New Zealand has for many years had an annual refugee resettlement quota of 750 a year, but the Government announced last year this would be increased to 1000 in the 2018-19 year.
A further 500 Syrian refugees would also be settled in this country over two years, starting this year, the Government said.
Dr MacDonald, of the Canterbury political science and international relations department, said during a Foreign Policy School discussion in Dunedin at the weekend New Zealand's refugee quota was clearly low in international terms, and there had been a ``lack of moral leadership''.
He urged New Zealanders to help to further increase the level, given that we clearly could accommodate more.
Rachel Kidd, of the New Zealand Red Cross, also urged a higher quota, and praised the positive role played by Dunedin in becoming a refugee resettlement centre.
Invercargill Mayor Tim Shadbolt said he had some concerns about the adequacy of consultation over aspects of refugee resettlement in Invercargill, and it was important to ensure sufficient government resources were provided.
Invercargill had built a strong track record of hospitality and support for overseas visitors, including students, he added.
Otago University Business School associate dean of Maori Dr Katharina Ruckstuhl emphasised the importance of Maori being consulted over proposed refugee resettlement quotas.
Stronger local input would result in better overall decision-making and outcomes, she said.
