New Zealand Red Cross Refugee Services welcomes record-breaking intake of quota refugees
On Friday 22 February, the first group of quota refugees for 2013 left Mangere and travelled to their new homes in settlement areas around New Zealand.
Staff member and volunteer welcome new familes at Wellington AirportWith 160 people, this was a record-breaking intake, and the next two intakes in March and May are expected to have similar numbers of people. The group also marked the first official intake of New Zealand Red Cross’ Refugee Services programme.
The higher numbers have challenged New Zealand Red Cross Refugee Services local staff, but so far the new families are settling in well.“This past intake was New Zealand Red Cross’ first intake of quota refugees, and it was a much higher number than the Refugee Services programme had worked with in a very long time,” says New Zealand Red Cross Chief Executive John Ware.
“In fact, it was the largest group New Zealand has seen in recent times.”
But, he says, staff and volunteers have been up to the task and have supported the families well.
“The new arrivals are settling in with the support of our staff and amazing volunteers, and I’m confident we will be able to meet the ongoing challenges that will continue with the next two large intakes.”
One of the primary challenges faced by the organisation is a shortfall in volunteer support workers, with staff in most settlement areas focusing on recruitment.
“Our volunteer support workers provide vital practical support during the resettlement process, and we’ll continue working to ensure that each individual or family who comes through the programme has a dedicated team of volunteers.
“Each person we support brings something unique to New Zealand, and we will do all we can to help them contribute to their new home.”
If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a volunteer support worker, please email [email protected]