The Refugee Council said they approached the Government several times asking why New Zealand is not looking at the Canadian system of allowing refugees into the country.

Canada allows private groups to raise funds to sponsor the admission of additional refugees above the official quota.

Refugee Council president Dr Arif Saied thinks it's a very good idea but, if implemented, doesn't want to see it affect our refugee quota.

"Our quota should be doubled and then the private sponsorship should go alongside with that."

However, the Auckland Chamber of Commerce said the role of businesses and fundraising should be kept separate when dealing with the refugee issue.

Chamber Chief executive Michael Barnett said if it's a case of raising funds to assist people in their participation in the economy, it's a community based thing and would need to be kept separate.

He said what corporates can offer is the opportunity for employment, but that must be put into perspective here where over 90 per cent of businesses are small to medium enterprises with less than 20 employees.

"Taking on another person is a major step and then you've got to again look at it and say is it sustainable or am I long term going to be handing over a problem back to the Government."