Thirty interpreters from Afghanistan and their immediate families will be living in Hamilton by the beginning of June under the Government's offer to resettle them.
All up, about 95 Afghans will arrive on April 22 and spend six weeks at the Mangere Refugee Centre before being resettled close together in Hamilton.
The offer was made to interpreters to recognise their contribution to New Zealand's work in Afghanistan but also because they could be in danger from insurgents once international forces withdraw.
Defence Minister Jonathan Coleman said the Government would act with goodwill towards two or three others who were outside the existing criteria, but there were no guarantees they would be included.
"We are not looking to exclude people and to be mean."
But it was not an avenue for everyone who had some association over time with the PRT.
He said New Zealand's package was generous in comparison to some other countries. For instance Denmark had decided not to make an offer because of their Iraq war experience where some found it difficult to settle.
But Dr Coleman said "our guys all speak English" and that was the biggest factor in successful resettlement.
He had explained life may not be easy, but for the interpreters the biggest issue was opportunities for their children