Government to match Syrian refugee fundraising

Syrian refugees arriving in Dunedin. Photo / ODT

Every dollar raised by charities to help respond to the Syrian refugee crisis will be matched by the government, up to a maximum of $2.5 million.

Foreign Minister Murray McCully said the matched funding would help New Zealand-based non-government organisations increase their response to the Syrian refugee crisis.

"The fighting in Syria has killed more than half a million people and forced 11 million from their homes," Mr McCully said.

"Neighbouring countries, such as Jordan and Turkey, are bearing the brunt of this refugee crisis and the funding we have announced today will help deliver practical support to displaced Syrian communities across the region."

The latest pledge takes New Zealand's total contribution to offer help to people forced from their homes in Syria and Iraq to $22.5 million.