In New Zealand, as in other developed countries, we have a responsibility to help those less fortunate than ourselves. Immigration and aid in all forms can be controversial – how do we meet our international responsibilities, develop our own nation, and use our resources most wisely?
Is financial aid the only aid worth offering? Should we take more refugees? Should we take care of our own country and citizens and only look further afield when we have addressed our own needs and issues?
There is no clear-cut solution. Certain parts of New Zealand are already bursting at the seams in terms of demands on infrastructure, and we must maintain the integrity of our culture, our environment and our economy, while helping others.
Below is an interesting point of view on the sheer scale of the issue, using the United States as an example. If you were in charge of our international aid and refugee care, what would your solution be?
