New Zealand Red Cross supports communities during Cyclone Vaianu

Cyclone Vaianu swept across the North Island on Sunday 12 April, bringing damaging winds, heavy rain and coastal inundation, and causing widespread disruption across multiple regions. 

Hundreds of people had to evacuate their homes, and thousands experienced power outages. Flooding, slips and fallen trees blocked many roads, making travel hazardous and limiting access to some communities. 

New Zealand Red Cross worked closely with Civil Defence Emergency Management groups and other organisations in affected areas to prepare for the cyclone and support response efforts.  

Between 11 and 13 April, 33 Red Cross Disaster Welfare and Support Team (DWST) members and four local branch emergency management support volunteers were helping in communities across Auckland, Hawke’s Bay, Tauranga and Waikato.  

DWST volunteer at the Emergency Assistance Centre in Tauranga ahead of Cyclone Vaianu

“Across these regions, our teams were supporting voluntary evacuations ahead of the cyclone’s arrival, setting up and assisting at Civil Defence Centres and community information hubs, and providing emotional and practical support to people affected by the cyclone,” said Sean Stewart, General Manager Emergency Management and International at New Zealand Red Cross.  

Disaster Welfare and Support Team members in Hawke’s Bay also activated a StarConnect communication kit to help maintain internet connectivity and support Central Hawke’s Bay District Council operations in Waipawa.  

“Our team members have shown remarkable resilience and dedication, stepping up to support affected communities, especially as many are part of those communities and were also dealing with the impacts of the cyclone themselves,” Sean said.

New Zealand Red Cross has more than 350 emergency management volunteers trained and ready to go at short notice.

There are 20 Disaster Welfare and Support Teams located around the country who are also supported by many other New Zealand Red Cross emergency management support volunteers. Our role is focused on looking after people’s emotional and physical welfare.