Aust welcomes New Caledonia's France vote

Foreign Minister Marise Payne has offered her congratulations to New Caledonia in the wake of a vote against independence, vowing to help the islands integrate into the Pacific region.

New Caledonians voted against independence from France in a long-awaited referendum, with Senator Payne acknowledging the efforts made to ensure the vote could occur.

"As New Caledonians enter the next phase of their history, Australia will remain a steadfast friend and partner of both New Caledonia and France," she said in a statement on Monday.