National Council 2025

On 8 November we held our 94th National Council Annual General Meeting in Wellington. National Council is our highest governing body and is responsible for electing our National President, National Board members, and National Youth Representative.

Voting delegates attended in-person and observers were able to watch the meeting via a livestream. 
Attendees heard from our Patron, Her Excellency The Rt Hon Dame Cindy Kiro, GNZM, QSO, Governor-General of New Zealand, as well as our National President, John Dyer, NZGD.

“Whether addressing global displacement or speaking at World Refugee Day, our work connects international need with action here at home. As global humanitarian crises escalate, from conflict to climate shocks, our commitment to compassion and service remains steadfast,” he said.

Our Secretary General, Sarah (Norm) Stuart-Black also spoke to attendees about the year that was, “Every Red Cross person and supporter helps carry this mission forward. In a year shaped by challenge and change, we stay grounded in compassion and driven by purpose. When humanity is tested, we respond together.”

Other annual reports shared were:

• International Committee, Dr Mat Darling – Committee Chair
• International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Committee, Tim Caughley – Committee Chair
• National Youth, Dan Wilden – National Youth Representative
• New Zealand Red Cross Foundation, Dr John McDermott – Foundation Chair
• Finance, Warren Johnstone – Audit and Risk Committee Chair.

There was one ordinary National Board vacancy for the Upper North Territory and Amanda Aye was elected unopposed. A self-described “lifelong Red Cross person”, she’s been involved with our organisation for almost 15 years. Between 2012 and 2020 she worked with our Pathways to Settlement teams and our community programmes. She’s also been an international delegate and went to Myanmar in 2019. Between 2020 and 2023, she served on our Northern Area Council.

As always, we thank our members and Counsellors of Honour for volunteering their time to meet and help to make important decisions about our organisation.

Find out more

• Learn about our structure, meet our National Board, and find out about our senior leaders.
  Our structure
• Learn more about what we do in New Zealand.
  Our work in New Zealand
• In times of disasters, conflict, and other emergencies, we respond to the needs of vulnerable people around the world.
  What we do overseas