Two of the wettest days in over a hundred years left a number of Dunedin and Otago people without safe homes or stranded away from home last week.

Araiteuru Marae in Ōtepoti | Dunedin hosts a weekly event, Pātaka Ora. For the past few years, it has been a place for anyone to meet people from different cultures.

As Jaafar Imran recalls this chilling warning, it is hard to imagine the struggles the family went through to begin a new life in New Zealand. Along with his wife, Ghusoon Khasmir, and four children – Sajjad, Mustafa, Murtadha and Fatimah – Jaafar recently celebrated his one year Kiwi anniversary, settling into their new lives in Dunedin.

Amelia and Hamish MacArthur both received an Honorary Life Membership, awarded to people who’ve given remarkable service and dedication to Red Cross.

Kath Cosgrove received an Honorary Life Membership, awarded to people who’ve given remarkable service and dedication to Red Cross. From earthquakes, to fires, and floods, Kath’s seen many disasters during 15 years as a disaster welfare and support volunteer.