New Zealand Red Cross

We sat down with Sarita Love,our National Youth Representative, to talk about how young people are important to our work and future. She spoke about her own experiences as a Disaster Welfare and Support Team member and how we can make volunteering easier for young people.

Read more on our website: www.redcross.org.nz/about-us/news/our-stories/young-people-are-ready-are-we/

Image description: Two infographics with quotes from Sarita and a photo of her and our National President Kerry Nickels taking part in our annual appeal street collection on Molesworth Street in March 2024.

“Just give it a go” is Ronal’s invitation for rangatahi considering volunteering with Red Cross.

Five years ago he began volunteering with us supporting former refugees on their resettlement journeys, and he’s also helped deliver Meals on Wheels. He’s now a Youth Councillor, leading activities in his area and working with other young Red Cross people across the motu to make things happen.

Volunteering is one a great way to find other people you can work together with, so you don’t have to go it alone.

Read more about Ronal and rangatahi involved with Red Cross on our website: www.redcross.org.nz/about-us/news/our-stories/red-cross-rangatahi/

Image description: A portrait of Ronal smiling along with other images showing quotes from Ronal and information about volunteering with Red Cross.

We talked to Yibeth about the journey that led her to a job helping other former refugees as a youth settlement worker.

"It feels like my heart and mind and all the knowledge I’ve gathered over the years are useful for other young people.”

Read more about Yibeth and rangatahi involved with Red Cross on our website: www.redcross.org.nz/about-us/news/our-stories/red-cross-rangatahi/

Image description: a series of tiles showing quotes from Yibeth as well as a photo of Yibeth from World Refugee Day 2017.

Every year on the second Saturday in September we celebrate World First Aid Day. This year we are marking the day with the theme, First Aid and Sports.

Sports are not only a source of joy and entertainment where individuals challenge their physical limits. They also come with a fair share of risks including sprains, fractures, concussions, and cardiac emergencies. First Aid skills enable athletes, coaches, and even spectators to respond effectively to these incidents, providing immediate care until professional medical assistance arrives.

Regardless of age or background, everyone can play a role in promoting sports safety and learning first aid knowledge and skills.

As a global leader in providing First Aid, New Zealand Red Cross trains tens of thousands of everyday heroes across Aotearoa with lifesaving skills every year.

Check out our courses on our website: www.redcross.org.nz/first-aid/our-courses/

Image description: Eight infographic tiles with information about World First Aid Day 2024, First Aid courses and sports safety, expand on the content shared in this post. Three images show people engaging in sporting activities and our instructor delivering First Aid training.

We share the grief felt today across our Movement as we mourn the loss of three Red Cross colleagues who were killed while providing aid to vulnerable people in Ukraine.

We support the call of International Committee of the Red Cross for all those involved in armed conflict to respect international humanitarian law, including by taking every precaution possible to ensure that those engaged in humanitarian activities are not targeted or caught in hostilities.

For more than two years, our Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal has been helping support people affected by the conflict.

Learn more about our humanitarian work and how to help: www.redcross.org.nz/support-us/our-current-appeals/ukraine-humanitarian-crisis-appeal/

Read ICRC's statement: www.icrc.org/en/news-release/ukraine-3-icrc-staff-killed-after-shelling-hits-aid-distribution-site-donetsk

There’s lots of ways rangatahi can get involved with Red Cross, whether it's volunteering in our shops, joining our Disaster Welfare and Support Teams, delivering Meals on Wheels, or joining in with events we run. Everyone has a role to play.

We'll support you in however you choose to to work alongside us.

Find out more on our website: www.redcross.org.nz/volunteer

Image description: A collection of images showing different young people and the ways people can get involved with Red Cross.

On 30 August every year, we mark the International Day of the Disappeared. This day is an opportunity to stand in solidarity with the families of missing persons and to remember their missing relatives.

We want families to know that they are not alone, that their loved ones are not forgotten, and that the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement continues to work to help them find the answers and support they deserve.

Our Restoring Family Links programme supports people in New Zealand who are seeking missing family overseas. If you have lost touch with a family member or loved one due to conflict or disaster, please reach out to our team.

Read more about the day and Restoring Family Links. www.redcross.org.nz/about-us/news/our-stories/international-day-of-the-disappeared-remembering-the-missing

Image description: Eight infographic tiles showing information and messages about Restoring Family Links, which expand on the content shared in this post. The tiles also present numbers of registered missing people with the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement and successful reconnections between families in 2023. Three images show a profile view of a woman, a family member holding a faded photo of the missing person, and a man receiving messages on a laptop.

Is your AED rescue ready?

Having reliable and up-to-date AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) on hand at your workplace, school, or community could make a life-saving difference, especially as New Zealand has one of the highest rates of heart attacks. Studies have shown that early defibrillation with an AED significantly improves survival rates for those experiencing cardiac arrest outside of a hospital setting.

If you haven't already purchased your AED device and you choose to buy from New Zealand Red Cross, you're getting more than a life-saving device. You’re also becoming a valuable partner in our humanitarian efforts. Every dollar you spend on our AEDs helps us meet urgent humanitarian needs, strengthen community resilience, and support the most vulnerable wherever they are needed.

Purchase or upgrade your AED today - https://www.redcrossshop.org.nz/aed

Image reference: A person holding an AED

The Geneva Conventions of 1949 form the core of international humanitarian law, which regulates conduct in armed conflicts to retain a degree of humanity even in the worst of times.

The Conventions’ 75th anniversary is an opportunity to reaffirm the world’s agreement on these rules, and that the benefits of limiting the human cost of war. When international humanitarian law is upheld, dignity is preserved, and lives are saved. The rules of war remain as relevant today as ever.

We asked some humanitarians and humanitarian law champions about their thoughts on the Geneva Conventions, international humanitarian law, and their importance in protecting vulnerable people.

Learn more about international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions. www.redcross.org.nz/about-us/what-we-stand-for/international-humanitarian-law/

Image description: Eight infographics with images and quotes from humanitarians and law professionals. Our National President Kerry Nickels, Secretary General Sarah (Norm) Stuart-Black, IHL Principal Advisor Rebecca Dudley, Swiss Ambassador to New Zealand His Excellency Mr Viktor Vavricka, PhD Candidate from Victoria University in Armed Conflicts, Humanitarian Law and and Counterterrorism Maria Rabino-Neira, International Humanitarian Law New Zealand Committee members Marnie Lloydd and Alberto Costi, The International Committee of the Red Cross President Mirjana Spoljaric.

No matter who, no matter what, volunteers and humanitarian workers must be protected.

Image description: an infographic with a series of pictures where Red Cross Red Crescent volunteers hugging people. The messages in the image focus on the needs of humanitarian workers and the importance of protecting them.

What happens after a disaster? There’s a rebuild and a recovery, but what does this feel like?

At first we can feel heroic and then hopeful, but once the reality of the road to recovery sets in, things can get really hard.

Most people affected by a disaster experience some level of distress – this can be individual or collective.

We each experience disasters differently – and they can make things that were already bad even worse.

Recovery is long – for some areas, recovery will take years, because it isn’t just about houses and infrastructure. It’s everything to do with people’s lives.

For more info, check out our website: www.redcross.org.nz/get-help/emergencies-and-disasters/caring-for-yourself-and-others/

On 7 August, we gathered at Parliament to mark the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions, which were signed in 1949. The Prime Minister, Right Honourable Christopher Luxon, Members of Parliament, diplomats, and many international humanitarian law champions joined us.

Speaking at the event, the Prime Minister acknowledged the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement for its work as a guardian of the Geneva Conventions and international humanitarian law.

New Zealand Red Cross Vice President John Dyer shared his thoughts about the importance of the Geneva Conventions and the way they actively protect the civilians, medics, and aid workers during conflicts.

During the event, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade launched New Zealand’s report on the domestic implementation of international humanitarian law. Deputy Secretary of Multilateral and Legal Affairs, Victoria Hallum said she hoped the voluntary report would encourage other nations to follow suit.

Learn more about the Geneva Conventions and international humanitarian law. www.redcross.org.nz/about-us/what-we-stand-for/international-humanitarian-law/

Image description: Four images with speakers of the event delivering speeches and seated in a row. Prime Minister, the Right Honourable Christopher Luxon, New Zealand Red Cross Vice President John Dyer, Deputy Secretary of Multilateral and Legal Affairs, Victoria Hallum and Master of Ceremony Sarah (Norm) Stuart-Black, Secretary General, New Zealand Red Cross.

Did you know we've been delivering Meals on Wheels since 1951? From a small kitchen in Canterbury, Meals on Wheels has grown to deliver more than 700,000 meals in 43 locations across the motu each year.

More than a meal, Meals on Wheels paves the way for companionship for people who are often isolated. We couldn't do it without the thousands of people who volunteer their time across the motu.

Find out more about what we do in Aotearoa on our website: www.redcross.org.nz/about-us/what-we-do/in-new-zealand/

Image description: nine infographic images which show a mix of historical and current Meals on Wheels volunteers, as well as info about the service which expands on what we've shared in this post.

Make safety your first destination this winter. Book your First Aid course today and end the year on a safe note.

Check out our courses on our website: www.redcross.org.nz/first-aid/our-courses/

Alastair McDowall can’t remember exactly how he got into delivering for Meals on Wheels, but he says it was a godsend and he’s now been volunteering for New Zealand Red Cross for over five and a half years. “I enjoyed it from day one and I plan to drive for as long as possible.” Alastair delivers the meals in the area around where he lives in Christchurch.

Alastair loves the contact he has with all the people he delivers to and wishes he could spend more time chatting with them. “A smile and friendly banter brighten up their day.”

He also loves the friendly gatherings with other Red Cross drivers and support staff when they meet up for a cup of tea – often on Fridays. “Quite a few of the drivers are women and a couple are in their twenties, so we’re not all old codgers.”

Read more about Alastair’s life and Meals on Wheels volunteering at https://ow.ly/ZSAb50SGRnA

We’re urgently in need of around 20 more Meals on Wheels drivers in Christchurch. If you can spare a couple of hours a month or fortnight to help out in your community, we’d love to hear from you.



Main image: Alastair McDowall, wearing Red Cross lanyard, smiling while delivering a meal to a resident. Credit The Press.

For 75 years, since the 1949 Geneva Conventions were signed, international humanitarian law has established minimum standards for treating civilians and combatants during armed conflicts. These standards, based on the fundamental principle of humanity, aim to preserve basic dignity and prevent the worst consequences of war.

Four conventions and their additional protocols aim to protect those wounded or no longer fighting, prisoners of war and civilians.

Two additional Protocols were adopted in 1977. They aim to widen the conventions’ protection and place limits on wars. In 2005, a third Protocol was adopted recognising the Red Crystal as an additional emblem. Learn more about IHL and Geneva Conventions. www.redcross.org.nz/about-us/what-we-stand-for/international-humanitarian-law/

Image description: nine infographic tiles with images explaining the four Geneva Conventions and their additional protocols. They show people and vehicles with the International Committee of the Red Cross logo on the ground, assisting people in a conflict zone and a child playing.

Did you know that our Movement has three emblems used globally? The Red Cross, Red Crescent, and Red Crystal.

The emblems help us to do our work in the aftermath of disasters and conflict. They show people that we're not part of the fight, we help people wherever we're needed, and that anything with the logo is associated with our Movement.

The emblems are regulated by international law. When they're misused, it can cause confusion and reduce their protective power.

Find out more about our international Movement on our website: www.redcross.org.nz/about-us/who-we-are/the-international-red-cross-movement/

Image description: ten infographic images which show information about the Red Cross, Red Crescent, and Red Crystal emblems and expand on the information shared in this post. Eight images show emblems being used as part of our Movement's international work, including on flags, people's uniforms, supply packaging, and a vehicle.

Restoring Family Links offers free, confidential services to help whānau who've been separated by conflict, disaster, or migration. We support people of all ethnicities, faiths, and genders.

Our team helps with international tracing, sending messages to loved ones overseas, health and welfare checks, and confirming if people are being held in detention. Each year we receive more than 100 enquiries from people looking for their loved ones.

Through our services we aim to prevent whānau from being separated, help whānau get in contact, and find out what’s happened to loved ones.

You can help us by spreading the word too. We have resources in multiple languages for people to share with their whānau, friends, and networks to let people know about Restoring Family Links.

Find out more on our website: www.redcross.org.nz/get-help/find-missing-family-overseas/

Image description: nine infographic tiles which show information about Restoring Family Links and expand on what has been shared in this post. Five images show Restoring Family Links at work, including researchers, a Red Cross Message, and a woman speaking to someone on a satellite phone.

In times of disasters, conflict, and other emergencies we respond to the needs of vulnerable people around the world.

Each year we deploy delegates overseas, receive over 100 enquiries from people who’ve lost touch with whānau overseas, and work with 12 Red Cross National Societies in the Pacific.

We’re part of the largest humanitarian network in the world – our Movement reaches 150 million people each year.

Find out more on our website: www.redcross.org.nz/about-us/what-we-do/what-we-do-overseas/

Image description: seven infographics showing information about our work overseas. The information expands on what we’ve shared in this post.

Gail Corbett just managed to get her home heating fixed in Horowhenua in time before returning to Kabul in Afghanistan.

She’s a nurse and nurse educator with specialist training in midwifery and neonatal care, she’s been an international delegate since 2010. Her 12 deployments with us and International Committee of the Red Cross have taken her to Egypt, Gaza, Iraq, Syria, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.

In Afghanistan, she manages a team of 36 national and international staff. She also coordinates healthcare planning and budgeting for ICRC’s work.

“I’m passionate about nursing. It’s one of the best ways to be useful. This is a good way to see the real world and use the skills that I have,” she says.

Read more about Gail’s work and life in Kabul as an international delegate: www.redcross.org.nz/about-us/news/our-stories/life-in-afghanistan-as-a-health-programme-coordinator/

Image description: a collection of photos and text-based infographics showing Gail as well as information shared in this post.

Volunteer with us! Each year our volunteers serve over 100,000 hours in Red Cross programmes. They're the backbone of our Movement, from Meals on Wheels, to supporting refugees, responding to emergencies, or keeping our shops stocked and beautiful. We couldn't do it without them – or you!

Check out our website to see what volunteer roles we have to offer: www.redcross.org.nz/volunteer

Our Emergency Management team participated in Hawkes Bay Council’s Civil Defence meeting today on household goods and services. We outlined how our Disaster Welfare and Support teams can assist in the recovery and support affected families, following the torrential rain in the region.

Hawkes Bay Civil Defence is focusing on the Wairoa region now that roads are back open and safe for travel.

Our Northern Emergency Management Officer, Monica Bearsley, and Lead for our Katikati Community Response Team, Phil Parker, are packing up a trailer with household cleaning kits and will be traveling to Gisborne today, and on to Wairoa tomorrow morning. We’ve been in contact with Wairoa Civil Defence Controller, Juanita Savage, who was thankful for the offer of assistance in the region

We are also on standby to support any other requests for assistance from Civil Defence Emergency Management groups whose communities are affected by the recent weather events.

There are a range of ways you can stay informed during emergencies. Find out more at www.getready.govt.nz/prepared/stay-informed

Four mornings a week, Mike and Maud Burke drive the short distance from their home in Papatoetoe to Middlemore Hospital for their Meals on Wheels run and then set off to deliver hot nutritious meals.

They’re doing multiple shifts a week because we’re short of volunteers in South Auckland. We need at least 25 more people to help out for delivery runs in their area – Otahuhu and Mount Wellington.

Please join Mike and Maud and be part of our amazing team delivering meals in South Auckland.
Do you have access to a car and could you spare a couple of hours once a week or fortnight? We’d love to hear from you.

Sign up to volunteer on our website: www.redcross.org.nz/volunteer-meals-on-wheels-driver/

Or call us on 0800 RED CROSS

Image description: five infographics with info about Meals on Wheels and quotes from Mike and Maud.

We've been providing humanitarian assistance in Aotearoa and around the world since 1915. From the First and Second World Wars, to the Tangiwai and Wahine disasters, Meals on Wheels, and deploying humanitarian workers to Viet Nam, we've been doing things across the street and across the world for over 100 years.

You can find out more about our history on our website: www.redcross.org.nz/about-us/who-we-are/our-history/

Image description: ten images that show historical photos of Red Cross work from the 1940s to 1970s, as well as information about our work over the decades.

Thank you to our members! You've supported our mission for over 100 years and volunteer your time to fundraise, lead membership activities in your area, and serve your community.

Make sure to show your appreciation for a Red Cross volunteer this National Volunteer Week.

Become a volunteer. We have volunteering opportunities across the motu, check out what’s happening in your area: www.redcross.org.nz/volunteer/

Image description: four infographics showing information about our members and how much we appreciate them.