Dunedin-bound Syrian refugees say dealing with the odd bit of snow will be nothing compared with the gunfire and explosions of their former home.
Mouhannad Taha, who escaped conflict in Syria and came to Dunedin in 2012, and Otago Muslim Association chairman Steve Johnston yesterday visited the refugees at the Mangere resettlement centre in Auckland.
The refugees had many questions about life in Dunedin and some became emotional when hearing how peaceful and secure the city was compared with Syria.
Mr Taha said the questions were on a range of topics, including educational opportunities, the city's attitude towards foreigners, job availability and the weather.
When they were told it occasionally snowed in the city, they said it would be ‘‘much better'' than being hit with bullets and bombs.
At the start of the meeting, they knew Dunedin as only a dot on the map but by the end, they had a much greater ‘‘peace of mind'' about moving to the city.
‘‘It was very calming for them.''
They were especially heartened after hearing the level of public support for the city becoming a resettlement location.
Most of the first group of refugees coming to Dunedin were part of family groups and all had come from refugee camps in Lebanon and had had a ‘‘miserable'' time in the Syrian war.
They were pleased with their experience at Mangere, where the 45 Dunedin-bound refugees were taking part in a six-week reception programme before coming south on April 22.
‘‘They all appreciate New Zealand's hospitality and the good atmosphere here.''
Mr Johnston said it was an ‘‘awesome'' experience meeting the refugees and answering their questions, which he jokingly said included correcting some ‘‘misinformation'' they had been fed while in Auckland about Dunedin's weather.
Mr Taha and Mr Johnston were on Dunedin's Refugee Steering Group and their trip to Auckland was funded by Immigration New Zealand (INZ).
INZ refugee resettlement co-ordinator Sarah Ward said it decided to invite the pair to Mangere because they were much better placed to answer questions about where the refugees were going to live.
‘‘Normally, when families come they are a bit nervous about transitioning into the community. We just thought this would give them peace of mind. It's always nice to know you are going to a friendly place.''
She could see families relax as soon as they were able to talk to Mr Taha, especially as he could speak Arabic.
‘‘They had a million questions for him all at once.''
It was also reassuring for them to know there were people in Dunedin who were willing to help them.
Red Cross southern humanitarian services manager Sue Price said four of its Dunedin staff would be visiting the Dunedin-bound refugees in Mangere on April 11 and 12.
