New Zealand Foreign Minister to Visit New Caledonia Amid Rising Tensions

New Zealand’s Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters is set to arrive in New Caledonia on Tuesday for a three-day visit, sparking renewed interest in the region amidst growing tensions. The trip comes amid increasing diplomatic efforts by both New Zealand and France to strengthen their relationship with New Caledonia.

Peters’ Meetings in New Caledonia

During his visit, Peters will hold meetings with a wide range of government, political, business, and civil society leaders from 3 to 5 December. These include French High Commissioner Louis Le Franc, who recently lifted the curfew in New Caledonia; Véronique Roger-Lacan, French Ambassador for the Pacific; New Caledonia’s President Louis Mapou; and prominent political leaders such as Emmanuel Tjibaou, leader of the pro-independence Union Calédonienne party.

Peters is also expected to be hosted at a special meeting of the Congress, which will bring together key stakeholders to discuss the future of New Caledonia. His visit has been described as an effort to strengthen ties between New Zealand and New Caledonia, particularly in light of the recent social crisis facing the region.

Peters’ Prior Visits and Meetings

Peters’ visit to New Caledonia was initially scheduled for May 2024 but had to be cancelled due to insurrectional riots that broke out that same month. However, Peters has continued to emphasize the importance of French-New Zealand relations, particularly as “close neighbours” and encouraged France and New Caledonia to “walk the less travelled path” with regards to New Caledonia’s political future.

In a speech delivered at the French Institute for International Relations (IFRI) on 27 November, Peters highlighted the significance of French-New Zealand relations. “What happens in New Caledonia matters to New Zealand,” he stated. “New Caledonia is New Zealand’s closest neighbour. We have fraternal bonds with New Caledonia.”

Peters has also recently appointed a new Consul-General based in Nouméa, Mary Thurston, who will have jurisdiction over the whole French Pacific (New Caledonia, French Polynesia, Wallis-and-Futuna).

Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Visit

In late October 2024, a delegation of three serving Prime Ministers (Tonga, Cook Island, and Fiji) and a minister of Foreign Affairs (Solomon Islands) visited New Zealand. The visit was part of efforts to strengthen regional ties and promote cooperation between Pacific nations.

A similar initiative involving young professionals from New Caledonia flew to New Zealand last week as part of a working holiday regional mobility scheme. The programme aims to foster increased exchanges between New Caledonia and its regional neighbours through “regional integration” and “Pacific cultural insertion.”

Conclusion

Winston Peters’ upcoming visit to New Caledonia marks an important moment in the region’s diplomatic landscape. As tensions rise, it is crucial that both New Zealand and France continue to engage with New Caledonia to address its social crisis and promote a stable future for the region.