Wednesday, October 18, 1995 WELLINGTON, Oct 19 (Reuter) -- New Zealand Prime Minister Jim Bolger expressed delight on Thursday at the surprise news that France, Britain and the United States planned to join the South Pacific nuclear-free zone. The move, expected to be announced by the three governments by Monday, is an apparent response to the worldwide denunciation over French nuclear testing and an effort to help France rebuild its ties in the South Pacific. "The prime minister is delighted. This is very good news indeed," a spokesman for Bolger told Reuters, adding that it was a complete surprise to Wellington. However, he said New Zealand's more immediate goal remained the cessation of French nuclear testing in the South Pacific. "But this is very encouraging news as far as the long-term goals of New Zealand are concerned," the spokesman said. France ended a 1992 moratorium on testing last month with a blast at Mururoa. It staged a second explosion on October 2 at the Fangataufa atoll and plans up to six more by May next year before ending testing forever. French President Jacques Chirac says they are vital to check the safety and efficiency of France's arsenal. Bolger's spokesman said the other major milestone yet to be signed was the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty which is due to be signed by major nuclear powers next year after France completes its current nuclear test programme. A U.S. official speaking on condition of anonymity said on Wednesday France, Britain and the United States planned to sign three protocols to the 1985 South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone (SPNFZ) treaty, also known as the Treaty of Rarotonga, which commits them not to station nuclear weapons in the region and not use or threaten to use nuclear explosive devices. Paris is also expected to close its South Pacific test facilities once it completes it current round of blasts, diplomats said. Russia and China, the other two acknowledged nuclear powers, are already signatories. The news may also take some of the heat out of next month's British Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Auckland where Britain's failure to condemn France's nuclear-test programme is expected to be high on the agenda. "In terms of New Zealand's host role it is also very encouraging," the spokesman said.