Making Wellington Home – Supporting Former Refugee Families
Every year, up to 200 people arrive in Wellington as part of Aotearoa New Zealand’s official refugee quota programme. They come from many different countries and circumstances, and with the desire to build a new life in a safe community.
Anglican churches across the Diocese of Wellington help make that new beginning possible.
Working alongside the New Zealand Red Cross, the government’s official refugee settlement partner in Wellington, we support former refugee families by equipping the homes they move into with the everyday essentials needed to start life afresh. From bedding and kitchenware to towels, curtains, and household necessities, volunteers and supporters help transform empty houses into welcoming homes.
Each year, the Anglican and Catholic dioceses together support approximately half of the former refugees settled in Wellington. Through the Anglican programme alone, around 75-100 people are welcomed annually into homes prepared with care and generosity.
The work has changed in recent years. Before COVID-19, regular collection days at Wellington Cathedral enabled donated goods to be gathered systematically as whole intakes arrived together on a planned day. Today, settlement requires volunteers and coordinators to be flexible as individual arrival dates can often change.
That means parishes, schools, and supporters play a vital role.
“When people arrive in Wellington, often after experiencing significant trauma and uncertainty, a prepared home sends a powerful message that they are welcomed and valued,” says Refugee Support Coordinator Phil McCarthy.
“It’s about helping families begin the next chapter of their lives with confidence.”
The programme relies on a network of churches and schools - and a Rotary club - that collect and donate household goods throughout the year. While many parishes already participate, there is room for more communities to become involved.
“We would love to hear from parishes or schools that are not currently on the collection roster but would like to contribute,” says Phil.
“Every new group that joins strengthens our ability to respond quickly when a family arrives.”
Alongside donated goods, financial support is increasingly important. The Diocese maintains a small storage unit in Newtown where essential household items are kept ready for families as they arrive. While a generous discount helps reduce costs, maintaining the storage facility remains a significant ongoing expense.
“Having donated goods ready to go means we can respond to last-minute changes in family make-up or unexpected arrivals,” Phil says.
“Financial contributions toward storage costs make a real difference and help keep the programme sustainable.”
To join the collection roster, contact Phil McCarthy at 021 481 204 or refugees@anglicanmovement.nz.
Information on how to make a financial contribution is available at: anglicanmovement.nz/donate
