It is a concept that New Zealanders find difficult to comprehend but political freedom, ethnic assimilation and religious tolerance are not automatic rights necessarily enjoyed by many people around the world.
New Zealand takes seriously our international obligations to provide a safe haven and full settlement support for an agreed number of refugees in New Zealand each year. We also move swiftly to assist in international humanitarian crises.
The principles of freedom of expression, speech, religion & politics and equality between the sexes are fervently embraced in New Zealand.