled a “collegial” cabinet, assigning health, social protection and transport to key ministers, while Christopher Gygès takes on economy, tax, telecoms, customs, external trade and “food sovereignty.” Regional Politics: Tukumuli’s election reflects ongoing identity and status tensions, with Congress split after June provincial polls and his bloc holding the balance of power. Pacific Economy & Governance: The Oceania Football Confederation confirms it will meet Aug 12 to discuss FIFA’s proposed World Cup sell-off plan, with New Caledonia among the 11 member associations at the table. Mining & Capital Markets: Glencore has written down its Murrin Murrin nickel mine value to zero as it pursues an ASX secondary listing. Local Business/Investment: NVRO Metals appoints Jonathan Gill as Technical Advisor to the board ahead of its Oct 7 AGM. Environment & Enforcement: A Cape Town couple was fined R40,000 each over illegal possession and transport of 95 reptiles, including New Caledonian geckos.

New Caledonia’s finances under pressure: Newly elected government president Milakulo Tukumuli says the territory is in “cessation of payments” and needs about 13bn Pacific francs (~€109m) by end-August to avoid a full shutdown, as talks with France’s MINC aim to unlock “refoundation pact” funding. Cabinet portfolios set: Tukumuli has unveiled a “collegial” cabinet, assigning sensitive roles including health, social protection and transport, while vice-president Christopher Gygès keeps economy, tax, telecoms, customs, external trade and “food sovereignty.” Political balance remains delicate: The election followed June provincial polls that left Congress split between pro-France and pro-independence blocs, with Éveil Océanien’s kingmaker support proving decisive. Regional business risk angle: A new study warns invasive species can drive “forced migration” of livelihoods; it cites New Caledonia among Pacific areas where fire ants can make farms unworkable. Sports governance watch: The OFC confirmed it will meet Aug 12 to discuss FIFA’s proposed “Forward Enterprise” sell-off plan, with New Caledonia among the 11 member associations at the table.

New Caledonia’s finances under threat: President Milakulo Tukumuli says the territory is in a “cessation of payments” and warns of a possible complete shutdown if about 13 billion Pacific francs (€109m) isn’t found by end-August, as the new government moves to stabilise budgets after the 2024 unrest. Cabinet portfolios reshuffled: Tukumuli unveiled a “collegial” cabinet, assigning sensitive health, social protection and transport roles to key ministers, while Christopher Gygès keeps economy, tax, telecoms, customs and external trade. Political balance shifts: Tukumuli’s Wallisian-founded Éveil Océanien kingmaker role helped form the new government after June provincial elections left Congress split between pro-France and pro-independence blocs. Regional business watch: The Oceania Football Confederation confirmed it will meet Aug 12 to discuss FIFA’s proposed tournament sell-off plan, with New Caledonia among the 11 member associations at the table. Marine conservation deal: The Melanesian Ocean Reserve is set to cover EEZ waters across Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea and New Caledonia, aiming to allow only sustainable, Indigenous-value-aligned activities.

New Caledonia Government Crisis: Milakulo Tukumuli has been elected president of the territory’s “collegial” government, with portfolios reshuffled across the 11-member cabinet as the new team tries to avert a financial shutdown after officials warned of “cessation of payments” and a €109m funding gap by end-August. Economic Recovery Focus: The cabinet line-up puts economy, tax and telecommunications under Christopher Gygès, alongside customs, external trade and “food sovereignty,” while Alcide Ponga takes nickel mining and energy matters. Regional Marine Deal: New Caledonia is backing the Melanesian Ocean Reserve, a multinational Indigenous marine protection framework spanning EEZs of Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea and New Caledonia, allowing only sustainable activities aligned with Indigenous values. Corporate Appointments: NVRO Metals appoints Jonathan Gill as Technical Advisor to its board, with a director election slated for its Oct 7 AGM. Sports Governance: The Oceania Football Confederation confirms Aug 12 talks on FIFA’s proposed “Forward Enterprise” sell-off plan, with New Caledonia among the 11 member associations.

New Caledonia Finance Crisis: New government president Milakulo Tukumuli says the territory is in a “cessation of payments” and needs about 13 billion Pacific francs (€109m) to avoid a complete shutdown if new funding doesn’t land by end-August, after talks with France’s MINC to mobilise “refoundation pact” money. Local Politics & Portfolios: Tukumuli has unveiled his “collegial” cabinet portfolios after being elected by Congress, with pro-France figures taking sensitive roles including economy, tax, telecommunications, customs, external trade and food sovereignty—while Air Calédonie and broader reconstruction remain top priorities. Melanesian Marine Deal: The Melanesian Ocean Reserve is set to operate across the EEZs of Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea and New Caledonia, aiming to protect biodiversity while allowing only sustainable, Indigenous-value-aligned economic activity. Mining Governance Watch: At the International Seabed Authority, governments ended negotiations without adopting a long-debated Mining Code, leaving key issues like environmental safeguards and liability unresolved. Boardroom Move: NVRO Metals appoints Jonathan Gill as Technical Advisor to its board, with a director election planned for its Oct 7, 2026 AGM.

New Caledonia Politics: Milakulo Tukumuli, leader of the Wallisian-founded Éveil Océanien, has been elected president of New Caledonia’s “collegial” government, after a governance pact gave his four-seat party kingmaker leverage in a Congress split between pro-independence and pro-France blocs. Economic Portfolios: The new cabinet line-up also reshuffles key economic levers: Christopher Gygès retains economy-related attributions (economy, tax, telecommunications) and adds customs, “economic attractiveness,” external trade and food sovereignty, while Tukumuli takes health, social protection and transport alongside civil security and external relations. Regional Development: In parallel, Melanesian governments have announced the Melanesian Ocean Reserve, a multinational Indigenous marine protection framework spanning Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea and New Caledonia, allowing only sustainable activities aligned with Indigenous values. Corporate Governance: NVRO Metals appointed Jonathan Gill as Technical Advisor to its board, with Gill to stand for election as a director at the Oct. 7, 2026 AGM.

New Caledonia Politics: Milakulo Tukumuli, leader of the Wallisian-founded Éveil Océanien, has been elected president of New Caledonia’s collegial government after a pact that gave his small party kingmaker leverage in a Congress split between pro-France and pro-independence blocs. Corporate Appointments: NVRO Metals named Jonathan Gill as Technical Advisor to its board, with Gill set to stand for election as a director at the Oct. 7 AGM. Ocean Conservation: Melanesian Ocean Reserve plans are moving ahead, with a multinational Indigenous marine protection framework covering the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea and New Caledonia and allowing only sustainable activities aligned with Indigenous values. Local Governance & Recovery: The new executive faces urgent pressure on reconstruction after 2024 unrest, nickel-related fallout, public finances and the territory’s institutional future.

New Caledonia Politics: Milakulo Tukumuli, from the Wallisian-founded Éveil Océanien, has been elected president of New Caledonia’s collegial government after a pact with pro-France parties, giving his small bloc kingmaker leverage in a Congress split between pro-independence and pro-France groups. Mining & Governance: NVRO Metals appointed Jonathan Gill as a technical advisor to its board, with Gill to stand for election as a director at the Oct. 7, 2026 AGM. Ocean Conservation: Melanesian Ocean Reserve plans are moving ahead with a multinational indigenous marine protection framework spanning Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea and New Caledonia, aimed at allowing only sustainable activities aligned with Indigenous values. Local Business/Trade Logistics: At Kramer Dock in Majuro, Pacific International Inc. is using imported “black sand” from New Caledonia for airport land reclamation and paving, while tuna purse seiners unload into freezer containers for export. Environment Enforcement: A Cape Town couple was fined R80,000 total for illegal possession, transport and false permit information involving 95 reptiles, including New Caledonian geckos.

New Caledonia Politics: Milakulo Tukumuli, leader of the Wallisian-founded Éveil Océanien, has been elected president of New Caledonia’s collegial government after a pact with pro-France parties gave his small group kingmaker leverage in a Congress split (26 pro-independence seats vs 24 pro-France). Governance & Economy: The new executive inherits urgent priorities including post-2024 reconstruction, nickel-related fallout, public finances, and the territory’s institutional future—while aiming to keep the fragile compromise that brought him to power. Corporate Appointments: NVRO Metals appoints Jonathan Gill as Technical Advisor to its board, with Gill set to stand for election as a director at the Oct. 7, 2026 AGM. Regional Environment: Melanesian Ocean Reserve plans move forward with a multinational indigenous marine protection framework spanning Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea and New Caledonia. Maritime Diplomacy: Vanuatu names former PM Joe Natuman as special envoy for maritime boundary and decolonisation issues, including its dispute with France over islands also tied to New Caledonia’s sovereignty debate.

Ocean Governance: The International Seabed Authority ended talks in Kingston without adopting a long-debated Mining Code, leaving key gaps on environmental safeguards, liability, inspections and benefit-sharing—prompting renewed calls for a precautionary pause on deep-sea mining. Regional Conservation: Melanesian governments are moving ahead with the Melanesian Ocean Reserve/MOCOR concept, aiming to link Indigenous-led marine protection across the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea and New Caledonia, with only sustainable activities allowed. New Caledonia Politics: Milakulo Tukumuli, from the centrist “kingmaker” L’Éveil océanien, was elected president of New Caledonia’s collegial government, with Christopher Gygès as vice-president, as the new executive faces reconstruction, nickel-era fallout and public finances. Business & Trade: A report from Kramer Dock in Majuro highlights ongoing tuna export operations and land-reclamation work using “black sand” fill imported from New Caledonia, underscoring the trade links feeding Pacific infrastructure. Aviation Safety: An Australian helicopter operator said it is “deeply saddened” after a midair collision between firefighting helicopters in Greece killed two crew members.

Melanesian Ocean Reserve: New Caledonia is set to join a new Melanesian Ocean Reserve corridor spanning the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea and New Caledonia, aiming to protect biodiversity while allowing only sustainable, Indigenous-value-aligned activities. Local Politics: Milakulo Tukumuli, from the centrist “kingmaker” L’Éveil océanien, has been elected President of New Caledonia’s collegial government, with Christopher Gygès named Vice-President, as the executive prepares to tackle reconstruction after the 2024 violence and the nickel crisis. Public Safety: An Australian helicopter operator, McDermott Aviation, says it is “deeply saddened” after two helicopters collided while fighting wildfires in Greece, killing two crew members. Reconstruction Funding: France has approved a second phase of its New Caledonia recovery plan, adding €84.7m for 50 infrastructure and services projects. Maritime Diplomacy: Vanuatu says talks with France on the maritime boundary with New Caledonia are stalled over sovereignty claims to the uninhabited islands of Matthew and Hunter. Business & Trade: Swire Projects delivered a 184-tonne bow section and six heavy barges from Vietnam to Brisbane, with the cargo then heading to Nouméa.

New Caledonia Politics: Centrist Milakulo Tukumuli (L’Éveil océanien) has been elected President of New Caledonia’s collegial government, after his party’s kingmaker role helped form a compromise executive following June provincial elections; Economic Recovery Funding: France has approved a second phase of its reconstruction plan for New Caledonia, adding €84.7m (CFP10.1bn) for 50 infrastructure and development projects focused on jobs, remote access and essential services; Maritime & Sovereignty: Vanuatu has walked away from maritime boundary talks with France over disputed uninhabited islands (Matthew/Hunter), with the dispute tied to sovereignty claims that also draw support from Kanak leaders in New Caledonia; Regional Trade/Logistics: Swire Projects delivered a 184-tonne bow section and six heavy barges from Vietnam to Brisbane, with the cargo then continuing to Nouméa, highlighting ongoing project-cargo flows across the Pacific; Business/Tech (Global): Casio rolled out a new affordable MTP-1440DJ dress-watch line in Japan and launched Bluetooth-enabled F-B100W step trackers, while its Oceanus Manta limited edition hit the US market.

New Caledonia Politics: Centrist Milakulo Tukumuli has been elected President of New Caledonia’s collegial government, a kingmaker-style win for L’Éveil océanien after June provincial elections left the executive split between pro-independence and pro-France blocs, with reconstruction, nickel-era fallout, public finances and the territory’s institutional future all on the agenda. French Recovery Funding: France has approved a second phase of its Economic and Social Reconstruction Pact for New Caledonia, adding €84.7m (CFP10.1bn) for 50 infrastructure and development projects, including major work on access to remote communities and essential services like water and sanitation. Trade & Logistics: Swire Projects delivered a 184-tonne bow section and six heavy barges from Vietnam to Brisbane, with the cargo then continuing to Nouméa, highlighting ongoing project-cargo flows into the Pacific. Regional Environment: Solomon Islands has joined the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves (MOCOR), expanding a transboundary marine protected area initiative across Melanesia that aims to protect biodiversity but will need strong management to avoid “paper parks.” Consumer Tech (Watch Market): Casio has officially launched new Edifice and Pro Trek models in Japan, including solar chronographs and a diver-style analog with a rotating aluminum bezel, while Seiko adds new sapphire chronographs and limited-edition Prospex divers for the Asia-Pacific market.

New Caledonia Politics: Milakulo Tukumuli, leader of the centrist L’Éveil océanien “kingmaker” party, has been elected President of New Caledonia’s collegial government by the 54-seat Congress, with Christopher Gygès named Vice-President—an outcome shaped by June provincial results and a pro-France governance pact. Reconstruction Funding: France has approved a second phase of its Economic and Social Reconstruction Pact for New Caledonia, adding €84.7m (CFP10.1bn) for 50 infrastructure and development projects focused on jobs, remote access, and essential services. Regional Maritime & Sovereignty: Vanuatu has appointed former PM Joe Natuman as Special Envoy for Maritime Boundary and Decolonisation issues, keeping pressure on the long-running dispute with France over islands Matthew and Hunter that also blocks a maritime boundary with New Caledonia. Pacific Trade/Shipping: Swire Projects delivered a 184-tonne bow section and six heavy barges from Vietnam to Brisbane, with the cargo then continuing to Nouméa—another sign of ongoing project logistics across the region. Business/Finance Watch: A group’s H1 2026 results show an EBITDA rebound and progress on its funding plan, with operational momentum across lithium, manganese and mineral sands. Sports & Economy: Fiji’s Rewa will host the OFC Men’s Champions League on home soil, with the association investing about $120,000 and banking on the economic and competitive boost of playing locally.

Territorial Politics: Milakulo Tukumuli, from the pro-France “kingmaker” Eveil Océanien party, has been elected President of New Caledonia’s collegial government by the 54-member Congress, with Christopher Gygès named Vice-President—an outcome tied to the June 28 provincial vote and a governance pact. Public Finance & Recovery: France has approved a second phase of its Economic and Social Reconstruction Pact for New Caledonia, adding €84.7m (CFP10.1bn) for 50 infrastructure and development projects to rebuild the economy, create jobs and improve services. Regional Trade & Logistics: Swire Projects delivered a 184-tonne bow section and six heavy barges from Vietnam to Brisbane, then sent the cargo onward to Nouméa, supporting project cargo capability in the Pacific. Maritime Dispute Watch: Vanuatu says talks with France on the maritime boundary with New Caledonia remain blocked over sovereignty claims to the uninhabited islands of Matthew and Hunter, with a new push for a settlement still stalled. Sports & Business Tourism: France-backed recovery and governance changes come as OFC Men’s Champions League hosting plans and regional sports events keep drawing investment and attention across the Pacific.

New Caledonia Governance: Milakulo Tukumuli, from the pro-France “kingmaker” Eveil Océanien party, has been elected President of New Caledonia’s collegial government by the 54-member Congress, with Christopher Gygès named Vice-President—an executive shaped by the 28 June provincial elections and the existing governance pact. French Funding for Reconstruction: France has approved a second phase of its Economic and Social Reconstruction Pact for New Caledonia, adding €84.7m (CFP10.1bn) for 50 infrastructure and development projects, targeting remote access, essential services and jobs. Maritime & Diplomatic Ties: Vanuatu has appointed former prime minister Joe Natuman as Special Envoy for Maritime Boundary and Decolonisation issues, keeping pressure on the long-running dispute with France over islands Matthew and Hunter that also blocks a boundary settlement with New Caledonia. Regional Trade & Logistics: Swire Projects delivered a 184-tonne bow section and six heavy barges from Vietnam to Brisbane, with the shipment then continuing to Nouméa—another example of project cargo flows across the Pacific. Business Watch Market: Casio’s new affordable dive-styled MRW-240H and Bluetooth step-tracking F-B100W models are now open for preorders for August 2026, while the Pro Trek PRJ-B001EX launches with a reversible band that zips into a coin pouch.