New Caledonia's Congress has finally approved staff needed to run the Competition Authority.
Downtown Noumea. Photo: RNZ / Johnny Blades
After years of lobbying and preparations, the independent body, which is tasked with keeping prices in check, was set up earlier this year.
However, disagreements among politicians meant that they failed to agree on the appointment of the experts to run the organisation.
The impasse was noted and criticised as New Caledonia has seen repeated and huge street protests over prices far in excess of what are common in France.
New Caledonian employees rally against tax reform Photo: AFP
But now the Congress overwhelmingly voted to approve five experts for the Authority.
They are being led by Aurelie Zoude-Le Berre, a lawyer with experience in competition authorities in France and currently a French National Assembly official.
The organisation is expected to be operational by February.
