Despite the abject failure of the asylum seekers' venture, their subsequent plea to the Government has the potential to be a sizeable embarrassment. Not because of the strength of their case. In a world of some 52 million refugees, a number not seen since the end of World War II, their acceptance would represent a case of queue-jumping based purely on proximity. What their plight should focus attention on, however, is the paltry number of refugees that New Zealand accepts from United Nations waiting lists each year.
Next month, this country assumes the presidency of the UN Security Council. As such, it should be setting an example to the international community, not least on humanitarian issues. Yet on a per capita basis, New Zealand ranks 87th in the world for refugee resettlement. Its annual quota of 750 refugees has not changed since 1987.
This state of affairs has endured despite a generally favourable experience with refugees, most of whom have worked hard to contribute to the country that took them in.
The Labour Party, the Greens, New Zealand First, Act and United Future all want to increase the quota to some extent. Race Relations Commissioner Dame Susan Devoy agrees, and Amnesty International last week called on the Government to increase it to 1500 people.
That is surely manageable. Yet Mr Key refuses to relent, and continues to talk up the idea that boat people are lurking just over the horizon.
The fate of the asylum seekers now in West Timor illustrates the implausibility of the picture he paints. In no way should it distract from the issue of this country's pitiful refugee quota. At a time of worldwide crisis, New Zealand must do much more if it wants to be recognised as a fully participating member of the international community.