New Caledonia

New Caledonia's restricted electoral rolls can no longer be justified and must be opened, says a local member of the French National Assembly, Philippe Dunoyer.

A New Caledonian member of the French National Assembly Philippe Dunoyer says New Caledonia's restricted electoral rolls can no longer be justified and must be opened.

The funeral has been held for Jean Leques the former long-time mayor of Noumea and president of New Caledonia.

A legal challenge aimed to annul the result of last December's referendum on New Caledonia's independence from France has failed.

A New Caledonian anti-independence candidate in next month's election of a new French National Assembly has called for compulsory military service for those failing at school.

Top-level contact is reported to have resumed between the New Caledonian president Louis Mapou and the re-elected French president Emmanuel Macron.

A blockade of two fuel depots in New Caledonia has been lifted after the protestors were assured, they could meet the heads of the fuel companies.

A campaign group says trucks are unable to leave two fuel depots in New Caledonia due to its blockade protesting against the high cost of living.