Prime Minister’s Column-New Zealand’s responsibility as good global ci…

Over the past couple of weeks I’m sure you would have seen the heartbreaking images of thousands upon thousands of Syrians being forced out of their homes by ISIL, and desperately pouring into Europe. As this situation has visibly worsened in recent days, the Government has made the call that there is even more we can do to help.

Which is why last week I announced the Government will welcome 750 Syrian refugees into New Zealand over the next 2 and a half years. This will see us dedicate 150 places for Syrians within the existing 2015/16 annual quota of 750. 

On top of that, we’ll take in a further 100 Syrians over the coming months, and another 500 over the next 2 years That means an additional 600 refugees over and above our existing quota will be welcomed into New Zealand over the next 2½ years. 

The expected cost of this intake is $48.8 million, which is on top of the approximately $58 million we spend resettling quota refugees every year. We will also contribute a further $4.5 million in aid to help cater for refugees in Turkey, 

Lebanon and Jordan. This is on top of the $15.5 million in humanitarian funding for those affected by conflict in Syria and Iraq which New Zealand has committed already. It is important that we’re able to provide the refugees coming to New Zealand with the appropriate level of support to help them settle here. 

That’s why we’ve been careful to seek advice on issues like housing, translation services, health, and education support. We’ll continue to work through this advice to ensure that these important services and infrastructure are in place. 

What these refugees need most is to feel welcome and safe in communities that are willing to help them settle into and start their new life here. New Zealand already has a strong Syrian community, particularly in Wellington, and we will of course be asking the people of New Zealand to help wherever they can.

New Zealanders who want to help, can volunteer with resettlement programmes, donate money, offer jobs or potentially donate goods. Those wishing to do so should contact the Red Cross.

New Zealand is an active global citizen and we do already take in a number of refugees from all around the world, most recently from countries such as Afghanistan, Colombia and Sri Lanka to name a few.

New Zealand has a long history of helping those in great need, and this is another example of that generosity.