Every year on 20 June, we mark World Refugee Day to honour the courage of millions of people who have been forced to leave their homes. The day is also an opportunity to reaffirm our collective responsibility to ensure they are welcomed, included, and supported. Across Aotearoa New Zealand, events large and small were held to honour refugee-background communities, amplify their voices, and encourage connections.

When Ayman arrived in Palmerston North in June 2024, he carried a mix of hope and uncertainty. After spending his childhood in a refugee camp in Bangladesh, Aotearoa New Zealand offered a safe place with opportunities – yet everything was unfamiliar. The language, education system and even the rhythm of daily life were all new. The path ahead felt both exciting and uncertain.

A ‘save the date’ on the Manawatū calendar, the Palmerston North Book Sale over King’s Birthday Weekend is annual proof of how our members and branches are here for humanity.

A ‘save the date’ on the Manawatū calendar, the Palmerston North Book Sale over King’s Birthday Weekend is annual proof of how our members and branches are here for humanity.

The Palmerston North Book Sale is one of the biggest community fundraiser for New Zealand Red Cross. Every year, for more than 30 years, the community gets together each King’s Birthday Weekend to fill three halls with books, jigsaws, DVDs and CDs.