Applying to be a sponsor

Support for sponsors

Approved community organisations will be supported by the umbrella organisation, HOST Aotearoa New Zealand, which will help your group complete the sponsor application processes, ensure you have the appropriate training, and connect your group to relevant government agencies. 

Applications closed

Applications to become an approved community organisation for the Community Organisation Refugee Sponsorship (CORS) extended pilot are now closed.

To receive future updates about the CORS programme, contact HOST Aotearoa New Zealand to be added to the mailing list.

HOST Aotearoa New Zealand

Read more about how the programme will work.

Refugee Sponsorship programme outline PDF 9MB

Approved community organisation criteria

To be approved as a sponsor your organisation must:

• be a legal entity — such as incorporated society, registered company, charitable trust or religious organisation.
• have the financial resources to provide settlement services to sponsored refugees for up to 2 years — as outlined in the following:
  • Have experience working successfully with refugees or other vulnerable people.
  • Have capability and capacity to secure suitable accommodation, and support sponsored refugees to enter the labour market and secure meaningful and sustainable employment.
  • Be willing and able to enter into a Deed of Agreement for Services with Immigration New Zealand for the provision of settlement services to the agreed standard.
  • Be able to demonstrate community outreach and connections within the broader community.

Participating in sponsorship is a significant responsibility. When asked about what attributes approved sponsors needed, previous sponsors and sponsored refugees answered:

• an openness to new religious and cultural competencies
• an understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi
• an understanding of te ao Māori.