A three-month public consultation has been completed in New Caledonia, canvassing views on the territory's future as another referendum on independence from France looms.
Anse Vata beach in Noumea Photo: RNZ Walter Zweifel
The French-sponsored survey was proposed by the visiting overseas minister Sebastien Lecornu last October and its findings are expected to be presented to New Caledonia's politicians by mid-May.
It tried to garner views on possible independence, on the French identity in the Pacific and on links with France.
The survey also sought opinions on topics raised by the French president Emmanuel Macron before last year's independence referendum.
They were climate and environment challenges, economic development and restribution of wealth as well as the Indo-Pacific axis.
More than 100 meetings were held and more than 100 associations made online submissions.
Findings are to be ready once New Caledonia's leaders head to Paris in late May for talks hosted by the French prime minister.
A third independence referendum is expected to be organised by October 2022 under provisions of 1998's Noumea Accord.
In 2018 and in 2020, a majority voted for the status quo.
French overseas minister Sebastien Lecornu meets Kanak community in New Caledonia Photo: supplied
