Refugees

First they were refugees from Bhutan, now they are refugees from Christchurch.

Refugees and boat people are proving to be a "hot topic" in the approaching Australian election and a New Zealander will be trying to provide some balance to the debate.

New Zealand is unlikely to offer refuge to 78 Sri Lankan asylum seekers plucked from a stricken boat, Immigration Minister Jonathan Coleman said today.

New Zealand may end up taking refugees from among the 78 Sri Lankan asylum seekers plucked from a stricken boat.