Max Rai was speaking at the UN decolonisation committee meeting in New York on behalf of the Melanesian Spearhead Group.
Mr Rai told the gathering the authorities in New Caledonia have had difficulties verifying addresses.
The regional body he represented was formed to help the Kanaks become independent and includes New Caledonia's pro-independence FLNKS movement.
The pro-independence side didn't speak at the meeting while New Caledonia's president Philippe Germain said whatever is possible has been done to allow New Caledonians to determine their future.
