Stories by Walter Zweifel
News
New Caledonia votes against independence from France
New Caledonia has voted against independence and to keep its status as a colony of France.
New Caledonia at a crossroads - again
With a referendum on independence due on Sunday expected to confirm the status quo, the French prime minister has told the National Assembly in Paris that he doesn't "trust results proclaimed in…
Support for New Caledonia independence on the wane
As New Caledonia approaches a referendum on independence from France, regional support for it gaining full sovereignty has faded away.
French Polynesia readies for huge Chinese fish farm in Hao
The Chinese company Tahiti Nui Ocean Foods plans to establish the region's biggest fish farm on Hao atoll after getting the go-ahead from the French Polynesian government.
Run-off Tahiti elections clouded by claims of foul play
There are claims of foul play in French Polynesia's territorial election which have prompted calls to cancel last month's first round on one island.
French Polynesia readies for territorial election
Voters in French Polynesia will go to the polls on 22nd April to elect a new 57-member territorial assembly.
Tahiti woman told not to challenge China
A French Polynesian woman has been advised by the French authorities in Tahiti not to challenge Chinese diplomats occupying her mother's property illegally.
China diplomats accused of squatting in Tahiti
China's diplomats in French Polynesia are accused of illegally occupying premises in Tahiti.
Plan for Romanov Empire in Kiribati still alive
A Russian businessman who unsuccessfully tried to revive the Romanov Empire in Kiribati says the project for his 'Alternative Russia' in the Pacific is still alive.
Uncertainty remains over New Caledonia referendum roll
A year out from New Caledonia's independence referendum, it is still unclear who will be allowed to vote.
New Caledonia group draws up independence plan
New Caledonia's pro-independence FLNKS movement has firmed up its draft plan on how an independent New Caledonia should be shaped.
New Caledonia's nickel sector shaken up
Unions in New Caledonia fear that the Vale nickel plant could close within half a year and trigger the biggest wave of job losses the territory has ever seen.
France reconsiders compensation bids by nuclear test veterans
French Polynesia's nuclear test veterans have been given fresh hope that France will at last compensate them for the poor health caused by the weapons tests.
Crucial talks for New Caledonia's future
A three-day meeting on New Caledonia's independence referendum is about to begin in Paris. Walter Zweifel explains the sticking points.