Officials fretted about Dunedin's "substandard'' housing and a shortage of entry-level jobs before choosing the city as a refugee resettlement location, papers released under the Official Information Act show.
The Otago Daily Times asked for background documents about the process, in which Dunedin was vying with New Plymouth, Invercargill, Tauranga and Napier-Hastings.
Requested last November, the papers were released last week by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.
Officials redacted parts of the information, citing the need to protect privacy, confidential advice, and commercial considerations.
The assessment papers reveal Invercargill was deemed a good place for refugees but its chances were stymied because its state housing stock is for sale.
Officials weighed up pressures on services, houses and jobs, and whether the refugees would be safe.
Only Napier-Hastings failed the "community safety'' measure, but officials did not spell out what dangers refugees could face there.
Dunedin had the highest unemployment rate (6.1%) of the centres, followed by Invercargill (5.2%).
Officials noted the demand for entry-level jobs, which were often seasonal and sought by students.
"Dunedin has high youth unemployment competing for the entry-level positions.''
Housing was a big concern, and the state house sell-off in Invercargill counted against its chances.
Invercargill is one of two cities where a scheme to sell state houses to community housing providers is under way.
Other centres may follow.
It was uncertain whether ex-state houses would be accessible to refugees once they had passed into new ownership, an assessment paper says.
"Invercargill remains a consideration for quota refugee resettlement, dependent on the outcome of [the state house sales process].''
Invercargill State Housing Action member Dr Liz Craig, of Dunedin, said Southland was trying to attract residents through its regional development strategy, and selling state houses carried "unexpected regional development consequences''.
"To be let down by this one criteria, when Invercargill scored so highly in other areas ... is yet another reason to question the wisdom of these sales,'' Dr Craig told the ODT.
In response to questions yesterday, a statement from the Minister Responsible for Housing New Zealand, Bill English, suggested officials' concerns about the effects of the sell-off might be unnecessary.
The sales contracts would stipulate that community housing providers were obliged to house people in need, including refugees, Mr English's statement said.
A big concern for officials was Dunedin's lack of quality housing - both private and state - and competition with students for houses.
The average private rental cost was $303 a week and there were concerns it was "substandard''.
The state housing stock was "old'' and the Government planned to buy about 30 one-bedroom houses in Dunedin, the papers show.
The risks identified around housing and jobs were considered "acceptable and manageable''.
New Plymouth scored second-highest on the officials' scorecard, but more work was needed before establishing it as a resettlement centre - there was no visible support there from the local council and community.
In Dunedin, vocal support from the city council and a "welcoming'' community were big factors in securing resettlement status.
In response to the Syrian refugee crisis, the Government announced last year an extra 600 refugees would be accepted over three years, as well as the annual quota of 750 refugees.
Up to 150 refugees will settle in Dunedin each year.
The first group, of about 45 Syrians, arrives in April.
Home for refugees
Dunedin - summary
• Strong multicultural community and faith-based leadership.
• Dunedin City Council and community groups supportive.
• Relatively low waiting list for state houses.
• Low to moderately priced private rentals.
• Educational opportunities.
• Jobs in dairy and agriculture in local districts, as well as entry-level jobs in city.
Risks
• Competition for entry-level employment.
• Quality of private rental stock.
• Competition for housing from student population.
Source: Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment; new settlement location assessment summary.
