Winston Peters concludes 'constructive visit' to New Caledonia

Winston Peters and Manuel Valls. Photo: X / @NewZealandMFA

New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters has wrapped up "a constructive and positive visit" to New Caledonia.

Peters met the French Minister for Overseas Territories Manuel Valls and the New Caledonia government's President Alcide Ponga.

Peters said the goal was to listen and learn, and to demonstrate New Zealand's support for the continuation of dialogue on New Caledonia's institutional future, led by Valls.

The French territory faced months of rioting over an amendment to its constitution.

"These institutional discussions in Nouméa over the coming days send a positive signal to the Pacific region about the good faith efforts underway to return peace and stability to New Caledonia," Peters said.

"Since last year's crisis, New Zealand has consistently said that no matter your position on New Caledonia's institutional future, violence is not the answer - and progress can only be made through careful, inclusive dialogue.

"We wish everyone involved in the discussions in Nouméa in the coming week well. New Zealand, just like France and all our Pacific partners, wishes for a stable, secure, prosperous and cohesive New Caledonia."

Peters also recommitted New Zealand to helping New Caledonia's development through ongoing constructive, practical support.

"New Zealand is not perfect, but we do have experience over recent decades in promoting economic development across our regions and communities," he said.

He said economic development is the key to social cohesion, and New Zealand hopes there are pragmatic lessons it can share with New Caledonia, working closely with French authorities, including through Caledonian entrepreneurs gaining a deeper understanding of the Māori economy.

Peters and Valls also discussed regional security and foreign interference in the Pacific.

He said Wellington and Paris have a shared interest in ensuring that the Pacific Islands region is protected from efforts by external influences to undermine good governance and democratic decision making."

Peters' office said he also met New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) personnel taking part in the military exercise Croix du Sud currently under way in New Caledonia and Wallis and Futuna, which is focused on humanitarian assistance and emergency response.

"In the exercise, NZDF staff are working alongside forces from other Pacific countries and likeminded partners - hosted by the French Armed Forces in New Caledonia."