New Caledonia in the spotlight

Last month, riots broke out in Noumea, the capital of New Caledonia - a small island grouping in the Pacific Ocean. These riots were in response to a French law that would give more people the right to vote on any future independence referendums on the territory.

How does New Caledonia fit into France, why is it geopolitically important, and who are the interesting actors that are said to be involved in supporting the rioters amidst their quest for independence?