AUCKLAND, New Zealand, April 22 (Xinhua) -- Thirty Afghan interpreters and their families arrived in Auckland on Monday 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 the 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, Radio New Zealand reported.
In 2012, the New Zealand 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.
The group will stay at the Mangere Refugee Resettlement Center in South Auckland for eight weeks before settling in Hamilton and Palmerston North.
New Zealand Prime Minister John Key said on Monday he wishes all the best for the Afghan interpreters and their families.
Key said the men played a vital role in the operation of the Provincial Reconstruction Team and is grateful for their service.
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