What we do overseas
In times of natural disasters, conflict, and other emergencies, we respond to the needs of vulnerable people around the world.
New Zealand Red Cross is part of the largest humanitarian network in the world. Through the work of 13 million volunteers, together we reach 150 million people in 190 countries.
We offer help to people who need it regardless of their cultural, religious, or political affiliations. Following our Fundamental Principles, we assist people during times of disaster, conflict, or emergency in a neutral and impartial way.
We support the international community with our International Delegate Programme, our resilience work in the Pacific, fundraising for humanitarian crises overseas, and by helping to restore family links around the world.
International delegates
Our International Delegate Programme recruits skilled people and trains them to work in international humanitarian and development roles overseas. Many other Red Cross National Societies around the world have international delegates ready to provide humanitarian assistance where needed.
Our skilled delegates are stationed overseas to help save lives, alleviate suffering, and maintain human dignity on the front line.
International Delegate Programme information
Our work in the Pacific
When disaster strikes in the Pacific, we are there to offer support. We’ll often send relief items such as water and shelter, provide expertise (delegates) to assist with the response, and raise funds to support National Red Cross Societies.
We also work with 12 Red Cross National Societies across the Pacific to grow capacity and resilience to prepare for a disaster. We train emergency response teams in first aid, disaster preparedness and communications technology.
Read more about our work in the Pacific.
Restoring Family Links
As part of a global humanitarian network with a presence in over 190 countries, we can help connect people who have lost touch with family overseas due to conflict or disaster through our Restoring Family Links service.
International Delegate Programme
New Zealand Red Cross international delegates are skilled Kiwis who work overseas to save lives, alleviate suffering, and maintain human dignity on the front line.
Our work in the Pacific
New Zealand Red Cross partners with Red Cross societies in the Pacific to support vulnerable communities across 12 countries.
Türkiye Syria earthquakes – response and recovery
Information about the Türkiye Syria earthquakes that struck on 6 February 2023 and our role in supporting the response and recovery.
Tonga Tsunami recovery
New Zealand Red Cross is continuing to work with the Tonga Red Cross and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent (IFRC) on how we can best assist with the ongoing recovery.
Afghanistan humanitarian crisis
New Zealand Red Cross is supporting people who fled Afghanistan and are now rebuilding their lives in New Zealand.
Ukraine humanitarian crisis
New Zealand Red Cross is raising funds to support international Red Cross teams on the ground in and around Ukraine.
Pakistan monsoon floods moves to recovery phase
Record-breaking floods have put the lives of millions of people at risk in the largest provinces of Pakistan, with authorities estimating that more than 30 million people have been exposed to the torr…