The NZRRS and NZMSIS are 2 cross-government strategies that aim to improve settlement for former refugees and recent migrants in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Work to update the strategies began in late 2021. The project was to make sure the strategies:

• continue to effectively support successful settlement in the future, and
• are agile and can respond to changes in the settlement environment.

A critical part of the update was to involve former refugees, migrants, iwi, community groups, non-government organisations (NGOs) and businesses. Many of the changes are based on their feedback, and multiple government agencies have already started work to make changes.

You can find out more about the updated strategies and summary of feedback.
NZ Migrant Settlement and Integration Strategy and NZ Refugee Resettlement Strategy Refresh Project

Funding for the Welcoming Communities Programme in 2023/24 has been extended by $2.5 million to continue the partnership with iwi and local councils to build welcoming communities and develop a sense of belonging for newcomers.

Funding for asylum seekers

Cabinet also agreed to reprioritise $1 million of funding over the next 2 years. This is for welfare support for asylum seekers while the claim process progresses.