This week marks both the International Day of Disaster Risk Reduction and New Zealand’s national ShakeOut drill, led by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and supported by New Zealand Red Cross.

Our Director of Domestic Operations, Jackie Bubb, reflects on why creating a culture of preparedness is key to building resilient communities in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Over recent months, relentless monsoon rains and glacial floods have devastated Pakistan, claiming almost 1000 lives and forcing tens of thousands from their homes.

A powerful 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck southeastern Afghanistan on 31 August, causing widespread destruction across Kunar, Nangarhar, and Laghman provinces.  

Since 1960, we’ve sent team members overseas on more than 1,000 assignments to save lives, alleviate suffering, and maintain human dignity on the front line.

A university student based in Hamilton, Will Benefield's passion for helping others led him to join New Zealand Red Cross’ Disaster Welfare and Support Team (DWST) in 2024. His first deployment came soon after completing his training, in the aftermath of a devastating tornado in Mangawhai in January.