Refugees are set to be welcomed to Dunedin on Friday, but the Red Cross is asking the public not to greet them at the airport.
Red Cross southern humanitarian services manager Sue Price said 13 Syrian refugee families would be met at the airport by Red Cross staff and volunteers, who would accompany them to their new homes.
‘‘We know that the people of Dunedin will be keen to welcome their new residents ... but we are asking that people refrain from coming to the airport on Friday.‘‘We are having a small, private welcome.''
It was important the refugees, the first to be resettled in the city since it was chosen as the new refugee resettlement location last year, were given a bit of time to ‘‘settle in and get to know their new home''.
‘‘Moving is hard for anyone, even if it's just across town.
‘‘For these families, it will be an even more daunting task.''
Red Cross would provide support for up to a year as the families resettled in Dunedin.
This included connecting people with their community and vital services, such as healthcare, and helping them find employment.
