Race Relations Commission Dame Susan Devoy says New Zealand needs to take on more refugees to show it is deserving of a seat at the United Nations Security Council.
In a statement made ahead of World Refugee Day tomorrow, the commissioner suggested that New Zealand could raise its overall intake through programmes outside the official quota - such as a new scheme which allows non-government groups to sponsor refugees at their own cost.
The National-led Government confirmed this week that it would raise the annual quota for the first time since it was introduced 30 years ago.
Beginning in 2018/19, the quota would rise from 750 to 1000 - an increase that NGOs said was too small given the humanitarian crisis occurring overseas.
Dame Susan similarly said it was a "very small, very safe" step to be making after 30 years without change.