New Zealand Red Cross supporting communities affected by severe weather

New Zealand Red Cross is supporting communities impacted by flooding and landslides across parts of the upper North Island following recent severe weather.

Disaster Welfare and Support Team volunteers are working alongside local councils, Civil Defence Emergency Management groups, and partner agencies to provide practical and emotional support to people affected.

In Northland, Red Cross teams from across the upper North Island have been supporting communities in the Whangārei district, helping to deliver food supplies, sharing key information and supporting Recovery Hubs operating at local marae and community facilities throughout the week.

During the initial weather events further south, DWST volunteers from Katikati also supported communities affected by flooding in the Western Bay of Plenty. Working closely with Western Bay of Plenty District Council and partner agencies, volunteers have supported people impacted and helped with the set-up of an evacuation centre.

Support for our response

To help support communities impacted by these events, Woolworths New Zealand has launched a nationwide “round up your purchase” fundraising initiative.

Through the campaign, customers are invited to voluntarily round up the value of their purchase at checkout. Funds raised will support New Zealand Red Cross alongside local Mayoral Relief Funds established in affected regions.

Donations received by New Zealand Red Cross will be directed to the New Zealand Disaster Fund, helping enable support for communities affected by emergencies and strengthening future domestic disaster responses.

The initiative forms part of Woolworths’ ongoing Disaster Response Alliance partnership with New Zealand Red Cross, reflecting a shared commitment to helping communities prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies. The round-up campaign is running nationwide until Sunday 1 February.

New Zealand Red Cross thanks its volunteers, donors and Disaster Response Alliance partners, including Woolworths New Zealand and ASB Bank, for their continued support during this time.

More information

Read about what we do in emergencies and disasters.
During and after a disaster

Read more about the Disaster Response Alliance, and the incredible partners who help communities be prepared for disasters and emergencies, and enable us to be there for communities in need.
Our Disaster Response Alliance

Lead image: A Red Cross Disaster Welfare and Support Team volunteer helps deliver food packages in Northland.

In-text image: Disaster Welfare and Support Team volunteers from Katikati setting up an evacuation centre.