The Prime Minister is refusing to confirm reports that Suhayra Aden and her two children have arrived in New Zealand today.
Photo: AFP / Anadolu Agency
The government agreed last month to repatriate Aden, who had been detained after trying to enter Turkey from Syria, because of her suspected links to Islamic State.
At the time, it gave assurances there had been extensive planning to ensure public safety upon her arrival - but wouldn't give details.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern repeated those assurances today, and said that New Zealanders' safety has been an "absolute priority".
Aden was born in New Zealand but moved to Australia when she was six, travelling to Syria in 2014 on her Australian passport.
Aden's citizenship from Australia was revoked due to her affiliations, but it's rare that New Zealanders have citizenship revoked.
Australia and New Zealand had a diplomatic row over the issue, with Ardern accusing the Australian government of abdicating its agreements to citizens.
Ardern has said this meant New Zealand was required to take the family in because of obligations not to leave people stateless, particularly the two children.
"They are not Turkey's responsibility, and with Australia refusing to accept the family, that makes them ours," she said.
