Kiwi in New Caledonia: 'We've been asked not to go outside'

A New Zealander stuck in New Caledonia says he feels safe at his hotel but has been urged not to leave the property amid rioting.

The violence began earlier this week over voting reforms introduced by the French government.

The move heightened tensions between pro-independence and pro-France groups, with five people dead so far.

Hundreds have been arrested and dozens have been injured.

Kiwi Mike Lightfoot arrived in New Caledonia shortly before the violence broke out.

The international airport has closed but Lightfoot said he feels safe at the hotel he is staying at.

"[But] we have been asked not to go outside the complex because of the rioting," he added.

"Basically, if you do so at your own risk — well, to be honest, we don't want to be that couple.

"We're quite happy to stay safe until we're able to leave."

Lightfoot said the New Zealand consulate had met with Kiwis in the territory yesterday to keep them informed.

"All we're looking forward to doing is getting home, to be honest.

"We experienced something pretty scary at the start of the rioting.

"New Caledonia's a magnificent country, it's a beautiful spot here and we will be back — it's just unfortunate the tension that's happened over this vote," he said.

"As soon as they can get the airport open and the roads safe to travel on to the airport, we will leave."

Wellington PhD candidate Barbara Graham told 1News she has had to cut her research short because of the violence.

However, she said she feels "pretty safe" where she is in Noumea due to residents creating roadblocks, although access to food is difficult.

"There have been a lot of shops that have been looted or burnt out and the ones that are open are seriously depleted in terms of food supply."

Graham said it is hard waiting and not quite knowing what is going on.

"I feel like there's not a whole heap of information coming through to us, but I am aware that is just the nature of it."

She is booked on a flight home tomorrow morning but said that is "very much in limbo" due to the current closure of the airport.

"The road is one of the biggest issues — the road to the airport is about 40 minutes from Noumea and it's currently closed and dangerous to travel on, so there is no way I would attempt it on my own."

Graham added there was a big group of Kiwis at a nearby hotel she would travel with but that it needed to be safe to do so.

"I think we're all hoping there is some contingency plans to get us to the airport because I know those flights can happen, but we need to be able to get to them.

"I have a son at home who is six and I'm very keen to get home to him as soon as possible. I haven't told him anything about what is happening obviously, because there is no point in worrying him. I'd really like to get home to him, it's worrying for me."

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade yesterday said there were 170 Kiwis registered on SafeTravel as being in New Caledonia.

"New Zealanders in New Caledonia are advised to avoid all protests and demonstrations," a spokesperson said.

"New Zealanders are also advised to monitor local media for developments and comply with any instructions and restrictions issued by the local authorities.

"Local authorities have recommended that individuals stay in place and limit their movements wherever possible."

Foreign Minister Winston Peters yesterday expressed "grave" concern.

"The immediate priority must be for all sides to take steps to de-escalate the situation, so that there can be dialogue and calm," he said.

"No matter your views on the political arrangements in New Caledonia, everyone should agree that violence is harmful to every community there.

"The safety of New Zealanders in New Caledonia is of utmost concern to us."

New Zealanders in the territory were urged to register on SafeTravel and to contact the consulate on +64 99 20 20 20, the 24-hour Consular Emergency line, if they needed immediate assistance.