Refugee Resettlement

Resettlement involves a voluntary, safe and regulated transfer of people in need of international protection from the country where they are registered (either with UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) or with host government authorities) to another country which has agreed to admit them as refugees.

Resettlement is intended as a long-term solution. It may offer a pathway for refugees to eventually become citizens in their new country, although the process can take several years. Refugees who are resettled are given the right to work and study, access to health care and other social services, and the necessary support to participate in local communities, including language classes.

The following are included in the Immigration New Zealand Refugee Resettlement assessment and decision-making processes:

• Assessment of UNHCR refugee resettlement referral form and associated information
• Refugee Quota Interview, including limited health assessment and biometrics collection (bio-data, fingerprints and photograph)
• Settlement interview
• Post interview assessment, including medical assessments 
• Immigration New Zealand decision (notified by the UNHCR)

The average processing time between resettlement interview and resettlement decision is approximately 6-12 months.

Refugees arrive in New Zealand as part of one of seven planned and scheduled annual Refugee Quota Programme intakes, with each intake comprising approximately 80 refugees.

New Zealand Officials from the Māngere Refugee Resettlement Centre meet all new refugees at the airport, guide them through the necessary airport processes, and then transport them to the Māngere Refugee Resettlement Centre.  Refugees spent up to five weeks at Centre preparing for their new life in New Zealand.

Before leaving Māngere, families are provided with either a public or private tenancy, which is arranged approximately a month prior to their departure. This is done through the same processes that others in the community would follow. Families are not resettled until suitable homes have been secured. 

To date, 240 former refuges have resettled in Horowhenua, with an additional 80 expected to be welcomed during 2025-2026.

Horowhenua is currently receiving refugees from Colombia and Venezuela, both Spanish-speaking countries in South America.  While this may change in the future, it is wonderful to see the Colombian and Venezuelan former refugees building new lives in Horowhenua.  They are forming their own Latin American community while also becoming an integral part of the broader Horowhenua community.

Refugees arrive in Palmerston North, where they are met by Red Cross officials who then transport them to Levin and their new home. Upon arrival, they are welcomed by members of the Horowhenua Former Refugee Support Committee, and our iwi partner, Muaūpoko Tribal Authority, conducts a house blessing.

There are several ways you can make refugees feel welcome, including:

• Greet them: If you see them around town, say “hola” (which is hello in Spanish) or simply offer a smile—small gestures can make a big difference.
• Introduce Yourself: If they move into your neighbourhood or next door, introduce yourself. Consider inviting them over for a cup of tea or their first Kiwi BBQ!
• Donate Goods: Refugees often need essential items to help start their new lives. You can make donations through Red Cross Levin.
• Volunteer: Red Cross Levin is always looking for dedicated volunteers to help refugees navigate their new lives in Horowhenua. You could assist by helping them navigate the supermarket, driving them to appointments, setting up their new home, or simply being a friendly and welcoming presence.  To find out more about becoming a volunteer visit redcross.org.nz

The Horowhenua Former Refugee Support Committee brings together a number of support service providers who are able to enhance the resettlement journey of former refugees and support their active engagement and participation through a mana enhancing, community based approach.

The objectives of the Horowhenua Former Refugee Support Committee are to:

• Ensure former refugee communities feel welcome and gain a sense of belonging
• Ensure efficient and coordinated resettlement processes
• Ensure former refugees have the right avenue to be actively involved in decisions that impact their lives
• Foster community integration and cultural exchange
• Enhance communication and information sharing among committee members
• Problem solve challenges and barriers faced by former refugees
• Ensure the former refugee community has equitable access to support services and resources and to ensure protection of their rights
• Ensure that former refugee issues and concerns are heard at a regional and national level

The membership of the Horowhenua Former Refugee Support Committee is made up of:

• New Zealand Red Cross: Pathways to Resettlement; Pathways to Employment
• Health New Zealand–Te Whatu Ora: Quota Refugee Resettlement Health Service
• Ministry of Education
• Local School Representatives
• Iwi Representatives: Muaūpoko Tribal Authority
• Horowhenua District Council
• English Language Partners
• Ministry of Social Development
• New Zealand Police
• ChangeMakers Resettlement Forum
• Others as required
• The Horowhenua Former Refugee Support Committee meets bi-monthly.