New Zealanders trapped amid rioting in New Caledonia have been told to get ready to leave on a New Zealand Defence Force aircraft.
The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) have told Newshub no aircraft has left for New Caledonia.
A C-130 Hercules is the aircraft preparing to take off from Whenuapai, but it does not have clearance, according to a spokesperson from Foreign Minister Winston Peters' office.
An NZDF Poseidon aircraft was shown on Flight Radar heading for Noumea, but the Minister’s office told Newshub this was a surveillance flight.
Mike Lightfoot, who's with 51 other New Zealanders at Hotel Chateau Royal, told Newshub he's been told a flight is on its way, and that those most in need should get ready to leave.
"We are excited that something is happening." However, Lightfoot says the situation has become increasingly frustrating and questions why the NZDF hasn't been able to get into the country and do evacuations sooner.
“We have Magenta Airport which is 15 minutes from the city. The French military have been landing at this airport daily.”
“French police have told me the road from Majenta to Noumea is clear. So I’m asking why is the French government not letting New Zealand in? Why are they not allowing us to fly a plane up here? What is the reasoning?”
Lightfoot told Newshub people have been told the aircraft does not have clearance to land yet, but preparations are underway.
"They are making contact with those most in need to get them out first."
