French Polynesia whacks France's New Caledonia approach

New Caledonian President Louis Mapou is among the representatives of the 18 PIF members meeting in Nuku'alofa, holding a bilateral with New Zealand's Winston Peters on Monday.

The Foreign Minister was pleased to meet President Louis Mapou of New Caledonia this afternoon.— Winston Peters (@NewZealandMFA) During their hour-long meeting, the Minister & the President discussed:-the long-standing, valuable relationship enjoyed by close neighbours New Zealand & New Caledonia; -the… pic.twitter.com/MZXZJiwQ0EAugust 26, 2024

Unrest in the Melanesian nation over voting reforms imposed by France led to several deaths, and huge destruction in the capital Noumea.

The political situation remains unresolved, with Pacific leaders hoping to land on a common position from talks in Tonga.

Moetai Brotherson, President of French Polynesia - which like New Caledonia is a French territory - said he was deeply concerned for the country's future.

"They're our brothers ... and we have a large community of Polynesians in New Caledonia who are quite worried about the future of this country," he said.

The crisis stems from a 2021 independence referendum, conducted by Paris despite a boycott from many indigenous Kanaks as the poll was being held during a customary grievance period following COVID-19.

Mr Brotherson said he attempted to sound the alarm with the French government.

"We've been warning them for three years now that what had just happened would happen, and they just wouldn't listen," he said.

France quelled rioting by bringing in hundreds of police, but its diplomatic effort - led by Pacific Ambassador Veronique Roger-Lacan - has repulsed many in the Pacific.

She has insisted "New Caledonia is France", repudiating the desires to self-determination from Kanaks.

"France has always had problems with decolonisation and the road to self-determination," Mr Brotherson said.

"They definitely have to change the way they read the situation. They have to change the way they consider territories in the Pacific.

"They have to trust the voices of the Pacific about those issues more than their own diplomacy."

The situation has ramifications for Australia.

While Pacific nations are firming in their support for independence, Australia is walking a difficult path between support towards traditional partner France, and its Pacific neighbours.

Leaders don traditional Tongan attire at the Pacific Islands Forum summit. (Ben McKay/AAP PHOTOS)

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will walk into this diplomatic challenge when he arrives in Tonga on Tuesday evening.

Regional diplomatic efforts so far have been hamstrung.

A delegation of PIF leaders was bound for Noumea last week on a fact-finding mission only to be called off at the last minute.

Mr Brotherson said he supported that PIF delegation to help resolve the impasse and he was eager to help himself.

"If needed, my services are on the table," he said.

"France has a responsibility towards (New Caledonia), they are French citizens, and they are having quite a difficult time."

Diplomatic engagement with France has been somewhat stalled by deadlocked parliamentary elections last month.

Mr Brotherson said he hoped whoever took office, they would breathe new life into negotiations.

Mr Peters - who has previously offered criticism of France's handling of its overseas territory by suggesting the 2021 vote didn't follow the spirit of the Noumea Accord - again stepped into the fray on Monday.

At a press conference, he said Ms Roger-Lacan should "get in contact with her boss", French President Emmannuel Macron after she suggested PIF countries were not united on the issue.