The Kanak Cultural Development Agency and the Language Academy merge.

Since the end of the year 2025, the Kanak culture development agency has a new interim director. A new role for Weniko Ihage, already leading the Kanak Language Academy since 2007.

So, one leadership for two entities defending regional heritage. “Given the events, the riots, the financial issues we are facing, I believe the government is seeking a solution to consolidate resources, so that together we can get through it,” explains Weniko Ihage, director of the ALK and interim director of the ADCK.

Cost reduction

The merger of the ALK and the ADCK is part of the New Caledonia government’s Administration Evolution Plan (PEA). The goal is to streamline services and reduce operating costs. “Between the two institutions, we are at about 800 million francs in gross operating costs. There are several hypotheses, several accounting scenarios on the table but it is up to the administration, together with social partners, to ensure that this merger can find coherence, financial scale economies,” explains Mickaël Forrest, government member in charge of youth, sports, and culture.

Other culture-specific services could merge, such as the New Caledonia museum and the Bernheim library, which would then join the ALK and the ADCK.