AGP Executive Report

Matariki in the spotlight: New Zealand’s Māori New Year is now a public holiday, with nationwide hautapu celebrations and a live broadcast welcoming “all of Aotearoa” to experience the festivities—French Polynesia is noted among the Pacific representatives attending. Ocean & research links: Two FIU graduate students received Guy Harvey Fellowships to advance shark research, including how recreational fishing may affect shark interactions with fish spawning aggregations and how juvenile sharks socialize as they mature. Teahupo’o Olympics momentum: French Polynesia President Édouard Fritch signed an agreement confirming the territory’s planned Paris 2024 surfing venue at Teahupo’o will be part of the Olympic Torch Relay, alongside reassurances about the Athletes’ Village. Surf culture meets luxury (and backlash): Louis Vuitton’s Pharrell Williams staged a surf-drenched SS27 menswear show in Paris with a massive artificial wave and sand runway, while critics questioned the spectacle and water use—yet the brand also points to reef restoration support in French Polynesia via Coral Gardeners. Voyaging & World Oceans Day: The Polynesian Voyaging Society joined World Oceans Day events in Tahiti, with Nainoa Thompson named first international ambassador of Tainui Ātea for ocean stewardship and cultural education.

Matariki in the Pacific spotlight: New Zealand’s Māori New Year celebrations are expanding as a public holiday, with nationally broadcast hautapu and a theme of “For everyone” drawing connections across the Pacific—French Polynesia is mentioned among the communities taking part. Ocean research support: Two FIU graduate students received Guy Harvey Fellowships to advance shark research, including how recreational fishing may affect shark interactions with fish spawning areas—relevant to wider marine stewardship conversations in the region. Paris 2024 torch and Teahupo’o: French Polynesia President Édouard Fritch signed an agreement reaffirming the territory’s commitment to the Olympic Games Torch Relay, tied to the planned surfing venue at Teahupo’o on Tahiti. Voyaging and World Oceans Day: The Polynesian Voyaging Society joined World Oceans Day events in Tahiti, with Nainoa Thompson named first international ambassador of Tainui Ātea, linking ocean protection to cultural education and traditional navigation. Luxury surf culture meets Polynesia ties: Louis Vuitton’s Pharrell Williams SS27 runway show in Paris used a massive artificial wave and faced backlash over sustainability and water use, while the brand reiterated a Coral Gardeners reef restoration partnership in French Polynesia. Culture & history reminder: A feature marks June 29, 1880, when Tahiti’s sovereignty was ceded to France—an anniversary framed as a turning point in French Polynesia’s history.

Ocean Research & Conservation: Two FIU graduate students, Gina Clementi and Sophia Hemsi, received 2026 Guy Harvey and Florida Sea Grant Fellowships to study shark behavior and how recreational fishing affects sharks around fish spawning areas—work that could inform better marine stewardship. Olympic Surf & Local Commitment: French Polynesia President Édouard Fritch signed an agreement confirming the territory’s participation in the Paris 2024 Olympic Torch Relay, tied to Teahupo’o’s planned surfing venue and ongoing assurances about local preparations. Voyaging Culture & Ocean Day: The Polynesian Voyaging Society, with CEO Nainoa Thompson, joined World Oceans Day events in Tahiti, with Brotherson naming Thompson the first international ambassador of Tainui Ātea to spotlight ocean stewardship and cultural education. Tahiti’s Growing Tourism Reach: Tahiti Tourisme is ramping up in Australia with trade events and new direct flight plans, aiming to broaden visitors beyond honeymoon travel and boost repeat visits. Fashion Meets the Sea (and French Polynesia ties): Louis Vuitton’s Pharrell Williams staged a surf-drenched Paris runway with a real wave and linked its sustainability messaging to coral reef restoration in French Polynesia via Coral Gardeners—sparking both hype and backlash online. History in the Spotlight: June 29 marked Tahiti’s 1880 cession to France, a turning point that deepened French presence in the Pacific.

Surf Culture in Paris: Pharrell Williams turned Louis Vuitton’s SS27 menswear show into a beach-and-wave spectacle in Paris, pairing relaxed tailoring with wetsuit textures and surf-coded details, while linking the set to French Polynesia via Coral Gardeners reef restoration. Olympic Torch & Teahupo’o: French Polynesia President Édouard Fritch signed a principle agreement to bring the Paris 2024 Olympic Torch Relay to the territory, with Teahupo’o slated as the surfing venue host. Ocean Stewardship, Polynesian Way: The Polynesian Voyaging Society joined World Oceans Day events in Tahiti, with pwo navigator Nainoa Thompson named the first international ambassador of Tainui Ātea. Tahiti’s Tourism Push to Australia: Tahiti Tourisme is ramping up trade and travel outreach in Australia ahead of new direct flights, aiming to broaden visitors beyond honeymooners and boost cruise interest. Marine Protection With Local Practice: A new look at French Polynesia’s conservation approach highlights large-scale marine protection that also recognizes traditional artisanal fishing rather than strict exclusion.

Olympic Torch & Teahupo’o: French Polynesia President Édouard Fritch signed a principle agreement confirming the territory’s planned Paris 2024 surfing venue at Teahupo’o will be part of the Olympic Games Torch Relay, after Paris 2024 chief Tony Estanguet’s visit reassured local leaders about the Athletes’ Village and staging requirements. Ocean Stewardship & Education: The Polynesian Voyaging Society, led by pwo navigator Nainoa Thompson, joined World Oceans Day events in Tahiti, with President Brotherson naming Thompson the first international ambassador of Tainui Ātea to spotlight ocean protection, cultural preservation, and education. Tourism Push to Australia: Tahiti Tourisme and partners launched a coordinated push to expand Australian services, including new direct flights and trade events like “Tahiti Looks Nice!” aimed at moving beyond the honeymoon market. Culture, History & Memory: A feature marks June 29, 1880, when King Pomare V ceded sovereignty to France, turning Tahiti into a French colony and reshaping French Polynesia’s political future. Fashion Meets Surf—With a Twist: Louis Vuitton’s Pharrell Williams staged a 26-foot wave and “surfer dandy” theme in Paris, while the brand points to French Polynesia coral restoration via Coral Gardeners—sparking debate online. Nuclear Legacy Accountability: A report revisits France’s nuclear testing in Algeria, highlighting how local workers were used at Reggane and In Ekker with limited protection and knowledge of radiation risks.

Paris 2024 Torch Relay: French Polynesia President Édouard Fritch signed a principle agreement to include Teahupo’o (Tahiti) in the Olympic surfing venue plans and reaffirmed the territory’s commitment to the Paris 2024 Torch Relay during Tony Estanguet’s visit. Ocean Culture & Education: The Polynesian Voyaging Society, led by Nainoa Thompson, joined World Oceans Day events in Tahiti, with President Moetai Brotherson naming Thompson the first international ambassador of Tainui Ātea to highlight ocean stewardship, cultural preservation and education. Marine Protection with Tradition: A look at the “30x30” push spotlights French Polynesia’s marine protection approach as moving beyond strict exclusion by recognizing traditional artisanal fishing within protected zones. Tourism & Lifestyle: Tahiti Tourisme and partners launched a coordinated push to expand Australian services, betting on new direct flights and cruise tourism to bring more visitors back to the islands. Luxury Travel Spotlight: The Brando on Tetiaroa remains a top example of ultra-exclusive French Polynesia travel, reachable via multi-leg private flights and transfers. Fashion & Local Impact Debate: Louis Vuitton’s Pharrell Williams surf-themed SS27 show in Paris drew backlash over sustainability and water use, while the brand points to coral reef restoration support in French Polynesia via Coral Gardeners.

Paris 2024 Torch & Teahupo’o: French Polynesia President Édouard Fritch signed a principle agreement after Tony Estanguet’s Tahiti visit, reaffirming the territory’s commitment to the Olympic Games Torch Relay tied to the planned surfing venue at Teahupo’o. Ocean Stewardship & Education: The Polynesian Voyaging Society joined World Oceans Day events in Tahiti, with Nainoa Thompson named the first international ambassador of Tainui Ātea during the Tainui Ātea Festival. Marine Protection Upgrade: At the Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, French Polynesia pledged to strengthen protections in the Tainui Atea Marine Protected Area with 27,000 sq km of new regulated fishing areas, coastal protection zones, and seamount protections. Tahiti Tourism Push to Australia: Tahiti Tourisme and partners are ramping up for Australian visitors with direct-flight momentum and a coordinated air-and-cruise marketing push. Culture & Lifestyle Spotlight: Aurelien Guichard’s Matière and his Tahiti-inspired scents keep surfacing in lifestyle coverage, tying fragrance to place and identity. Travel Deals Roundup: Hot Deals promoted cruises and tours across the Pacific and beyond, including Vanuatu packages.

Paris 2024 Torch & Teahupo’o: French Polynesia President Édouard Fritch signed a principle agreement confirming the planned Olympic surfing venue at Teahupo’o will be part of the Paris 2024 Olympic Torch Relay, after Paris 2024 president Tony Estanguet’s visit reassured officials about the Athletes’ Village and staging requirements. Ocean Stewardship & Culture: The Polynesian Voyaging Society, led by pwo navigator Nainoa Thompson, joined World Oceans Day events in Tahiti, where President Brotherson named Thompson the first international ambassador of Tainui Ātea, linking ocean protection with cultural preservation and education. Marine Protection, Beyond “No-Fishing”: A new look at global targets highlights how French Polynesia’s marine protection approach aims to protect ecosystems while recognizing traditional artisanal fishing practices inside designated zones. Tahiti Tourism Goes Australia: Tahiti Tourisme and partners launched a push to expand Australian services with direct-flight momentum, pitching Tahiti as an authentic, repeatable destination best explored by ship. Fashion Meets the Sea (and Backlash): Pharrell Williams turned Louis Vuitton’s Paris SS27 runway into a constructed coastline with a 26-foot wave and surf-inspired tailoring, while online criticism questioned the timing and sustainability claims—despite the brand pointing to Coral Gardeners reef restoration in French Polynesia. Luxury Travel Trend: “Learning vacations” are rising, blending lectures and cultural/science experiences with high-end cruising and comfort.

Olympic Torch & Teahupo’o: French Polynesia President Édouard Fritch signed a principle agreement with Paris 2024 to include Teahupo’o in the Olympic Games Torch Relay, after Paris 2024 president Tony Estanguet’s six-day visit reassured officials about the Athletes’ Village plans. Ocean Stewardship & Tainui Ātea: The Polynesian Voyaging Society joined World Oceans Day events in Tahiti, with President Moetai Brotherson naming Nainoa Thompson the first international ambassador of Tainui Ātea, spotlighting ocean protection and traditional navigation. Marine Protection Commitments: At the Our Ocean Conference in Kenya, French Polynesia announced plans to strengthen protections in the Tainui Atea Marine Protected Area with 27,000 sq km of new regulated fishing areas, coastal protection zones, and seamount protections. Tahiti Tourism Goes After Australia: Tahiti Tourisme and partners launched a push into the Australian market with “Tahiti Looks Nice!” events, banking on new direct flights from Sydney to Papeete to broaden visitors beyond the honeymoon crowd. Fashion Meets Surf—And Sparks Debate: Louis Vuitton’s Pharrell Williams staged a surf-themed SS27 show in Paris with a 26-foot wave and claimed support for coral reef restoration in French Polynesia via Coral Gardeners, while social media backlash raised questions about water use and timing.

Tahiti Tourism & Cruise Push: Tahiti Tourisme and partners are stepping up in Australia with new direct flights and a coordinated push across air, cruise and luxury tourism, including the “Tahiti Looks Nice!” trade event in Sydney to sell Tahiti as an authentic, repeatable destination. Ocean Protection, With Local Values: At the Our Ocean Conference in Kenya, French Polynesia announced plans to strengthen protections in the Tainui Atea Marine Protected Area with 27,000 sq km of new regulated fishing areas, coastal protection zones and seamount protections—aiming to balance conservation with traditional practices. World Oceans Day Spotlight: The Polynesian Voyaging Society, led by Nainoa Thompson, joined World Oceans Day events in Tahiti, with President Moetai Brotherson naming Thompson the first international ambassador of Tainui Ātea. Fashion Meets Reef Messaging (Debate Included): Louis Vuitton’s Pharrell Williams SS27 “26-foot wave” show in Paris drew backlash online, even as the brand points to coral restoration support in French Polynesia via Coral Gardeners. Luxury Travel Trend Watch: A growing wave of “learning vacations” blends lectures and culture-science experiences with high-end cruising, reflecting a shift toward enrichment alongside leisure.

Ocean Protection & Policy: The push for “30x30” is reshaping marine conservation, and French Polynesia’s approach is highlighted for moving beyond strict exclusion by recognizing traditional artisanal fishing inside protected zones. World Oceans Day in Tahiti: The Polynesian Voyaging Society, with CEO Nainoa Thompson, joined World Oceans Day events in Tahiti, where President Moetai Brotherson named Thompson the first international ambassador of Tainui Ātea to spotlight ocean stewardship and cultural education. Blue Economy Commitments: The Our Ocean Conference in Kenya delivered USD 6.4 billion in new ocean commitments, including plans by French Polynesia to strengthen protections in the Tainui Atea Marine Protected Area with 27,000 sq km of regulated fishing areas, coastal protection zones, and seamount protections. Tourism & Access: Tahiti Tourisme is stepping up a coordinated push into Australia, banking on new direct flights and cruise partnerships to broaden visitation beyond the honeymoon market. Culture & Lifestyle Spotlight: Aurelien Guichard’s Matière Premiere is profiled for its Tahiti-inspired scent craft, tying luxury fragrance to place and escape. Fashion With Local Links (Controversy): Louis Vuitton’s Pharrell Williams surf-themed SS27 show in Paris faced backlash online, while the brand reiterates its Coral Gardeners reef restoration partnership in French Polynesia.

Ocean Protection & Policy: The push for “30x30” is reshaping marine conservation, and French Polynesia’s approach is highlighted as moving beyond simple “ban vs. allow” models by recognizing traditional artisanal fishing inside protected zones. World Oceans Day in Tahiti: The Polynesian Voyaging Society joined World Oceans Day events in Tahiti, with President Moetai Brotherson naming pwo navigator Nainoa Thompson the first international ambassador of Tainui Ātea, linking ocean stewardship with cultural education. Our Ocean Conference Impact: At Kenya’s Our Ocean Conference, French Polynesia backed stronger protections in the Tainui Atea Marine Protected Area, adding 27,000 sq km of regulated fishing areas, coastal protection zones, and seamount protections as part of $6.4B in new commitments. Tahiti Tourism Goes Australia: Tahiti Tourisme is ramping up a coordinated push into Australia with new direct flights and a trade tour aimed at growing cruise and luxury tourism beyond the honeymoon crowd. Fashion Meets the Sea (and Sparks Debate): Louis Vuitton’s Pharrell Williams turned Paris into a surf-themed spectacle with a giant artificial wave, while also pointing to coral restoration ties in French Polynesia—prompting backlash over sustainability and water use.

Cruise & “learning vacation” trend: Travelers are increasingly booking luxury trips that mix lectures and hands-on activities with comfort, with French luxury cruise Ponant partnering with Smithsonian academics for onboard storytelling about ecology and local history. French Polynesia marine protection: At the Our Ocean Conference in Kenya, French Polynesia pledged to strengthen protections in the Tainui Atea Marine Protected Area, adding 27,000 sq km of regulated fishing zones, coastal protection areas, and seamount safeguards. Tahiti pushes Australia harder: Tahiti Tourisme and partners launched a coordinated push into the Australian market, banking on new direct flights and cruise-friendly positioning to broaden visitors beyond the honeymoon crowd. Fashion meets surf—plus backlash: Louis Vuitton’s Pharrell Williams turned Paris into an artificial coastline for SS27, tying the spectacle to sustainability claims via Coral Gardeners in French Polynesia—though social media criticism focused on “water waste” amid climate and scarcity concerns. Luxury travel spotlight: A roundup highlights ultra-exclusive resorts like The Brando in French Polynesia, emphasizing how remoteness and private transfers shape the lifestyle appeal.

Tahiti Tourism Push to Australia: French Polynesia’s tourism leaders are rolling out a coordinated push for Aussie visitors, banking on new direct flights and cruise-friendly messaging to broaden demand beyond honeymoon travel. Blue Economy Momentum: The 2026 Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa delivered USD 6.4 billion in commitments, including French Polynesia’s plan to expand protections in the Tainui Atea Marine Protected Area with 27,000+ sq km of new regulated fishing, coastal protection, and seamount measures. Luxury Travel Meets Learning: A growing “learning vacation” trend is blending expert-led lectures with high-end cruising, with Smithsonian-style narration paired with onboard cultural and ecological experiences. Fashion, Surf, and Polynesian Links: Louis Vuitton’s Pharrell Williams staged surf culture as a “dandy” sea fantasy in Paris, and the brand also points to a French Polynesia reef restoration partnership with Coral Gardeners—another reminder that ocean themes keep surfacing in global culture. Resort Access as Part of the Lifestyle: Ultra-exclusive stays like The Brando in Tetiaroa keep their mystique through hard-to-reach travel routes, turning the journey itself into the experience.

Fashion & Culture: Pharrell Williams turned Louis Vuitton’s Paris menswear SS27 runway into a surf-drenched “coastline,” with a massive constructed wave and sand-filled set framing surfing as a universal way of belonging—plus a sustainability nod tied to French Polynesia’s coral restoration work. Tourism & Lifestyle: Tahiti Tourisme is pushing deeper into Australia with a “Tahiti Looks Nice!” trade push and new direct flights (Sydney–Papeete) aimed at widening visitors beyond the classic honeymoon crowd. Ocean Action: The Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa delivered USD 6.4 billion in new commitments, including French Polynesia’s plan to strengthen protections in the Tainui Atea Marine Protected Area with 27,000+ sq km of regulated fishing areas, coastal protection zones, and seamount protections. Indigenous Craft Revival: Tahiti is returning to tapa/barkcloth traditions, spotlighting makers who keep the technique alive and pass it on through cultural practice.

Tahiti Tourism & Air Connectivity: Tahiti is pushing hard into Australia with new direct flights and a coordinated push across air, cruise, and luxury travel, including a multi-city “Tahiti Looks Nice!” trade event in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane with local airline, cruise, hotel, and tourism partners. Cruise Strategy: Tourism leaders say the goal is to broaden visitation beyond the classic honeymoon crowd, positioning Tahiti as accessible and best explored by ship. Ocean Conservation Funding: At the Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, French Polynesia backed stronger protections for the Tainui Atea Marine Protected Area, adding over 27,000 sq km of regulated fishing areas, coastal protection zones, and seamount protections as part of USD 6.4 billion in global ocean commitments. Indigenous Craft Revival: Tahiti is also spotlighting the return of barkcloth/tapa making, with teachers and makers working to keep the tradition alive through ‘ori Tahiti and hands-on production. Fashion With Local Environmental Link: In Paris, Louis Vuitton’s SS27/SS27 men’s show under Pharrell Williams used surf culture scenography and tied the presentation to coral reef restoration via French Polynesian group Coral Gardeners.