A Christchurch community will support the first refugees to return to the city - since 2010

South West Baptist Church is sponsoring three-refugee families - who are due to arrive in a month.

Pastor Alan Jamieson says they've had enthusiastic and overwhelming community support, including businesses offering jobs, strangers donating household goods and medical care offered.

He says people are offering their different skills, with a driving instructor wanting to give driving lessons.

Immigration NZ says Christchurch is expected to be re-established as a quota settlement location by the end of the year.