Stories by Patrick Decloitre

New Caledonia's mothballed nickel plant in Koniambo (North of the main island) has announced it has engaged in the mass sackings of some 1200 staff, despite efforts to identify a potential buyer.

A round-up of news in brief from the French Pacific region, including more attacks on New Caledonia's religious buildings, and another jail sentence for importing meth into French Polynesia

Hours after New Caledonia's French Parliamentarians met with President Macron in Paris, the French Pacific archipelago's hours were further relaxed on Friday.

As French Polynesia's Olympic surfing competition begins at the weekend, it will be the only event to host athletes in a floating hotel.

French Polynesia's veteran politician, Gaston Flosse, 93, announced last week he is stepping down from his position as President of his Amuitahiraa o te Nunaa Maohi party.

A round-up of news in brief from the French Pacific region, including a call for Congress MPs in New Caledonia to convince rioters to stop, and FIFA World Cup 26: Oceania Preliminary Qualifying draw.

New Caledonia's Catholic community is in shock and disbelief as two of its historic missions have been burnt down by rioters this week.

Analysis - New Caledonia's Southern province is facing a barrage of criticism following statements she made at the weekend, calling for the French Pacific territory to be partitioned.

More armoured vehicles and firetrucks have been delivered for New Caledonia's security forces, including police and firemen. Audio

A round-up of news in brief from the French Pacific region, French Polynesia's MPs endorse cannabis for therapeutic use, and Metzdorf hopes pro-independence MP Tjibaou will remain moderate.

The first step in the multi-million-dollar project is for the Google ship to study the ocean's bottom and plot the best possible route, while taking into account environmental factors.

Nouméa Public Prosecutor Yves Dupas confirmed the fatality, saying the victim had opened fire on the French gendarmes, who then returned fire.

A round-up of news in brief from the French Pacific region, including the cost estimate of the New Caledonia unrest reaching €2.2 billion.

Five New Caledonia pro-independence leaders will continue to serve a preliminary term in several jails in mainland France, pending their trial, a Nouméa court ruled on Friday.

Analysis - The French general election in the Pacific this weekend has produced new MPs in New Caledonia and French Polynesia, but in opposite directions.

Voters in New Caledonia are called to the polls this weekend under tight security, almost eight weeks after destructive and violent unrest broke out in the French Pacific archipelago.

French Pacific results for the first round of French national snap elections have shown on Sunday a firm radicalisation, especially in the case of New Caledonia. Audio

A round-up of news in brief from the French Pacific region, including the Tahitian language added to Google translate and France's surfing team for Olympics named.

There has been more burning and destruction in the French overseas territory.

Pro-independence leaders charged with allegedly organising protests that turned into violent unrest in New Caledonia have been transferred to mainland France.

A round-up of news in brief from the French Pacific region, including a special emergency fund for New Caledonia , and a French Polynesia court acquits a father for treating his son with cannabis. Audio

The arrests come five weeks after pro-independence protests - against a proposed change to voter eligibility at local elections - degenerated into violence, looting and arson.

The FLNKS is the pro-independence Kanak Socialist National Liberation Front.

"We can no longer afford to ensure the smooth operation of New Caledonia due to substantial loss of tax revenues and social contributions."

A round-up of news in brief from the French Pacific region, including "Marara" military exercise in French Polynesia that "illustrates France's commitment to security and stability in the Pacific.