Winston Peters says multiple Defence Force flights will collect Kiwis from New Caledonia in the coming days.

The first C-130 Hercules has touched down at Noumea's Magenta Aerodrome, the island's domestic airport.

It will bring about 50 people back to Auckland tonight.

Foreign Minister Winston Peters says French authorities are confident people can now traverse the roads to get to the airport.

"That was the reason for the delay. I mean, the moment we heard about this issue, we started preparing for a circumstance like this - and awaiting developments."

LISTEN ABOVE

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• 'Help is coming': Women, children and elderly to be evacuated first from New Caledonia
• 'Get them home safe': Peters says NZDF Hercules en route to Kiwis in New Caledonia