Councillor pushes for Iraqi leg-up

Funding for Iraqi refugee families settling in Porirua, north of Wellington, will be increased by $150,000 over the next three years if councillor Robert Shaw gets his way.

Porirua City Council will consider a motion on Thursday to consult ratepayers on increasing funding for Iraqi refugees to $50,000 a year for the next three years, on top of $10,000 provided each year for all refugees.

Mr Shaw said he hoped "other councils respond in the same way".

Wellington Mayor Kerry Prendergast said Wellington City had a dedicated staff member working with refugee groups, and funding through grants.

She said the city would not support one ethnic group above any other.

Lower Hutt Mayor John Terris said the Government had already set its refugee quota for the year, and indicated there would be no influx of Iraqi refugees.

But about $20,000 was included in the council's draft annual plan to fund co-ordination of community agencies working with refugees.

Refugee numbers are set by the Government, but Mr Shaw said the Porirua council would notify authorities of its willingness to accept more families.

"The local government sector must play its part in New Zealand's response to the international crisis," he said.

"It is not sufficient to leave it to voluntary organisations and churches. I hope other councils respond in the same way."