New Zealand actor Oscar Kightley says the government should be raising humanitarian concerns with Australia over its offshore detention of refugees.
Oscar Kightley Photo: Supplied
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The Refugees are also calling on New Zealand to take responsibility for what's happening in the region.
Last week, the New Zealand prime minister reiterated this country's offer to take some of the refugees, but Australia again refused.
Mr Kightley, who's been outspoken on the issue, says New Zealand should question Australia's detention of more than 1,200 refugees on Nauru and Manus Island.
"I thought maybe New Zealand as a close and trusted neighbour might mention something. I guess we have our own problems, but I don't think there's any excuse to treat people like that, especially when half of the detainees are children."
The Manus Island detention centre. Photo: Behrouz Boochani