Government denies incoming Australian refugees were part of citizenship negotiations. By Gill Bonnett, Radio New Zealand

The NZ government has scotched suggestions a deal bringing refugees from Australia to New Zealand is part of a tradeoff for policy changes on citizenship and 501 deportees.

RNZ revealed this week that most of the 450 refugees in a three-year agreement on former detention centre occupants are already living in Australia.

About 30 refugees are due to arrive next month.

Government denies incoming Australian refugees were part of citizenship negotiations. By Gill Bonnett, Radio New Zealand