New Caledonia

North Korea missile tests impact Air France routes

That follows reports that last week's ballistic missile flew within about 100 kilometres of an Air France flight between Paris and Tokyo.

RNZI reports the Tokyo route is the standard way for travel between France and Noumea.

Air France said it was the first time it faced such a risk and had therefore widened the security zone around North Korea

     

Alleged cocaine smugglers to be tried in New Caledonia

The Lithuanian and Latvian men were intercepted by the French navy last week when they were sailing from South America towards Australia.

The 1.4 tonnes of cocaine have since been destroyed in the high-capacity furnace of the SLN nickel smelter in Noumea.

The four could face jail of up to 30 years.

They reportedly said they were unaware the drugs were on their Gibraltar-registered yacht.

 

Photo: AFP French Navy vessel Le Vendémiaire 

Record cocaine haul burnt in Noumea

A mission involving France, the US, Australia and Britain seized one point four tons of the drug in dozens of packets a week ago from a Gibraltar-flagged boat.

The yacht was intercepted by the French navy, and four crew members hailing from the Baltic were arrested and brought to the New Caledonian capital Noumea.

The cocaine, which is presumed to have been destined for the Australian market, was destroyed under tight security on Tuesday night in the furnaces of Noumea's SLN nickel factory.

New Caledonia march amid roll row

The march held this afternoon in Noumea was organised by a group of pro-independence supporters and nationalists and went from the seat of the government to the French High Commission.

The campaign is being backed by some politicians, unionists and clergy.

To be eligible, voters need have to been in the territory since 1998 and be registered.

Kanaks claim they should be automatically inscribed on the roll but the electoral law stipulates that voters need to register to cast a ballot.

New Caledonia would support Tahiti bid for Pacific Games

The Pacific Games Council confirmed Tonga's withdrawal from hosting the event earlier this month, and asked for expressions of interest from "experienced" hosts.

Fiji and Papua New Guinea declined to make a bid with Samoa the only country confirming its desire to stage the games.

New Caledonia also ruled itself out, having last hosted the games six years ago.

Chief executive of the territory's Olympic Committee, Michel Quintin, said whoever does take on the hosting mantle needed strong financial backing.

Another goals galore for NZ

It was the second goals galore for New Zealand.

In their opening match against the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2016 hosts Papua New Guinea, New Zealand defeated them with the same goal margin.

The game was a one-sided affair with New Caledonia having little chances of breaking through New Zealand.

Although the game was an easy ride for them, they had to fight hard for 15 minutes before Samantha Tawharu opened the goals galore with a goal she sent past New Caledonia goal keeper Karine Xozame after a rapid New Zealand counter attack.

New Caledonia won't bid for 2019 Pacific Games

This is after the Games Council confirmed Tonga's withdrawal earlier this month, and asked for expressions of interest from "experienced" hosts.

Fiji and Papua New Guinea have already declined to make a bid with Samoa the only country confirming their desire to stage the Games.

Guam said it would only consider stepping forward if there were no other contenders.

Noumea has hosted the Pacific Games three times - the last occasion being six years ago and the CEO of the Territory's Olympic Committee, Michel Quintin said 2019 was not a good time for them.

Strike at Air Caledonie affects hundreds of travellers

The stoppage was called on Thursday without giving notice over a simmering employment dispute.

The action was taken to protest against the airline for adopting disciplinary measures against three pilots.

The strike has affected hundreds of travellers, disrupting flight plans for the long weekend as the territory today marks France's Bastille Day.

It's not known when flights will resume.

Passengers have been advised of cancellations directly through text messages.

Strikes halts domestic flights in New Caledonia

Air Caledonie issued a statement, saying until further notice there are no flights because of a strike by technical staff.

It said passengers concerned by the stoppage have been advised directly through text messages.

There was no indication when the strike will end.

 

Photo: Thomas Cuelho/CC BY 2.0 (An Air Calédonie aircraft landing at Nouméa Magenta Airport in New Caledonia).  

Pacific squads confirmed for OFC U-19s Women’s Championship

Kicking off just over a year after the 2016 OFC U-17 Championship – and only a few months after the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Papua New Guinea – there are many familiar faces coming to Auckland this July.

Defending champions New Zealand have recruited an army of international experience for their attempt at a sixth-consecutive title including Malia Steinmetz, Grace Jale, and goalkeeper Anna Leat – who will offer senior international football experience to Gareth Turnball’s squad having already been in the mix for the New Zealand national women’s team.