new president of "polynesia"

Media in French Polynesia are adapting rapidly to new administrative cultures.

Agence Tahitienne de Presse, for example, has dropped the "French" from its presidential coverage within days of new pro-independence leader Oscar Temaru being sworn in.

They now refer to him as the President of Polynesia – “Le président de la Polynésie Oscar Temaru” – rather than as the President of French Polynesia as former leader Gaston Flosse was previously quoted.

Across the French-English language divide, however, the new politically correct designation may not meet with universal acceptance.

Other countries and territories in Polynesia – such as Hawaii, Rapa Nui, Aotearoa, Samoa, Niue, Tonga and the Cook Islands – may be surprised to learn they have a new and singular president.