Refugees to join community
Invercargill was chosen as a new refugee settlement location following a government assessment earlier this month.
The decision was made by the New Zealand Refugee Resettlement Strategy group, made up of officials from the health, education, social development ministries and the offices for ethnic communities and internal affairs.
Invercargill’s MP Sarah Dowie said there was sometimes confusion between refugees and migrants. She said: ‘‘The area has been chosen as a resettlement city for refugees because of our consistently low unemployment and a standard of living which is second to none.’’
‘‘As a region we need to welcome these people with open minds, and see the value they will bring to our city. There is a clear distinction, which is misunderstood by some, between refugees and migrants. However, both will add to our cultural diversity and help grow the economy.’’
Steve Grieves, manager of Speights Ale House pub in the city has set up a Refugee Support Southland page on Facebook to encourage like-minded people in the city to help refugees when they eventually arrive. Around 100 people have signed up.
Grieves said: ‘‘It has got quite a bit of traction. It’s for people who want to invite newcomers round for dinner or offer spare household and personal items.
‘‘Many of the new arrivals will not speak English and will have been displaced by war, yet they will have real skills in an area where businesses struggle to get staff.’’
Grieves added that Southland had welcomed refugees from Cambodia in the past and could extend the same welcome to newcomers.
As a region we need to welcome these people with open minds, and see the value they will bring to our city. Sarah Dowie MP.