Aotearoa must play more active role in easing New Caledonia tensions

OPINION: Winston Peters, the Foreign Affairs Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, Vaovasamanaia, Winston Peters of course, no less, is in Paris and has wasted little time in addressing the stickiest issue, I would argue, for France at the moment, and that is New Caledonia.

Now, in a speech to officials, Peters called for France to maintain an open mind about the future of New Caledonia and to deepen relationships with New Zealand. I'm paraphrasing, but that's the gist of the yarn.

Now he's clearly, in my opinion, walking that tricky diplomatic tightrope, isn't he?

Because it's in his best interest, well in fact it's in the best interest of New Zealand, that there is stability in the Pacific region, and New Caledonia, it is no secret, has been in a bit of strife this year, actually much more than strife.

It has been quite catastrophic what's been going on over there, sadly, because of decisions that have been made, or suggestions that were made, in France.

Now the Foreign Minister's speech, from what I could gather, sounded more like security in collaboration with France.

But this is the thing, should there not be more talk about letting New Caledonia chart its own course, free of influence from France?

Because remember, if you would cast our minds back to the riots earlier this year, in May, the deadly riots, a lot of it was because of the overreach from France.

And so I would argue a bulk of the indigenous community in New Caledonia wants to be free from the shackles of France. Not that Peters would want to wade into that debate, but I think we need to have frank and honest conversations about it, don't you?

Watch Will's Word below

That's why it is crucial, to me at least, to me, that New Zealand not only advocates for peace and cooperation, but also plays a more active role in easing the tensions between the Kanak people and France.

It's in the best interests of the Pacific region, for the sake of stability, for the sake of sovereignty, whatever that looks like.

If Aotearoa and France truly aim to strengthen their relationship, it is important that they work together to bring stability and progress to New Caledonia.

And that involves meaningful dialogue with the indigenous community. Not going off and doing it on your own all the way in France.

That's what baffles me, is decisions for New Caledonia are made all the way over in France.

Just my view, there needs to be much better accountability, communication, responsibility and stability when it comes to dialogue between New Zealand and France in the best interests of New Caledonia.

That’s Will’s Word.