Five years on and proud of what we have achieved together

As many of us begin to wind down for the summer break, I want to take a moment to reflect and to thank you for everything you have contributed this year. 

This month marks five years since I began my tenure as Secretary General. That time has gone incredibly quickly, and it has been shaped by significant challenge, change and collective effort. 

Over the past five years, we have navigated major global and local events, from COVID-19 and economic uncertainty to increasingly severe disasters here and overseas. Alongside this, we have undertaken important organisational change through Realising 2030, ensuring we remain fit for purpose, future-focused and able to respond where the need is greatest. 

Now at the halfway point of Strategy 2030, I am proud of the significant progress we have made to date. We have refreshed our Constitution and Regulations, re-registered under the Incorporated Societies Act 2022, strengthened our governance and decision-making, and continued our steady path toward financial sustainability. We have also made meaningful improvements in how we plan, manage risk, invest in technology and support our people, helping us make better and more informed decisions. 

Our people and our purpose 

Through all this change, one thing has never shifted. Our people and our humanitarian purpose remain at the heart of everything we do. 

Over the past year, we have welcomed more members than ever before (over 3,000 new people volunteering with us), seen a significant uplift in cultural capability through our te ao Māori programme of work, and delivered a refreshed Annual Report that better reflects who we are today. Across teams, programmes and regions, I continue to see people showing up for each other and for communities with care, compassion and professionalism. 

I also want to acknowledge the strength that comes from our growing internal networks, including the Sustainability Network, Takatāpui & Rainbow Network, Rōpū Hāpai Māori, Humanitarian Law Champions and our newest Disability Network. Together, these networks reflect the richness and diversity of our organisation and strengthen how we work. 

Resilience, connection and One Team 

From large-scale emergencies to complex change processes, I have seen us come together time and again as one team. Both the quiet steady activities of our day to the toughest moments, we continue to focus on what is uniquely Red Cross and on making a meaningful difference in communities. 

I am incredibly proud of our people. When things are hard, we pull together because we know our work matters. 

Last month, the Executive Leadership Team marked my five-year anniversary with a very special gift, a kete containing a mauri stone from each ELT member. Each stone symbolises connection, shared knowledge and collective experience, and it reminded me that leadership, like our work, is grounded in relationships and shared purpose.

Looking ahead and looking after each other 

As we look toward 2026 and beyond, I am confident in the direction we are heading. We are continuing to work hard towards ensuring that we realise our shared Strategy 2030 outcomes, strengthening our One Team approach, and invest in important infrastructure such as the Digital Transformation Programme that will ensure we are ready and equipped for the future.

As 2025 draws to a close, I also want to encourage everyone to take the opportunity for a restful and restorative break.

To those of you heading off over the summer period please travel safely, look after yourselves and one another, and enjoy time with friends, whānau and loved ones.

Our work is only possible because of you. I am deeply grateful to all our Red Cross people, supporters and donors. It is a privilege to lead this organisation.

I look forward to reconnecting in the new year, rested, re-energised and ready to continue to be here for humanity. 

Ngā mihi nui,

Sarah (Norm) Stuart-Black 

Header image caption: Sarah (Norm) Stuart-Black, Secretary General of New Zealand Red Cross, was gifted a kete containing a mauri stone from each Executive Leadership Team member, each with a special meaning, to commemorate her five-year work anniversary.