New Caledonia unrest: NZDF set to bring home stranded Kiwis - Peters

New Zealand authorities have confirmed a Defence Force Hercules will be sent to rescue Kiwis stranded in New Caledonia.

In a statement on X, Foreign Minister Winston Peters said authorities are now just waiting on approval from the French authorities to take flight.

"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.

"New Zealand authorities have now completed preparations for flights using NZDF aircraft to bring home New Zealanders in New Caledonia while commercial services are not operating.

"We are ready to fly, and await approval from French authorities as to when our flights are safe to proceed."

Peters added: "We continue to work closely with New Zealanders in New Caledonia to support them. Those New Zealanders in New Caledonia not already registered on Safe Travel should do so, and those already registered should update their details if their circumstances change."

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says around 250 New Zealanders are on the island territory. It's urging those who haven't done so already to register on SafeTravel and make sure their departure date has been updated.

The airport located in the territory's capital Noumea has been closed for days and international flights are grounded after massive riots and armed clashes erupted between indigenous Kanak pro-independence protesters and armed forces in the city.

French President Emmanuel Macron has sent hundreds of troops to the island, from mainland France, in an effort to quell the violence.

Six people, including two police officers, have been killed since tensions escalated earlier this week and at least 60 members of the security forces were injured.

Access to the airport has been closed after it was compromised by the riots. However in a statement on X the French minister responsible for the Overseas Territory has said 600 gendarmes — French police — are on their way to try and secure the road between the city and its airport located some 60km away.

"A big operation of more than 600 gendarmes, including around a hundred from the GIGN (special forces) is being launched at this very moment in New Caledonia, aimed at fully regaining control of the 60 kilometres of main road between Noumea and the airport. Courage and strength to the gendarmes in restoring order."

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