Deportee - PARS services for people deported to New Zealand Aotearoa

Who Are We -ko wai tatou?

Services - ratonga

  • When you arrive in New Zealand from prison or detention, you are entitled to a Steps for Freedom payment of $NZ350. After two weeks , depending on your cash assets, and whether your partner is earning, you may also be eligible for a Job Seekers benefit, or if you’re unable to work for health reasons, a Supported Living benefit. These benefits are around between $300 and $410 a week. If you’re over 65 you should be eligible for a NZ Pension. You may also be eligible for hardship grants, accommodation supplement, food grants etc. PARS will help you access these payments.

  • We can work with you on your reintegration plan for as long as needed. We can help with getting ID, a bank account, finding employment, moving into your own rental, and stay connected with you while to settle into your life in New Zealand.

  • If you have come directly from prison or detention you should have up to five days hotel accommodation provided on arrival by the Australian Border Force. After that, you may be eligible for emergency accommodation. PARS has accommodation for Deportees in its Palmerston North location. There is also a supported accommodation service for Deportees in Christchurch and Auckland

PARS provides supported accommodation for people that have been deported to New Zealand in Palmerston North. Te Paa provides supported accommodation in Auckland and Salvation Army also has a supported in Christchurch. Click on the link below to find out more about these accommodation options.

Important things to know- nga korero nui

You can decide where you want to live when you arrive back in Aotearoa New Zealand and the Australian Border force will provide connecting flights if needed from your arrival port (Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch) to your final location. PARS provides help and assistance in some areas of Aotearoa New Zealand. If you relocate to an area where there is no PARS service you may not receive any help with your reintegration journey. Click on the link below for a list of PARS locations.

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What people are saying

He aha nga korero a nga tangata

  • “I didn't know anyone when I came back to New Zealand. I'd left when I was little. PARS became my family and helped me get set up and start my life”

    John

  • “I left all my family back in Australia, or so I thought. With PARS help I found an aunty and uncle here who were really pleased to meet me and make a connection. I'm working now and have my own place, and I visit them every couple of weeks.”

    Anon

  • “PARS helped me with accommodation and finding a job. PARS has continued to support me with my journey after being deported."”

    Chris

  • "I don’t think I would have survived without PARS help. I’m extremely grateful for their support and help while I was in their supported accommodation in Palmerston North and then later to relocate to Auckland."

    TG

Frequently asked questions - Pātai auau

Contact us Whakapā mai

Contact us now to start planning for your return to Aotearoa New Zealand. Make sure you include your location if you are in prison or detention so we know how to contact you. We will respond via email, phone or by organising an AVL.

Phone +64 800 727 700

email: deporteeinfo@pars.org.nz

Complete the downloadable consent form so that we can help you connect with other agencies.