Refugees’ support in place

The community is already showing support for the up to five refugee families expected to arrive in Timaru every eight weeks, from April, as part of a new settlement programme by the Government.

Presbyterian Support South Canterbury (PSSC) was yesterday named as the point of contact for refugees resettling in Timaru.

Immigration New Zealand’s national manager refugee and migrant support Andrew Lockhart said nationalities of the new arrivals were not yet confirmed.

Behind the scenes, Aoraki Migrant Centre support manager Katy Houston said support for the refugees was already evident in the number of people she had been contacted by offering to help.

She said a community forum will be held in Timaru once it was announced where the refugees will be moving from, offering advice to people wanting to know what to do to help them settle here.

‘‘Everyone has been very supportive – it’s been overwhelming.’’

Much work was being done to ensure the refugees were well supported, Houston said.

Part of that work has also been undertaken by Aoraki Development operations manager Di Hay.

She said it would work closely with the Timaru District Council and the Aoraki Migrant Centre to help make things easier for the new families.

‘‘Because it’s a relatively new experience for the community, there will be a lot of working alongside organisations to make sure their needs are met.

‘‘We’re looking forward to the arrival of families and helping facilitate,’’ Hay said.

PSSC Family Works manager Liz Nolan said the organisation was delighted to win the contract.

She said the organisation’s focus would be supporting refugees to be linked with and providing access to the individual support services they need within their new community.

‘‘That will vary for each individual and family. Helping people to settle into their new homes and orientate to the community e.g. supermarket shopping, buses, library, children into their schools, early childhood centres, linking to health professional, employment opportunities, accessing our wonderful community services and resources, our beautiful parks and other recreational areas,’’ Nolan said.

Lockhart said PSSC had ‘‘the capability, experience and infrastructure to deliver refugee settlement support services in the new locations’’.

‘‘Immigration New Zealand will work with the new provider in Timaru, stakeholders, local government and iwi representatives to support the planning and preparation for welcoming refugees into new communities,’’ Lockhart said.

Timaru District mayor-elect Nigel Bowen said he was looking forward to welcoming the newest residents to the district.

‘‘The whole Timaru District is known for its friendliness and fantastic quality of life and we’re looking forward to welcoming these latest residents to become an integral part of the community,’’ Bowen said.

‘‘Many of these people are leaving difficult and dangerous environments but also their wider families and support networks behind, which can make settling into a new community challenging.

‘‘PSSC already do a wealth of excellent work in the community, and are well prepared to help people settle into their new lives in Timaru, but it’s also important the community extends the warm welcome we’re known for,’’ Bowen said.