French Polynesia’s new Sports and Youth Minister Kainuu Temauri was appointed on 30 July 2025. Photo: Présidence de la Polynésie Française
French Polynesia's President Moetai Brotherson cabinet has appointed a new Sports and Youth Minister.
Kainuu Temauri, 29, has been appointed to the role less than two years ahead of the 2027 Pacific Games to be hosted by French Polynesia.
As part of the latest Cabinet reshuffle announced last week, Temauri will also be in charge of youth crime prevention, as well as arts and crafts.
A law graduate, Temauri is described as being experienced in "local administration" and was already an advisor within the Ministry of Youth and Sports for the past two years.
His predominant task will be to supervise and coordinate the organisation and preparation for the 2027 Pacific Games.
This includes upgrading and building relevant infrastructure to host the key regional event.
Temauri replaces Nahema Temarii, who had held the portfolio for the past two years and officially stated she was leaving for "personal reasons".
Speaking to local media, Brotherson said last week the Pacific Games were now the priority and that it was Nahema Temarii's decision to leave because she recently mentioned "the weight of (her portfolio) being too heavy for a young mother".
"I respect her decision", Brotherson told local media last week.
About €100m budgeted for the Pacific Games
According to the latest available figures, the cost to organise and host the Pacific Games in Tahiti (from 24 July to 8 August 2027) has been estimated at about €100 million, including about €21m taken care of by France.
Competitions would mainly take place on the capital island of Tahiti, but also on its "sister" island of Moorea and in Raiatea.
Existing infrastructure such as the iconic Pater Stadium in Papeete would be used, but needed to be renovated.
The first phases of upgrading and building works started in July 2025 and were expected to be completed and delivered in April 2027.
