France–New Zealand relations

Relations between France and New Zealand were strained for two short periods in the 1980s and 1990s over the French nuclear tests at Moruroa and the bombing of the Rainbow Warrior in Auckland harbour. The latter was widely regarded as an act of state terrorism against New Zealand's sovereignty and was ordered by then French President François Mitterrand, although he denied any involvement at the time.[2] These events worked to strengthen New Zealand's resolve to retain its anti-nuclear policy.

But relations had been cordial in the decades prior to the Rainbow Warrior incident, epitomised by New Zealand's swift reaction in both World Wars, siding both times with allied forces.

World War I

New Zealand infantry in the Battle of the Somme

Further information: Military history of New Zealand in World War I

The New Zealand government entered into the war without hesitation, despite its geographic isolation and small population. In France, the New Zealand Division participated in the Battle of the Somme, where they advanced three kilometres and captured eight kilometres of enemy front line. 7,048 had become casualties, of whom 1,560 were killed. In June 1917, the New Zealand Division further distinguished itself in the storming of Messines ridge and the capture of the village of Messines. During the fighting at Passchendaele in the following October, however, it was bloodily repulsed in its second attack, with 850 dead in exchange for no more than 500 yards of ground gained. This was the first time the division had failed in a major operation and remains the worst disaster in New Zealand's history in terms of lives lost in a single day.

Codenamed Operation Satanic,[7] the Sinking of the Rainbow Warrior took place in New Zealand's Auckland Harbour on 10 July 1985. It was an attack carried out by French DGSE agents aimed at sinking the flagship craft of the Greenpeace Organization to stop her from interfering in a nuclear test by the French Government at Mururoa Atoll in the South Pacific. Greenpeace was opposed to testing and had planned to lead a flotilla of yachts to the atoll to protest against the test, including an incursion into French military zones. The incident occurred late at night when two agents Captain Dominique Prieur and Commander Alain Mafart attached two Limpet mines to the hull of the ship and detonated them 10 minutes apart. The attack resulted in the death of Greenpeace photographer Fernando Pereira and lead to a huge uproar over the first ever attack on New Zealand Sovereignty. The act sparked one of the most intense police investigations in New Zealand history and eventually led to the capture of both Mafart and Prieur passing themselves off as "Sophie and Alain Turenge." Both pleaded guilty to manslaughter and were sentenced to 10 years imprisonment on 22 November 1985.

France threatened an economic embargo of New Zealand's exports to the European Economic Community if the pair were not immediately released. Such an action would have been crippling to the New Zealand economy which at that time was heavily dependent on agricultural exports to Britain. Operation Satanic was a public relations disaster. New Zealand was an ally of France. France initially denied any involvement, and even joined in condemnation of it as a terrorist act.

This act of state-sponsored terrorism badly strained bilateral relations and in July 1986, a United Nations-sponsored mediation between New Zealand and France resulted in the transfer of the two prisoners to the French Polynesian island of Hao, to serve three years instead, as well as an apology and a NZD 13 million payment from France to New Zealand.

The All Blacks performing a haka prior to a Test match against France in 2006.

The French and New Zealand national rugby union have been playing each other for over a century. Since their first match, in January 1906 in Paris, and January 2008, they have played 46 Test matches. The historic 1906 match, which France lost 38–8, was the first ever French Test but it was not until 1954 (when they won 3–0) that they were able to secure their first win over the New Zealanders.

Then the Second World War intervened, suspending competition. In 1946, France played two matches against the New Zealand Expeditionary Force's Kiwis, losing both matches.

France first toured New Zealand in 1961 – before any of the home nations.[8] – and the All Blacks won all three Tests. Overall the All Blacks have won 34 Tests, France 11, with one drawn.

France and the All Blacks met in the final of the inaugural Rugby World Cup. The tournament was co-hosted by New Zealand and Australia and the final was held at Eden Park. The All Blacks were captained by David Kirk and went on to win their first World Cup 29–9.[9] According to the All Blacks' coach at the time, Brian Lochore, the previous year's loss in Nantes was the catalyst for their World Cup victory.[10] Shelford said of the match "We wanted to play them in the final because we wanted revenge".[11] The match also helped improve the diplomatic and political rift between France and New Zealand caused by the 1985 bombing of the Rainbow Warrior by French Secret Service agents.[12]

The Dave Gallaher Trophy was introduced in 2000 to be contested between the two teams. It was named in memory of All Blacks captain Dave Gallaher who captained the All Blacks against France in 1906 and who died at the Battle of Passchendaele during World War I.[13] The Cup was first contested on Armistice Day (11 November) 2000. The All Blacks won 39–26 and scored two tries while Andrew Mehrtens scored nine penalties.[14]

France hosted the 2007 World Cup, and the two teams met in the tournament quarter-finals. Despite France hosting the tournament the match was held at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, Wales. The match was won by France 20–18, and involved several controversial decisions by referee Wayne Barnes,[15] who subsequently received death threats from some New Zealand fans.[16] France scored one try after the sin binning of All Blacks second five-eighth Luke McAlister,[17] and another from a forward pass unseen by the referee.[18] The All Blacks were strongly criticised for not attempted a drop goal in the game's final minutes.[19][20] Their performance was analysed by Palmerston North based company Verusco who had analysed 1,500 games since 2000. They discovered that the All Blacks made 57 tackles to Frances' 269, and they had 66 percent possession and 60 percent territory. The playing time, that is time the ball is in play, was the longest of any game Verusco had ever recorded.[21]

France and New Zealand met in the final of the 2011 World Cup, held in New Zealand. New Zealand won their second World Title 8–7 in a tightly fought battle.

New Zealand and France have been very large trading partners in recent years, with France being New Zealand 15th Largest Trading Partner for 2007 with exports totalling NZD$401.3 million (mainly: Sheepmeat, fish fillets, venison and medicaments) and imports totalling NZD$679.6 million (mainly:Motor vehicles, wine and machinery equipment).

France has numerous and some large, investments in the New Zealand economy, particularly in New Zealands wine industry which include Veuve Clicquot, Deutz which is very similar to the wine industry in France. Yoplait is a major company in New Zealand having one of the most well-known yoghurt brands in the New Zealand agri-food sector. Other major French investments have been made in New Zealand's transport and communications sector (Alstom, Alcatel) and waste management (ONYX)[22]

There have been various campaigns where New Zealand and France have fought alongside one another, more prominently World War I and World War II.

New Zealand and France also participate regularly in war games, mainly in the Pacific Ocean, off the New Zealand coast. These games also include in Australia. This increase in military cooperation has warmed relations in both nations, with Jeanne d'Arc's, Captain Phillippe Combes saying of the March 2001 exercise: "During the period of the French nuclear tests we were embarrassed to come into this region, but since they have halted we are seen with a more benevolent eye and are welcomed everywhere we go." These games included both RNZN warships and RNZAF warplanes and, in accordance with New Zealand Nuclear Free Zone, Disarmament, and Arms Control Act, French nuclear submarine FNS Perle, highlighting increased military co-operation in the Pacific between the three countries.

Craft involved in the 2001 wargame:

• HMNZS Te Kaha
• HMA Ships Brisbane, Melbourne, Anzac, Arunta, Huon, Norman, and Success
• FN Ships Vendemiaire, Jeanne d'Arc, and Georges Leygues

Simulated attacks on the ships were also carried out, in order to test anti-aircraft defence systems, by RNZAF Skyhawks and RAAF Hornets.

Commanding officer of the Vendémiaire Olivier Beauchêne stated: "This is the first time the French Navy takes part in this kind of exercise, and at this level, with Australian and New Zealand armies. This is evidence of the good quality of relations between the three countries." Since the mid-'90s, the armed forces of France, Australia and New Zealand have been co-operating on maritime surveillance of the small island states of the region.[23]

There are many official contacts between New Zealand and the French Republic, which provide the opportunity for high-level discussions and the continued development of bilateral relations. Many ministers meet with their French counterparts at international meetings and events.

• France has an embassy in Wellington.[24]
• New Zealand has an embassy in Paris and a consulate-general in Nouméa.[25]

• 
  Embassy of France in Wellington
• 
  Embassy of New Zealand in Paris

• New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Official Website
• New Zealand / France Relations on MFAT.gov.nz
• French Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Official Website
• New Zealand / France Relations diplomatie.gouv.fr (English) Archived 10 January 2008 at the Wayback Machine
• http://english.francenz.com