French Polynesia

French Polynesia is an overseas territory of France located in the southeastern Pacific. While France retains responsibility for law and order, defence, security, finance, and most foreign affairs, French Polynesia exercises autonomy in a range of domestic matters.

French Polynesia became a full member of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) in 2016 and actively participates in regional organisations such as the South Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) and the Pacific Community (SPC).

New Zealand and French Polynesia share strong cultural and people-to-people ties. Māori are believed to have voyaged from Raiatea Island in French Polynesia to New Zealand centuries ago. The close linguistic relationship between French Polynesian languages and Te Reo Māori reflects this deep ancestral connection.

Our bilateral relationship is guided by the Joint Cooperation Plan(external link) [PDF, 1.9 MB], signed in 2018, which outlines shared priorities and areas for collaboration.

Development cooperation and sustainability

While New Zealand does not provide official development assistance to French Polynesia due to its high-income status, we continue to play a constructive role as a Pacific neighbour.

Our Consulate-General, based in Noumea and accredited to all French Pacific Territories, supports development-focused initiatives in French Polynesia. New Zealand also has an Honorary Consul based in Papeete, French Polynesia. 

French Polynesian scholars are eligible for the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship Programme which offers undergraduate and postgraduate tertiary scholarships, thematic short-term training, and vocational/professional short-term training. More information, including availability and application processes, are available here(external link).

Funding of small-scale community projects is available through the New Zealand Consulate Fund.
New Zealand also works closely with France and Australia through the FRANZ Arrangement, a trilateral partnership that supports maritime surveillance and coordinates emergency and disaster response efforts across the Pacific

Trade and investment

French Polynesia is New Zealand’s third-highest value Pacific market for goods exports. New Zealand is the territory’s second-largest supplier of food products and ranks fifth overall in goods supply. Key exports from New Zealand to French Polynesia include meat, dairy, and petroleum products.

Tourism also plays an important role in the relationship, with New Zealand being French Polynesia’s third-largest source of international visitors.

For the latest data on New Zealand’s trade with French Polynesia, visit the New Zealand Trade Dashboard(external link).

Embassies

• New Zealand is represented in French Polynesia by our Consulate-General in Noumea, New Caledonia
• New Zealand has an Honorary Consulate in Papeete