Woolworths New Zealand has launched a fundraising initiative in response to the severe weather events in February 2026 that have affected communities across Aotearoa New Zealand. Funds raised will support New Zealand Red Cross in helping communities affected by emergencies and contributing to future domestic disaster responses.

In recent days, intense monsoon rains and a series of powerful storms have caused widespread flooding and landslides across Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Malaysia. Rivers have burst their banks, entire neighbourhoods have been destroyed, and families have had to flee at short notice as water levels rose rapidly. Tragically, more than 1,400 people have lost their lives, with many still unaccounted for and millions affected across the region.

Over this past year, we’ve continued to support vulnerable people at home and overseas, while making progress to achieve our 10-year strategic plan.

When Dudley and Lee-Ann Morgan moved to the Otago township of Lawrence in July, they thought they’d left the worst of life’s storms behind. But just a few months later, their new town was struck by a violent weather event that tore through the region leaving them clinging, quite literally, to their greenhouse.

This week marks both the International Day of Disaster Risk Reduction and New Zealand’s national ShakeOut drill, led by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and supported by New Zealand Red Cross.

Our Director of Domestic Operations, Jackie Bubb, reflects on why creating a culture of preparedness is key to building resilient communities in Aotearoa New Zealand.