Kanak Community in Aotearoa New Zealand Shares Struggles Amid New Caledonia Unrest

Kanak individuals in Aotearoa New Zealand are mourning the tragic loss of relatives and friends amid violent clashes and civil unrest in New Caledonia, a situation sparked by electoral reforms perceived to undermine Indigenous representation. During a gathering at the Māngere East Community Centre, members of the Kanak community, who have been in Aotearoa since the riots commenced, expressed their grief and the pain of being far from their homeland. The meeting, coinciding with the King’s birthday, aimed to show solidarity with the Kanak independence movement, drawing parallels with the struggles in Aotearoa and Palestine.
Speakers, including young Kanaks and activists like Bianca Ranson, discussed the impacts of settler colonialism, decolonization efforts, and the right to self-determination. Ranson highlighted the shared challenges faced by Indigenous peoples, including environmental destruction and exploitation of resources, particularly nickel mining in Kanaky. The issue of militarization in the Pacific was also addressed, with concerns raised about the presence of French armed forces and the broader implications of nuclear tests conducted in the region.
The gathering underscored the importance of unity and support among Indigenous communities facing similar challenges. Attendees called for the humanization of their resistance and the recognition of their ongoing struggles against colonial oppression. The event concluded with expressions of hope for an independent Kanaky and a collective commitment to continue the fight for freedom and self-determination.