Thursday, 10 September, 2015

Mayor of Dunedin Dave Cull today asked the Government to consider establishing a refugee resettlement centre in Dunedin.

Mr Cull said that it was only four years ago that serious discussions were held by government officials from the Department of Labour in 2011 aimed at establishing an immigration/refugee centre in the city. For some reason that proposal was dropped, he says.

“Clearly now there is an even greater need. The Mangere centre is the main reception centre where refugees spend their first six weeks. They are then sent out to four other centres in Waikato, Wellington, Manawatu and Nelson, but Dunedin is keen to be considered as a further alternative.

“If further investment is required, and other centres are stretched to accommodate more immigrants, it makes sense to look at Dunedin. We are a regional city with great social infrastructure and a community eager to welcome and support these refugees in need.”

Mr Cull said the Dunedin City Council had worked co-operatively in the past with central government on immigrant settlement services, and would be supportive of any efforts to assist Syrian refugees arriving on our shores.

“History shows us that immigrants are a long term benefit to a welcoming community.”

Dave Cull

Mayor of Dunedin

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