@maclellannic.bsky.social
Journalist in the Pacific Islands. Correspondent, Islands Business magazine (Fiji), Inside Story and other regional media. Author “Grappling with the Bomb” and other Pacific history.
Honoured that my essay “Reporting the Nuclear Pacific” has been included in the inaugural edition of the new journal Pacific Media (the successor to the long running Pacific Journalism Review). It looks at the ethics and challenges of working with affected communities.
ojs.aut.ac.nz/pacific-medi...
ojs.aut.ac.nz/pacific-medi...
November 11, 2025 at 9:31 PM
Honoured that my essay “Reporting the Nuclear Pacific” has been included in the inaugural edition of the new journal Pacific Media (the successor to the long running Pacific Journalism Review). It looks at the ethics and challenges of working with affected communities.
ojs.aut.ac.nz/pacific-medi...
ojs.aut.ac.nz/pacific-medi...
Ten years after the publication of ‘The New Pacific Diplomacy’ (ANU Press, 2015), Greg Fry and Sandra Tarte have a new article revisiting the role of diplomacy by Pacific island states on key issues such as climate change, law of the sea, and regional security.
www.tandfonline.com/doi/epdf/10....
www.tandfonline.com/doi/epdf/10....
September 23, 2025 at 2:10 AM
Ten years after the publication of ‘The New Pacific Diplomacy’ (ANU Press, 2015), Greg Fry and Sandra Tarte have a new article revisiting the role of diplomacy by Pacific island states on key issues such as climate change, law of the sea, and regional security.
www.tandfonline.com/doi/epdf/10....
www.tandfonline.com/doi/epdf/10....
During six months of conflict last year, the health sector in #NewCaledonia suffered major staff turnover, with many French doctors, nurses and paramedics leaving the islands. My Islands Business feature looks at efforts to rebuild and renew health for all.
islandsbusiness.com/news-break/f...
islandsbusiness.com/news-break/f...
September 21, 2025 at 10:04 PM
During six months of conflict last year, the health sector in #NewCaledonia suffered major staff turnover, with many French doctors, nurses and paramedics leaving the islands. My Islands Business feature looks at efforts to rebuild and renew health for all.
islandsbusiness.com/news-break/f...
islandsbusiness.com/news-break/f...
In New Caledonia, the independence coalition Front de Libération Nationale Kanak et Socialiste (FLNKS) has formally rejected the Bougival Accord. The FLNKS has called for direct talks with the French State, to develop a pathway to full and sovereign independence.
islandsbusiness.com/breaking-new...
islandsbusiness.com/breaking-new...
August 14, 2025 at 12:09 AM
In New Caledonia, the independence coalition Front de Libération Nationale Kanak et Socialiste (FLNKS) has formally rejected the Bougival Accord. The FLNKS has called for direct talks with the French State, to develop a pathway to full and sovereign independence.
islandsbusiness.com/breaking-new...
islandsbusiness.com/breaking-new...
New Caledonia’s Front de Libération Nationale Kanak et Socialiste #FLNKS will hold an extraordinary Congress next Saturday, 9 August, amid growing opposition to the Bougival agreement. My Pacnews feature looks at decolonisation debates within the independence movement.
pina.com.fj/2025/08/04/f...
pina.com.fj/2025/08/04/f...
August 4, 2025 at 11:19 PM
New Caledonia’s Front de Libération Nationale Kanak et Socialiste #FLNKS will hold an extraordinary Congress next Saturday, 9 August, amid growing opposition to the Bougival agreement. My Pacnews feature looks at decolonisation debates within the independence movement.
pina.com.fj/2025/08/04/f...
pina.com.fj/2025/08/04/f...
To unpack New Caledonia’s Bougival Accord, I speak with ‘Pacific Mornings’ in Aotearoa. In the interview, I outline many steps still needed to implement the deal: persuading supporters, legislative change in Paris, and a referendum in New Caledonia next February. www.facebook.com/watch/?v=192...
July 14, 2025 at 11:59 PM
To unpack New Caledonia’s Bougival Accord, I speak with ‘Pacific Mornings’ in Aotearoa. In the interview, I outline many steps still needed to implement the deal: persuading supporters, legislative change in Paris, and a referendum in New Caledonia next February. www.facebook.com/watch/?v=192...
Release of a major report on the consequences of French nuclear testing in Mā’ohi Nui. The parliamentary report (in French) makes 45 recommendations for economic, health, educational and cultural initiatives, to address legacies of 193 French nuclear tests www.assemblee-nationale.fr/dyn/17/rappo...
June 19, 2025 at 1:48 AM
Release of a major report on the consequences of French nuclear testing in Mā’ohi Nui. The parliamentary report (in French) makes 45 recommendations for economic, health, educational and cultural initiatives, to address legacies of 193 French nuclear tests www.assemblee-nationale.fr/dyn/17/rappo...
Sad news, with the death of Motarilavoa Hilda Lini, a ni-Vanuatu campaigner for indigenous rights, Melanesian solidarity and a Nuclear Free and Independent Pacific. A warrior to the end, as Vanuatu’s Prime Minister Jotham Napat says: “Rest in Peace soldier, for you have fought a great fight.” Vale.
May 26, 2025 at 1:32 AM
Sad news, with the death of Motarilavoa Hilda Lini, a ni-Vanuatu campaigner for indigenous rights, Melanesian solidarity and a Nuclear Free and Independent Pacific. A warrior to the end, as Vanuatu’s Prime Minister Jotham Napat says: “Rest in Peace soldier, for you have fought a great fight.” Vale.
My report for Islands Business looks at the collapse of negotiations in #NewCaledonia. Anti-independence Loyalist leader Nicolas Metzdorf bluntly states: “We will never accept independence, independence in association, or a trajectory towards independence.”
islandsbusiness.com/news-break/n...
islandsbusiness.com/news-break/n...
May 9, 2025 at 11:35 PM
My report for Islands Business looks at the collapse of negotiations in #NewCaledonia. Anti-independence Loyalist leader Nicolas Metzdorf bluntly states: “We will never accept independence, independence in association, or a trajectory towards independence.”
islandsbusiness.com/news-break/n...
islandsbusiness.com/news-break/n...
With learning centres in Fiji, Kiribati and Vanuatu - and more nations to come - the PCU's regional program will transform theological studies. They aim to expand community-based learning, engage local communities at home and draw on indigenous philosophy, spirituality, and local knowledge.
April 28, 2025 at 2:12 AM
With learning centres in Fiji, Kiribati and Vanuatu - and more nations to come - the PCU's regional program will transform theological studies. They aim to expand community-based learning, engage local communities at home and draw on indigenous philosophy, spirituality, and local knowledge.
On behalf of the new institution, PCU’s Reverend Professor Dr Upolu Luma Vaai signed partnership MOUs with the Fiji Ministry of Education, Fiji Ministry of i-Taukei Affairs, United Nations Development Program and Tetra Tech, to support new rural community learning centres.
April 28, 2025 at 2:12 AM
On behalf of the new institution, PCU’s Reverend Professor Dr Upolu Luma Vaai signed partnership MOUs with the Fiji Ministry of Education, Fiji Ministry of i-Taukei Affairs, United Nations Development Program and Tetra Tech, to support new rural community learning centres.
Ecumenical service this morning at the Pacific Theological College in Suva, as PTC transforms its structure into the Pasifika Communities University. To be launched this week, PCU will restructure theological education and development through “whole of life” Pasifika philosophy and spirituality.
April 28, 2025 at 2:12 AM
Ecumenical service this morning at the Pacific Theological College in Suva, as PTC transforms its structure into the Pasifika Communities University. To be launched this week, PCU will restructure theological education and development through “whole of life” Pasifika philosophy and spirituality.
The Front de Liberation National Kanak et Socialiste (FLNKS) will hold a convention this Saturday, 26 April. The gathering of Union Caledonienne and other members of independence coalition will feature report to members and re-set a negotiating mandate for the FLNKS delegation to next week's talks.
April 23, 2025 at 7:02 PM
The Front de Liberation National Kanak et Socialiste (FLNKS) will hold a convention this Saturday, 26 April. The gathering of Union Caledonienne and other members of independence coalition will feature report to members and re-set a negotiating mandate for the FLNKS delegation to next week's talks.
However, Union Calédonienne Secretary General Dominique Fochi says: “To build the future, we must not rush to create short-term solutions that will cause problems in the long term. So we mustn’t drag our feet, but we shouldn’t rush into things. We want to create a win-win situation.”
April 23, 2025 at 7:02 PM
However, Union Calédonienne Secretary General Dominique Fochi says: “To build the future, we must not rush to create short-term solutions that will cause problems in the long term. So we mustn’t drag our feet, but we shouldn’t rush into things. We want to create a win-win situation.”
French Overseas Minister Manuel Valls will soon arrive in #NewCaledonia to push forward negotiations, hoping to strike a deal between supporters and opponents of independence: “The objective of this phase will be to reach an overall agreement on the institutional future of New Caledonia.”
April 23, 2025 at 7:02 PM
French Overseas Minister Manuel Valls will soon arrive in #NewCaledonia to push forward negotiations, hoping to strike a deal between supporters and opponents of independence: “The objective of this phase will be to reach an overall agreement on the institutional future of New Caledonia.”
Like Israel and Ukraine, Saudi Arabia is lobbying for Forum Dialogue Partner status,. At the 2023 Forum in Rarotonga, the Chair of the Saudi Fund for Development, Tourism Minister Ahmed Al Khateeb, announced a US$50 million contribution to the new Pacific Resilience Facility.
April 14, 2025 at 12:38 AM
Like Israel and Ukraine, Saudi Arabia is lobbying for Forum Dialogue Partner status,. At the 2023 Forum in Rarotonga, the Chair of the Saudi Fund for Development, Tourism Minister Ahmed Al Khateeb, announced a US$50 million contribution to the new Pacific Resilience Facility.
Henryk Szadziewski has documented growing Forum ties with UAE, Saudi Arabia and other Gulf Cooperation Council states (GCC). Between 2007 and 2018, UAE opened diplomatic relations with 12 of 14 independent Pacific Island states.
openresearch-repository.anu.edu.au/items/861b62...
openresearch-repository.anu.edu.au/items/861b62...
April 14, 2025 at 12:38 AM
Henryk Szadziewski has documented growing Forum ties with UAE, Saudi Arabia and other Gulf Cooperation Council states (GCC). Between 2007 and 2018, UAE opened diplomatic relations with 12 of 14 independent Pacific Island states.
openresearch-repository.anu.edu.au/items/861b62...
openresearch-repository.anu.edu.au/items/861b62...
Fiji and the United Arab Emirates have agreed to fast-track negotiations for a landmark regional Economic Partnership Agreement between UAE and Pacific Island countries. Draft framework proposals will be discussed at the next Pacific Trade Ministers’ Meeting in July.
April 14, 2025 at 12:35 AM
Fiji and the United Arab Emirates have agreed to fast-track negotiations for a landmark regional Economic Partnership Agreement between UAE and Pacific Island countries. Draft framework proposals will be discussed at the next Pacific Trade Ministers’ Meeting in July.
In New Caledonia, the FLNKS has released a statement following the latest round of political status talks. While accepting the French State’s draft agreement as the basis for the negotiations due to start on 29 April, the statement suggests the independence movement won’t be rushed into a deal.
April 11, 2025 at 5:55 AM
In New Caledonia, the FLNKS has released a statement following the latest round of political status talks. While accepting the French State’s draft agreement as the basis for the negotiations due to start on 29 April, the statement suggests the independence movement won’t be rushed into a deal.
New report from the Pacific Network on Globalisation in Suva: “Blue Herrings” assesses the push to expand carbon markets into marine ecosystems – known as ‘blue carbon’ – and the danger that they will undercut reduction of emissions.
pang.org.fj/blue-herring...
pang.org.fj/blue-herring...
April 11, 2025 at 5:52 AM
New report from the Pacific Network on Globalisation in Suva: “Blue Herrings” assesses the push to expand carbon markets into marine ecosystems – known as ‘blue carbon’ – and the danger that they will undercut reduction of emissions.
pang.org.fj/blue-herring...
pang.org.fj/blue-herring...
Last year, full-time staff at Nine Publishing went on strike to improve wages and conditions and defend independent journalism. Freelance members of the MEAA @withmeaa supported their colleagues at The Age and Sydney Morning Herald. Today, freelance journalists need community support.
April 1, 2025 at 11:47 PM
Last year, full-time staff at Nine Publishing went on strike to improve wages and conditions and defend independent journalism. Freelance members of the MEAA @withmeaa supported their colleagues at The Age and Sydney Morning Herald. Today, freelance journalists need community support.
As a journalist, I write features as a freelancer for a range of publications. As media organisations sack permanent staff, they rely on journos like me to plug the gap. But many companies, including Nine Publishing, refuse to negotiate fair rates, annual increases and a signed agreement. @withmeaa
April 1, 2025 at 11:47 PM
As a journalist, I write features as a freelancer for a range of publications. As media organisations sack permanent staff, they rely on journos like me to plug the gap. But many companies, including Nine Publishing, refuse to negotiate fair rates, annual increases and a signed agreement. @withmeaa
The #FLNKS independence coalition issued a social media post earlier this week, pushing back on Loyalist calls to “unfreeze” voting rights for the provincial assemblies and Congress of New Caledonia. The vexed question of citizenship and voting is a central negotiating agenda in this week’s talks.
March 28, 2025 at 11:13 PM
The #FLNKS independence coalition issued a social media post earlier this week, pushing back on Loyalist calls to “unfreeze” voting rights for the provincial assemblies and Congress of New Caledonia. The vexed question of citizenship and voting is a central negotiating agenda in this week’s talks.
Reflecting on last year’s youth revolt, independence politician Pierre-Chanel Tutugoro of Union Calédonienne noted: "Young people will not benefit from this budget. Where we have made cuts is always in the youth sector. We have the impression that we have an anti-Kanak, anti-islander budget.”
March 28, 2025 at 11:13 PM
Reflecting on last year’s youth revolt, independence politician Pierre-Chanel Tutugoro of Union Calédonienne noted: "Young people will not benefit from this budget. Where we have made cuts is always in the youth sector. We have the impression that we have an anti-Kanak, anti-islander budget.”
This week, the Congress of New Caledonia adopted an austerity budget, responding to the economic fallout of six months of clashes in 2024 between Kanak protestors and French security forces. With businesses failing and thousands of people unemployed, the Ponga government is cutting public services.
March 28, 2025 at 11:13 PM
This week, the Congress of New Caledonia adopted an austerity budget, responding to the economic fallout of six months of clashes in 2024 between Kanak protestors and French security forces. With businesses failing and thousands of people unemployed, the Ponga government is cutting public services.