Australia and New Zealand are making preparations to repatriate their citizens from New Caledonia. France's High Commission in New Caledonia says it's regained control of the main road leading to Noumea's international airport.

As a security crackdown takes place in New Caledonia, Amnesty International is calling on the French government to respect the human rights of Kanaks. Up to a thousand French security personnel are in New Caledonia as authorities attempt to restore law and order.

New Caledonia's pro-independence Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front party is calling for peace and an end to riots in the territory. At least three have been killed and France has declared a state of emergency that will last 12 days.