10 Sep 2015

Refugee Council of Australia executive says NZ quota too small

10:50 am on 10 September 2015

A member of a delegation from the Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network says New Zealand's refugee quota is not enough.

Representatives have arrived in the country from Australia and Asia to talk about New Zealand's role in providing a regional solution for refugees.

Refugee Council of Australia chief executive Paul Power told Morning Report New Zealand's 750 quota was too low.

"It's been at the same level since 1987. When you look at the size of migration to New Zealand and the capacity of New Zealand society to welcome and support people it's far too small."

Mr Power said it was encouraging that additional places had been allocated for Syrian refugees but New Zealand should have a larger programme.