In recognition of the 25th anniversary milestone, 2 events held on 24 May in Auckland, were an opportunity for reflection and celebration of the success and resilience of former Kosovo refugees who settled in New Zealand.

Qemajl Murati, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) head of refugee quota programmes, says New Zealand was one of the leading countries to offer resettlement of the family members of Kosovo Albanians who were living here at the time of the Kosovo War.

“In a special operation, an offer by the then Government was extended to up to 600 family members to be resettled in New Zealand,” says Mr Murati, who is also a member of the Kosovo Albanian community.

“This group was offered resettlement in addition to the annual quota of 750 people at the time.

“I am proud that of the 600 places offered, more than 400 were taken by refugees in Albania, Macedonia, Türkiye, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and other neighbouring countries. That operation was conducted under sad and painful circumstances for many at the time, but it is a great joy to see the community celebrating their achievements and resilience.”

The first of 2 events began with the Kosovo Ambassador to Australia and New Zealand, Her Excellency Jetmira Berdynaj, joining Kosovo Albanian community members to plant an olive tree at the Māngere Refugee Resettlement Centre (Te Āhuru Mōwai o Aotearoa) as a gesture of gratitude and friendship. The community also presented gifts to children at the centre.

The afternoon programme included cultural performances, a traditional Albanian drum entrance, an art exhibition, guest speakers and a video message from former New Zealand Prime Minister Dame Jenny Shipley. The story of Majlinda, a former refugee who arrived in New Zealand from Kosovo as a child, and what the event meant to her is available on the Immigration New Zealand website.
25th anniversary celebrations for former Kosovo refugees settled in New Zealand