Winston Peters returns to New Caledonia

The Deputy Prime Minister is making his third trip to New Caledonia to reinforce New Zealand’s commitment to being a constructive partner to the island nation and France.

While there, Deputy Prime Minister Vaovasamanaia Winston Peters will meet the French Minister for Overseas Territories, Manuel Valls, and the President of the Government of New Caledonia, Alcide Ponga.

Ponga has been in the role since the beginning of this year and is the first indigenous Kanak president of the pro-France Le Rassemblent-Les Républicains (LR) party.

He replaced Louis Mapou, whose government fell just before Christmas due to a mass resignation within its ranks.

Peters last visited New Caledonia in December, announcing the increase in funding for the island nation’s voluntary and non-government organisations to around NZ$280,000 per year.

His visit late last year followed the postponement of a planned visit in May due to civil unrest.

Since May last year, New Caledonia has been rocked by political unrest after protests and riots broke out in the capital Noumēa.

There has been an estimated €2.2 billion worth of damage, hundreds of businesses destroyed and/or looted, and the subsequent loss of thousands of jobs.

The political standoff reached a head when pro-independence groups opposed France’s decision to change voting rights.

Pro-independence supporters rally in Noumēa. Photo/Supplied

This visit is the first time Peters and Ponga will meet.

“We are looking forward to meeting the new leadership of the Government of New Caledonia and continuing New Zealand’s warm and long-standing relationship with France,” Peters says.

“New Zealand wants to listen, learn and support New Caledonia’s pathway forward as a neighbour and fellow member of the Pacific Islands Forum.”

Peters met with Mapou last August in Tonga during the PIF leaders' meeting. Photo/Supplied

Peters will also visit the Pacific Community (SPC), a leading science and technical agency in the Pacific, and meet with Director-General Dr Stuart Minchin.

Peters departs on Thursday, 1 May and returns on Friday, 2 May.