Refugees welcomed

Dunedin's newest residents were welcomed to their new home in an emotional ceremony at Dunedin Airport yesterday.

Red Cross staff and volunteers greeted the 29 Syrian and Palestinian  refugees, who will resettle in the city.

The group is the fourth to move to Dunedin since the city was chosen as a resettlement location last year.

Red Cross humanitarian services manager for Otago Sue Price said meeting the  refugees was always a special experience.

"It’s very emotional really.

"Our staff have now been out there four times to welcome four groups and every time it is emotional."

The arrival was even more moving for the Red Cross volunteers and families who arrived, she said.

"When you see the plane touching down, that is quite emotional."

The new group had 20 Syrians and an extended family of nine Palestinians who had been living in Syria, she said.

Following their arrival, the new residents heard a mihi whakatau and a welcome by Mayor Dave Cull.

A representative spoke on behalf of the refugees in response.

Before arriving in Dunedin the  refugees spent six weeks at the Mangere Refugee Resettlement Centre.

Independent refugee supporter and Dunedin Lebanese community representative Afifie Harris said many of the new families had members with strong English skills and professional qualifications in dentistry and medicine.

Mrs Harris believed the families would live in Green Island and Brockville.

Because Dunedin was a fully operational resettlement location it was expected new refugee groups would arrive in Dunedin every eight weeks, Ms Price said.

margot.taylor@odt.co.nz

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