Tahitian athletes were a no-show at last night's Pacific Mini Games opening ceremony in Port Vila.
Last week it was announced the territory's athletes would compete under a neutral banner, following the French Polynesia's government's decision to boycott the event.
The Tahitian athletes were expected to participate in the athlete's parade and to enter under the flag of the Pacific Games Council.
But Van2017 CEO Clint Flood said they didn't turn up.
"For our surprise as well they didn't come out today. I'm not quite sure (why), we will find out tomorrow," Flood said.
"I don't think it was a political thing at all, I think perhaps they just didn't feel represented but they're certainly here, they'll compete in both rugby and in boxing."
The rugby sevens competition kicks off on Friday while boxing gets underway next week.