French President Emmanuel Macron's imminent arrival in New Caledonia is being viewed as a show of defiance. 

Six have died in the unrest sparked by government electoral reforms. 

A further 49 New Zealanders have been rescued from Noumea following the initial 50 people evacuated on Tuesday night. 

They arrived in Auckland early this morning aboard a Defence Force plane, having initially being taken to Brisbane. 

Logistical arrangements for subsequent flights are still being worked through by MFAT and the defence force. 

International Relations expert, Geoffrey Miller told Mike Hosking that Macron's also bringing his Defence Minister and two other senior officials. 

He believes it's a sign of defiance from Macron, to show he won't be cowered by the protests. 

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