New Caledonia

A total fire ban is in force as firefighters continue to battle dozens of bushfires across the archipelago as a prolonged dry spell continues.

Last Sunday, a helicopter involved in fighting a fire near Voh, about 300 kilometres north of Noumea, crashed, killing its pilot and a mechanic on board.

Only 20 millimetres of rain fell last month, and authorities expect the situation to worsen as what's expected to be one of the worst El Niño systems in over a decade intensifies.

The stoppage began last night and will end tomorrow.

The French High Commission has used its powers to order a skeleton service to maintain some flights in and out of Noumea.

However, the looming strike prompted the territory's international carrier, Aircalin, to bring some flights forward.

Earlier this week, the carrier decided to take legal action against the controllers' recent weekend strikes, with its director saying the strikes were timed to only disrupt Aircalin flights.

Last night a rescue operation was underway to recover the victim who was helping to douse the flames of a fire at Voh in the north of the territory.

Homes were evacuated and the main highway was cut on Sunday when fire engulfed bush in the area.

About 200 hectares of vegetation was burnt and about 20 homes threatened.

Three helicopters were brought in to help fight the fire which also involved security personnel who led convoys of motorists to safety.

Though best known for its stunning lagoon, pristine beaches and diverse wildlife, New Caledonia's economy actually relies heavily on nickel, discovered here in the 19th century.

The price of nickel -- essential to the manufacture of stainless steel -- has plunged 35 percent so far this year to a six-and-a-half year low of less than US$10,000 (9,000 euros) a tonne.

A slowdown in economic growth in China, the world's biggest consumer of nickel, and stockpiles of the metal amounting to more than 450,000 tonnes, have depressed the market.

Three helicopters were deployed to help control fires in Teremba, Voh and Pouembout.

Local media reports the fires are mostly due to human intervention, and have been aggravated by strong winds.

New Caledonia's president, Philippe Germain, yesterday issued a territory-wide fire ban, saying there is an extreme risk.

Like much of the Pacific, New Caledonia is predicted to experience well below normal rainfall in coming months as what's expected to be one of the worst El Niño systems in over a decade intensifies.

The Junior Football Ferns led 17-0 at half-time at the Oceania Under-20 Women's Championship in Nuku'alofa, with striker Emma Rolston scoring 11 goals before the break.

Coach Leon Birnie's side again underlined their strength at the Loto-Tonga Soka Centre as eight further goals came in the second half.

Grace Jale and Paige Satchell each scored hat-tricks while captain Jasmine Pereira scored six.

Goals to substitutes Jade Parris, Michaela Robertson and Isabella Richards completed the scoring.

The Ferns thumped Tonga 15-0 first up on Thursday.

This comes after up to six months of well below normal rainfall had been received.

The forecast from New Zealand's NIWA and the Pacific Islands Meteorological Services says in Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu, after three months of very dry conditions, below normal rainfall can be expected through to the end of the year.

PNG replaced South Africa as World Cup hosts in March, gifting them automatic qualification and a second berth for Oceania.

Hosts Tonga face a tough test in today's opening match against defending Oceania champions New Zealand, who have been on an unbeaten run since 2002.

Coach Penateti Feke was a part of the Tongan team at July's Pacific Games.

She's selected four of her teammates from that event, while nine have experience from last year's Under 20 tournament.

The overseas ministry says Paris is invoking its rights under the organic law after the Congress leadership rejected a bid by the territorial government to debate the issue.

A court in Noumea has upheld a Congress complaint that the government's call for a meeting was formally flawed.

However, the French government says this is not the time for a useless extension of a legal debate.

It says it is now time for a quick resumption of a substantial dialogue with all the political forces in New Caledonia.

A police spokesperson says four officers were in the town of Mont-Dore at about 2 o'clock in the morning when they challenged a man accused of stealing a motorcycle.

The spokesperson says a car then deliberately hit the officers, injuring two of them.

The driver and the alleged motorcycle thief were then able to escape, and a large police operation has been launched to try and find them.

This morning's incident is the latest in a series of cases of police being targetted in New Caledonia.