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.