New Caledonia Season - September - October 2026
Every year on 24 September, New Caledonia celebrates its “Journée de la Citoyenneté”, a day dedicated to the diversity of its people, cultures and shared heritage.
To mark the occasion, the Alliance Française network in New Zealand, in partnership with the Government of New Caledonia and New Caledonia Tourism, is celebrating New Caledonia throughout September and October.
Film screenings, food experiences, exhibitions and other cultural events offer plenty of opportunities to get a taste of New Caledonia – without leaving New Zealand.
-----------------
Official launch of the New Caledonia Season in Dunedin Sun, Sep 20 | Tūhura Otago Museum
-----------------
New Caledonia Film Festival
The New Caledonia Film Festival returns to New Zealand with a selection of six short films showcasing the diversity of New Caledonian storytelling and filmmaking. Screened in their original French or Kanak languages with English subtitles, the films span comedy, drama, history and contemporary stories. Each screening also features exclusive video interviews with the directors, offering a closer look at their work and creative vision. All films are reviewed by the appropriate New Zealand film and video labelling body prior to screening.
Screenings:
Sun, Sep 20 at Tūhura Otago Museum
Sun, Sep 27 at Tūhura Otago Museum
Oceans of Flavour – One Ocean, Many Flavours
Experience the flavours of the Pacific through a unique culinary collaboration at the AUT School of Hospitality and Tourism. On 22 September, chefs from across the Pacific will join New Zealand chef Peter Gordon to create a special dinner showcasing Pacific ingredients and flavours. New Caledonia will be represented by chef Alphonse Kocé and Lynda Song, with the event also broadcast on Pasifika TV.
Arts, creativity and New Caledonian culture
Beyond film and food, New Caledonia Season brings more of the destination’s creative scene to New Zealand. The 2026 programme includes New Caledonian photography and artefact exhibitions, a new New Caledonia Corner in Nelson, events exploring literature, culture and environmental issues, and an interactive experience around the award-winning video game Tchia.
