French Polynesia is sending 2,000 crushed vehicles for recycling in New Zealand as part of a nine-month programme costing US$250,000.
RFO television reports the first batch of about 40 vehicles from Tahiti are about to be shipped to New Zealand.
Officials say plastic fittings can be recycled and the metal carcasses melted down to make new cars.
Next year used vehicles will be sent from other parts of the Society Islands.
