Burned-out cars in New Caledonia left behind in the ongoing civil unrest. Photo: Twitter / @ncla1ere
Burned-out cars in New Caledonia left behind in the ongoing civil unrest. Photo: Twitter / @ncla1ere
The Government has completed preparations for New Zealand Defence Force rescue flights for Kiwis stranded in New Caledonia following riots and chaos in the archipelago.
Te Atatū resident Natalie Jones is on holiday with three friends in New Caledonia for a 50th birthday celebration and has been caught up in the chaos.
They are currently staying in Lemon Bay, a popular tourist area.
“We feel like we’re in paradise when we’re walking to the beach, but last night I was listening to the ‘booms’ and what else was happening in Magenta Bay ... where the airfield is - we can hear over the hills, it’s kind of like a warzone,” Jones said.
She said in Lemon Bay, a military presence was also seen as they had a fuelling station there.
“We see their presence and we can also see the different planes coming in and out, so you know it’s happening over there, but [we’ve not been] directly affected, apart from when the food all went off the shelves at the supermarket.
“A lot of military [personnel] here are in plain clothes, so there are more of them around than you realise.”
They were told that they would not be able to leave New Caledonia until at least Saturday.
The hotel where she’s staying, Casa de Sole, has been boarded up and security guards are present.
She said what was frustrating and annoying was that there had been no safety or travel warnings about holidaying in New Caledonia made by NZ authorities.
“Ever since the security situation in New Caledonia deteriorated earlier this week, the safety of New Zealanders there has been an urgent priority for us,” Peters wrote on social media platform X.
“We continue to work closely with New Zealanders in New Caledonia to support them.”
They were sparked by anger at a proposed new law that would allow French residents who have lived there for more than 10 years to vote - which some say will weaken the Kanak vote.
New Caledonia.
Since then, five people have died and hundreds have been injured in the French territory.
Air New Zealand on Friday confirmed it was forced to cancel its upcoming flights between Noumea and Auckland on Saturday and Monday, with the airport in Noumea closed until at least Tuesday.
“Even when the airport does reopen, Air New Zealand will only operate into Noumea when we can be assured that the airport is safe and secure, and that there is a safe route for our ground staff and customers to reach the airport,” a spokesperson said.
New Zealanders in New Caledonia not already registered on Safe Travel should do so, Peters said, and those already registered should update their details if their circumstances change.
New Zealanders in need of immediate consular assistance should contact the Consular Emergency line available round-the-clock on +64 99 20 20 20.
Ever since the security situation in New Caledonia deteriorated earlier this week, the safety of New Zealanders there has been an urgent priority for us.
NZ authorities have now completed preparations for flights using NZDF aircraft to bring home New Zealanders in New Caledonia…
Earlier, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it had activated its emergency crisis system and consular officials in Noumea were in regular contact with impacted New Zealanders, New Caledonia authorities and “international partners”.
