Dunedin's joined the ranks of refugee resettlement areas in New Zealand.

Immigration New Zealand's Steve McGill said the first intake of refugees will arrive in the city in May next year, after having spent a couple of months at the Mangere Refugee Centre in Auckland.

He said Dunedin was selected based on a number of factors, including employment, housing, and the availability of government services.

"Most importantly as well is local community support. So Dunedin ticked a number of boxes or all of the boxes and so that's where we've got to."

Dunedin is now the sixth refugee resettlement option, alongside Auckland, Waikato, Manawatu, Wellington and Nelson.

"A range of agencies including chambers of commerce and community groups strongly expressed their support to the mayor and the council."

Steve McGill said they expect 35 - 40 refugees to be resettled in Dunedin in May next year.