Not long ago, Alva Linton's kitchen became a genuinely dangerous place for her to be. Alva, who is trying to avoid a second knee replacement, if possible, found the solution through Meals on Wheels, a different volunteer delivering a hot meal to her door each day of the week, rain or shine.

On the spur of the moment, and thanks to a Facebook ad, newly arrived immigrant, Jocel Garcia, decided to give volunteering for New Zealand Red Cross a go. She saw a call for volunteers for Meals on Wheels volunteers and decided it would be a meaningful way to give back after a corporate career in Manila in the Philippines, as well as a fantastic way to get to know her new neighbourhood.

Bradley is a large, unbothered, faintly aristocratic cat — "Garfield's cousin," according to his owner, Jacquie Hurst — and he has Meals on Wheels figured out to the day. "I think he just knows the days of the week," Jacquie says. She started receiving Meals on Wheels around three years ago, after a stay in hospital, on the advice of a nurse.

International treaties already set out protections for astronauts in distress. But when disaster strikes here on Earth, there is still no comprehensive global treaty specifically focused on protecting people. That could be about to change.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has launched its Earth’s Missing Treaty campaign, backed by astronauts from around the world, to build support for a new global treaty to protect people before, during and after disasters.

A collection of treasured items telling part of New Zealand Red Cross’ history has found a permanent home at Te Papa Tongarewa | Museum of New Zealand, where they will be cared for and preserved for generations to come.