Refugees could arrive in Christchurch as early as next month - for the first time in eight years

Immigration New Zealand is yet to sign off on a decision to recommence settlement in the city at the end of the year - after it was put on hold following the Canterbury Earthquakes.

But Amnesty International has bypassed the process - setting up a community sponsorship programme that will bring 35 refugees to four cities.

It's supported by individuals and groups rather than the Government and is similar to a programme in Canada that's helped 300 thousand refugees.

The other cities to receive refugees are Nelson, Timaru and Waikato