The high commissioner is generally referred to locally in the media as "Haussaire".

Its competences since the Nouméa agreement of 1998 and the organic law on New Caledonia of 1999 have been reduced.

The part of the organic law which regulates the position of High Commissioner is Title VI.

It is responsible for the organization of services falling within the regal powers of the State: in particular security and justice.

The High Commissioner has been known by other titles since New Caledonia was taken over by France in 1853, first by the title of Commander from 1853 to 1860, then by Governor from 1860 to 1981 (who also bore the title of Commissioner General of the French Republic in the Pacific Ocean from 28 February 1901 and High Commissioner of France for the New Hebrides Archipelago from 11 January 1907, these two positions being held by the Governor until 1981.