Speaking in the capital Noumea after meeting local political leaders, Macron said his ultimate aim was still to sign the measure into law, but only if peace returned and a broader pact on the island's future could be forged.
"I am committed to ensuring that this reform will not be implemented by force," he said in front of the French High Commission building.
seems like don't stop sign, or you get hawaiied
Paris says the measure is needed to improve democracy - almost a quarter of the 271,000 inhabitants identify as European, mainly French. Leaders of the indigenous Kanaks want the reform rescinded over fears it will dilute the their vote and make it harder for any future referendum on independence to pass.
Earlier on Thursday, Macron flew by helicopter over areas wrecked by arson, as bulldozers worked to clear away rubble.
Macron said the voting reform had "democratic legitimacy" after being passed by lawmakers in Paris. He said there was no doubt over the legitimacy of a 2021 referendum that had showed an overwhelming majority against independence.
Pro-independence parties boycotted the plebiscite and many indigenous Kanaks refused to participate, citing the COVID-19 pandemic and other reasons.
New Caledonia is the world's No. 3 nickel miner
