Thirty Afghan interpreters and their families have arrived in Auckland to start new lives in New Zealand.
The interpreters were employed by the New Zealand Defence Force in Afghanistan, most of them working with the Provincial Reconstruction Team in Bamyan province.
Ninety-four Afghans, including 20 children, were met at Whenuapai air base by Chief of the Defence Force Lieutenant-General Rhys Jones, Immigration Minister Michael Woodhouse and
Police Commissioner Peter Marshall on Monday afternoon.
In 2012, the Government agreed to accept them under its refugee quota, amid fears they would be targeted by the Taliban when New Zealand troops left Bamyan in April this year.
Parwiz Hakimi left Afghanistan with mixed feelings, but said his children would now be able to grow up safely and receive a good education.
The group will stay at the Mangere Refugee Resettlement Centre in South Auckland for eight weeks before settling in Hamilton and Palmerston North.
An immigration manager, Rachel Demas, said the interpreters' English was good, so their resettlement would focus on finding jobs and that would enable them to integrate socially and economically as soon as possible.
The Defence Force said it may be possible for more Afghan interpreters to resettle. There are about six interpreters who have not applied to come to New Zealand yet, but would like to do so.
Lieutenant-General Jones said the final decision is up to the minister, but they should apply to the Government if they are fearful of remaining in Afghanistan.
Prime Minister John Key said on Monday he wishes all the best for the Afghan interpreters and their families.
Mr Key said the men played a vital role in the operation of the Provincial Reconstruction Team and he was grateful for their service.