Subj : Confirmed: Evacuations for Kiwis in New Caledonia to begin today
To   : All
From : News
Date : Tue May 21 2024 12:14 pm

Help is on the way this afternoon for Kiwis trapped in New Caledonia amid
intense unrest, the Government has confirmed.

The Pacific territory has been overrun by violence for a over week amid
protests against the French government's electoral reform.

The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) has been awaiting approval from French
authorities before being able to deploy aircraft to begin evacuations - and
now, approval has been secured. The first in "a series" of proposed flights
will leave New Zealand this afternoon.

A plane will depart for New Caledonia shortly after midday to pick up about
50 New Zealanders from the unsettled French territory.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFAT) said around 290 New Zealanders are
there.

"New Zealanders in New Caledonia have faced a challenging few days - and
bringing them home has been an urgent priority for the Government," Foreign
Minister Winston Peters said in a statement.

"We want to acknowledge the support of relevant authorities, both in Paris
and Noum‚a, in facilitating this flight.

"The situation in New Caledonia remains dynamic, and New Zealand officials
are continuing to work with French counterparts and other partners especially
Australia to understand what is needed to ensure the safety of our people
there.

"In cooperation with France and Australia, we are working on subsequent
flights in coming days."

Today's flight will evacuate Kiwis with "the most pressing needs", Peters
added.

"Passengers for subsequent flights will be prioritised by consular staff."

Any New Zealanders in New Caledonia who hadn't already registered with
SafeTravel were urged to do so.

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