Nestled in Polynesia and numbering over 170 islands, many uninhabited, the Kingdom of Tonga has a long history with Australia. With a population of around 107,000 people, Tonga’s unique constitutional monarchy is over 1000 years old. 

New Caledonia held its third referendum on self-determination on Sunday 12 December 2021, with the ‘Non’ vote recording 96.49% and the ‘Oui’ vote 3.51%, with a voter turnout of only 43.9% and 2.99% invalid votes.

The French Pacific Territories of New Caledonia and French Polynesia have both faced different but similar challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic. Businesses have had to respond to lockdowns, restrictions and changing market conditions to continue to remain viable, whilst diversifying their product offering.

The city of Mackay, located on the east coast of Australia, is situated 930km north of Brisbane and marks the beginning of North Queensland. Known as the sugar capital of Australia, the area has a population of 125,000, with the cane industry being an important part of the local economy.

Within Melanesia lies the Loyalty Islands of New Caledonia, situated around 190km east of Grande Terre. The trio of islands are known as Lifou, Maré and Ouvéa, or by their Indigenous names of Drehu, Nengone, Iaaï.

The idyllic islands of French Polynesia, located over 7800km from Australia and comprising of over 100 islands, are some of the most picturesque tourist locations in the Pacific. With turquoise lagoons, rugged mountains and beautiful Tahitian culture, there is plenty to discover.

They are the tiny volcanic islands located over 16,000 kilometres from France offering natural beauty combined with rich culture, all undiscovered by tourists.

New Caledonia held its second referendum on independence on Sunday 4 October 2020. The result delivered a majority “Non” vote, with 53.26% of voters wanting to stay part of France and 46.74% voting in favour of independence.

Today, it is one of the richest areas in the Pacific region, but what is the history behind New Caledonia?

New Caledonia has managed to keep their COVID19 cases to just 26, with all cases detected in quarantine and no community transmission recorded. With restrictions lifted and the country open, with the exemption of international tourism, the economy is looking to bounce back.

The Pacific Islands have demonstrated strong leadership and initiated effective protection measures to help curb the spread of the coronavirus. Their rapid response and swift actions have been praised by several countries, including President Emmanuel Macron.

On 6 August 1940, Australia established its fourth diplomatic posting in the world, now known as the Australian-Consulate General in Nouméa, New Caledonia.