Muggers assault NZ Defence Force staff in Noumea, New Caledonia

Two NZDF crew members from the HMNZS Canterbury (pictured) suffered injuries after being assaulted in New Caledonia. File Photo / Andrew Warner

Two members of the NZ Defence Force suffered injuries in two separate attacks in New Caledonia over the weekend.

It is understood one of the personnel was mugged near a hotel in the capital city of Noumea last night. A spokesman for the NZ Defence Force told the Herald the victims - who were part of the crew on the HMNZS Canterbury, in Noumea at the moment - suffered injuries.

Just how serious those injuries were are not yet known.

"Both have received medical treatment and are subject to further medical assessments,'' the spokesman said.

"As a precautionary measure, the Commanding Officer of Canterbury has cancelled hotel leave for all crew members and set a 6pm curfew for the rest of the ship's visit."

The HMNZS Canterbury took part in the Exercise Croix du Sud - a multinational military exercise held every two years in New Caledonia.

It was led by the local Forces Armees between May 14-25.

"The ship is scheduled to leave Noumea on May 29.''