New Caledonia Politics: Pro-France Virginie Ruffenach was elected president of the New Caledonia Congress after the June provincial elections left a near deadlock, winning 28 of 54 votes in a governance deal with Eveil Océanien. Satellite Connectivity: OPT New Caledonia is partnering with US firm Lynk Global to trial direct-to-device satellite services in Plum, with a new test planned for end-2026—an option for areas with weak mobile coverage. Energy Investment: Palau is expanding its solar-plus-storage project, adding a 19.8MWh battery to lift total on-site storage to 32.7MWh, backed by the Australian government’s AIFFP. Climate Risk: 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 threats already hitting fisheries and coastal communities. Regional Security: Vanuatu says talks with France over Matthew and Hunter islands failed and it will pursue international legal avenues, while broader Pacific security pacts continue to raise questions about real investment versus influence. Business & Travel: Aircalin unveiled a refreshed logo ahead of its first Airbus A350-900 delivery in December, and Swan Hellenic announced an expanded 2027 Asia-Pacific cruise programme including a New Caledonia-focused itinerary.