Noumea

OFC Futsal Nations Cup kicks off today in Noumea

Defending champions Solomon Islands will play the tournament opener against Tonga and will be keen to stamp their authority on the competition as they seek to qualify for their fourth consecutive FIFA Futsal World Cup.

Solomons coach Vinicius Laite told OFC media they had been training hard for the tournament and were champing at the bit to take to the court against the Tonga.

"We are going to respect [Tonga] as we are going to respect every other team that we are going to verse.

Protecting Pacific Whales through Art - exhibition opens in Noumea

The exhibition showcases art works by 11 Pacific island artists to commemorate the regional Protect Pacific Whales – Ocean Voyagers Campaign.

"Des baleines et des hommes" is conveying messages through paintings, sculpture, photographs, installations and tapa – providing a reminder of the power of art in influencing a positive change for conservation.

In September last year, the 11 Pacific artists took up residency at the Tjibaou Cultural Centre to work on developing art pieces for the exhibition launched on 2 March.

Australian golfer Jake McLeod extends lead in Noumea

The 22 year old tour rookie opened his second round at the Tina Golf Course with a birdie on the first hole and eagled the par five 14th hole for the second day running.

He went on to fire a four under par 67, despite making a bogey on the last hole, to reach 12 under par.

"I hit it well again today and gave myself a lot of opportunities," said McLeod.

"I was really comfortable out there. I hit 16 greens and putted really well. I bogeyed the last but it was a tough three putt.

France and Real Madrid football greats arrive in Noumea

Former France and Real Madrid midfielder Christian Karembeu has invited a host of his former teammates for club and country, including David Trezeguet and Claude Makelele, to play in a gala match this weekend in Noumea.

Former Real Madrid teammates and Spanish internationals Pedro Contreras and José Emilio Amavisca are among the other big names, with Karembeu promising further surprises.

André Ulile is the Project Manager for Gaitcha's anniversary celebrations and says they have a big week in store.

Clive Palmer in tax row with Noumea

The move in the South Pacific French territory is disclosed in the latest financial accounts of Gladstone Pacific Nickel, which is controlled by the tycoon, who owns about 95 per cent of the shares. The accounts, lodged with the Australian Securities & Investments Commission last week, also show $2.5 million (US$1.7 million) has been transferred from Gladstone Pacific Nickel to Palmer’s flagship company, Mineralogy, which has been bleeding cash and is two years behind in filing its ­accounts with ASIC.

Tags: 

Blockades lifted in New Caledonia

Most of the blockades, which had formed part of a protest by disgruntled nickel carriers, were removed yesterday, and access to Noumea has been re-established.

The truck drivers had been calling on the New Caledonian government to allow exports of ore to China after a decline in exports to Australia.

The school year had been deferred due to the conflict, but schools are expected to be back to normal today.

New Caledonia blockades resume after talks fail

The drivers are protesting a decision by New Caledonia's committee for external mining trade not to approve requests to export low grade ore to China, submitted by the territory's veteran mining company SLN and several small miners.

The blockades began two weeks ago and ramped up earlier this week before being eased yesterday for talks between the government and the union representing the small mining entities whom the truck drivers contract to.

The blockades have been fully re-installed today after the negotiations failed to resolve the dispute.