Chance to look forward

Jean-Paul Bizoza was reunited with his family in October after four years apart. Photo / Doug Sherring

Jean-Paul Bizoza came to New Zealand as a refugee four years ago, but his new life has only just started.

The 30-year-old has finally been reunited with his wife and two young sons - one of whom was just a baby when he had to leave them in Africa.

"It's hard to make your new country home when the people you're supposed to be with are not here," he said.

The stress of separation made it tough to settle at home and at work. But his family's arrival in October meant Bizoza was looking forward to "an amazing Christmas".

He and his family were among the 750 refugees accepted here every year under a United Nations quota programme.

As an 11-year-old living in Burundi, eastern Africa, Bizoza fled alone from the fighting that killed his family.

He lived in Congo, Tanzania, Zambia and finally Namibia, meeting his wife, learning six languages and training as a teacher.

Bizoza was accepted as a United Nations refugee after being sponsored by an aunt living in New Zealand. But it was another four years before his wife and children could follow.

The Auckland resident said delays in reuniting families was a major concern.

Barriers to successful resettlement will be among issues discussed at a United Nations conference in Geneva next year.

Refugee Services Aotearoa New Zealand chief executive Heather Hayden will attend, thanks to the Cathay Pacific/Herald on Sunday High Flyer Awards. She hoped to bring back new information and ideas, and to offer insights from New Zealand's experience.

"Some things we do are considered world-leading, particularly around our volunteers."

Refugee Services trains about 400 volunteers a year to work alongside refugees and help them adjust to their new life.

"They provide support, meet them at the airport when they arrive, help them settle into their new home," said Hayden.

Bizoza said he received valuable help and advice. "The kindness of New Zealanders is amazing. When people smile at you, you feel at home."

Refugee Services: (04) 815-9101 www.refugeeservices.org.nz