Nouméa city under curfew by night. Photo: NC la 1ère
New Caledonia's curfew conditions eased
The French High Commission announced on Sunday New Caledonia's curfew hours have been eased, now running from midnight to 5am.
The change will be valid from 4 until 18 November.
Previously, the curfew hours were from 10pm to 5am.
This comes in response to the "gradual security improvement observed in the French territory over several weeks".
However, a strict ban remains in place for the possession, transportation,and sale of firearms and ammunition, as well as fuel and other flammable products for the whole of New Caledonia.
Additionally, there is a ban on gatherings and demonstrations (except for sports activities) within the Greater Nouméa area.
Conditions of purchase for alcohol also remain in place but are less restrictive.
A dusk-to-dawn curfew was imposed hours after destructive riots broke out in New Caledonia, starting on 13 May.
The remains of Saint Louis Catholic church, destroyed by arson on 16 July. Photo: NC La 1ère
Catholic parishioners return to Saint Louis mission
Catholic parishioners have returned to Saint Louis mission for the first time since it was destroyed by fire in July.
They were granted access to the cemetery, where many of their loved ones are buried, to honour their dead on the occasion of All Saints' Day (La Toussaint), on 1 November.
Also for the first time since the destruction, although no mass was officially allowed, there was a gathering of worshippers in a nearby chapel around the local priest, whose house was also destroyed in July during clashes between rioters and French security forces.
The mission of Saint Louis, near the capital Nouméa, built in 1860, was regarded as the cradle of Catholicism in New Caledonia.
Other Catholic missions in other parts of New Caledonia have also been targeted by arsonists amongst the unrest.
Newspaper imports to French Polynesia
French national and international press dailies and magazines will no longer be imported into French Polynesia from 1 January 2025.
The notice came from the only importer into the French Pacific territory, who said the business was no longer profitable.
Reactions collected from local public broadcaster Polynésie la 1ère expressed mainly disappointment, especially from the older generation who are attached to a print version of their favourite publications.
Others were particularly fond of their regular supply of such games as sudoku and crosswords.
The younger generation said they were satisfying their information and entertainment needs online.
Mareva Galanter, a former Miss Tahiti and Miss France is the French voice of Moana’s mother in the French language track of Moana 2. Photo: Facebook/Mareva Galanter
Former Miss Tahiti in French language Moana 2
Mareva Galanter, a former Miss Tahiti and Miss France, is part of the French voice cast for Moana 2.
She is the voice of Moana's mother Sina in the French language track of the movie.
Moana 2 is set to be released in cinemas on 28 November (27 November Tahiti time).
The movie bears a different name in French: Vaiana.
Moana 2 will also be released in a te reo Māori version on the same day in New Zealand.
The Tahiti 2027 Pacific Games logo. Photo: Tahiti Pacific Games Organising Committee
2027 Pacific Games logo unveiled
The 2027 Pacific Games logo was unveiled this week by the Tahiti Pacific Games Organising Committee.
The logo depicts a multicolour flame that suggests Pacific traditional icons such as Polynesian tattoos and a canoe, Radio 1 reports.
Pacific Games Organising Committee officials explained they wanted to retain the general spirit of past Pacific Games logos, while adding a local touch.
