New Zealand New Caledonia : Neighbours Friends Partners

This book — the result of a series of meetings examining the New Caledonia—New Zealand relationship – provides a new look at the relationship between two Pacific Island neighbours. The book offers a variety of perspectives, in both English and French, drawing attention to various facets of the relationship — literary, cultural, religious, economic, security, diplomatic and political — with contributors including scholars from a range of disciplines. New Caledonia and New Zealand have evolved in parallel ways, met similar challenges. Both have had to surmount the tyranny of distance with France and England respectively. Victoria University of Wellington and the University of New Caledonia have played a major role in bringing together these two very close yet very different neighbours, thanks to their joint initiative in organising a bilingual academic seminar on a broad range of topics. We thank them for this successful effort, on which they are to be warmly congratulated. Hon. Michel Legras, Ambassador of France to New Zealand.