Race watchdog calls for lifting New Zealand's refugee quota

New Zealand's official race relations watchdog on Wednesday called for the government to raise its refugee quota, which has been held at 750 since 1987.

Race Relations Commissioner Susan Devoy backed a call by opposition New Zealand First party leader Winston Peters to lift the quota as "timely, sensible and the right thing to do."

Peters reportedly told a public meeting in Wellington Tuesday that New Zealand could easily take 1,000 refugees each year.

Devoy said New Zealand was lagging behind the rest of the world in accepting refugees and the country's seat on the United Nations Security Council demanded more global responsibility.

"How can we play our part on the world stage if we don't do the right thing at home? Raising the refugee quota is humanity in action," Devoy said in a statement.

"We have millions of displaced people in the world -- most of them children. This is New Zealand's opportunity to lead by example as a Security Council member: We must play our part as a responsible, humane global citizen."

Prime Minister John Key has defended New Zealand's refugee quota in the past, saying considerable efforts and resources ensured refugees were well settled and supported after arriving.

He has also argued the actual number was higher than 750 once family reunifications were included. Endi