French judges order release of New Caledonia independence leader

French investigating magistrates have ordered the release of an independence leader from the overseas territory of New Caledonia detained for a year over deadly riots in 2024, but he will not be freed immediately after prosecutors lodged an...

French politicians in New Caledonia to stir the political melting pot

By Patrick Decloitre, RNZ Pacific correspondent French Pacific desk French national politicians have been in New Caledonia as the territory’s future remains undecided. Leaders from both right-wing Les Républicains (LR) and Rassemblement National...

France to hold new talks on New Caledonia future

French President Emmanuel Macron plans to convene talks in June in a bid to break the deadlock over the future of France’s Pacific territory of New Caledonia, where deadly separatist violence broke out last year, his office has said. The...

Education Ministry receives an increase in budget allocation

“We want to resolve this now, and that is why I am committed to dialogue.” That’s Emmanuel Tjibaou, president of the independence party Union Calédonienne (UC) and one of New Caledonia’s deputies in the French National Assembly. On Wednesday this...

FIFA U17 World Cup: Fiji, New Caledonia and NZ opponents confirmed

Oceania football champions New Zealand have been drawn in Group L of the FIFA Under-17 World Cup, which will be held in Qatar later this year. The Kiwis will face Mali, Austria, and Saudi Arabia. New Zealand, coached by Martin Bullock, earned...

A strategic reset for New Caledonia: France offers quasi-sovereignty, and a looming census may reveal Indigenous majority

After months of violent riots around independence, talks chaired by French Minister for Overseas Territories Manuel Valls have failed to produce agreement about New Caledonia’s future. Correcting its 2024 provocation of imposing change...

Can New Caledonia gain independence from France? | Explained

Burnt out cars are seen on the Plum Pass, an important traffic route through Monte-Dore in France’s Pacific territory of New Caledonia on June 10, 2024. | Photo Credit: AFP The story so far: A high-stakes attempt by French Overseas Minister Manuel...

Australian travel agents return to paradise during Fam trip in New Caledonia

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A year after deadly riots, New Caledonia’s president vows to address push for independence

One year after the deadly riots that ravaged Nouméa and shattered New Caledonia’s economy and social fabric, newly elected president Alcide Ponga faces a series of challenges including deep division over the territory’s political future – and the...

One year on: no agreement for New Caledonia despite serious negotiations

It’s been a year since massive riots shook New Caledonia, but progress towards a long-term agreement on the territory’s status has been slow. Last week, intense closed-door talks failed to reach concensus. The discussions centred on two proposals:...

It is an emerging trend in travel. But what exactly is micro-retirement?

Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our...

France tightens security for riots anniversary after aborted New Caledonia political talks

Fresh, stringent security measures have been imposed in New Caledonia following aborted political talks last week and ahead of the first anniversary of the deadly riots that broke out on 13 May 2024, which resulted in 14 deaths and 2.2 billion...

France fails to broker deal on New Caledonia's future after ...

Talks between pro- and anti-independence groups in New Caledonia – mediated by Overseas Territories Minister Manuel Valls – this week collapsed without an agreement, leaving the French Pacific territory in political limbo one year after its worst...

What’s the ‘micro-retirement’ trend – and where should you go?

Many people see retirement as an opportunity to finally do some travelling for longer than a week or two – but a new trend emerging is proving not everyone wants to wait that long. Coined ‘micro-retirement’, travellers are taking an extended...

New Caledonian Representative Portrays France's Colonial Policy's Aftermath

(MENAFN- Trend News Agency) BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 29. France's colonial policy led to the complete destruction of the cultures and traditions of the peoples subjected to colonial oppression and left deep historical scars that are still felt in...

New Caledonia reopens to tourists amid ongoing political tensions and economic challenges

New Caledonia has officially reopened to tourists after 10 months of political unrest related to electoral reforms. New Caledonia Tourism says that in 2023, it welcomed over 125,000 international tourists and 340,000 cruise ship passengers. This...

Winston Peters warns of foreign interference in New Caledonia, urges peaceful dialogue

Deputy Prime Minister Vaovasamanaia Winston Peters has concluded his second visit to New Caledonia in six months, highlighting concerns over foreign interference and geopolitical tensions in the French Pacific territory. Peters’ visit comes as...

Winston Peters to make trip to New Caledonia

Foreign Minister Winston Peters will travel to New Caledonia this week on his second trip to the territory in less than six months. There has been a change of Government since his last visit. New Caledonia has been a trouble spot in the Pacific...

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...

French Minister Valls Wants All Parties To Own Their Responsibilities Ahead Of Third Trip To New Caledonia

Patrick Decloitre, Correspondent French Pacific Desk French Minister for Overseas Manuel Valls, who is visiting New Caledonia this week for the third time in two months, has once again called all parties to live up to their responsibilities in...