The New Zealand Refugee Resettlement Strategy was developed and implemented in 2013 with the aim of improving outcomes for former refugees. The purpose of the current research was to explore employment and English language outcomes for former quota refugees three years post-arrival in New Zealand. Its aim was twofold: to understand how services (including provision of information ) have contributed to settlement outcomes or acted as barriers and to understand former refugees’ perspectives on gaps in services.

Key findings:

In this study, interviews with former refugees who had been in New Zealand for three years showed that success for many was a better life in New Zealand. They said they had been given freedom and the possibility of a future for themselves and their families. In addition, many participants spoke proudly of their achievements over the last three years. Several participants said their greatest success or what they were most proud of was having improved their English. English enabled them to make friends, gain confidence and participate in society.