Induction and training


One of the benefits of joining New Zealand Red Cross is access to training and development opportunities.
Induction
When you join New Zealand Red Cross you will receive an induction that introduces you to our organisation, our mission and fundamental principles.
You'll learn about how our organisation is connected to international Red Cross societies, what programmes and activities we offer, and how we are governed.
Find out about upcoming induction courses.
Learning online
Some volunteers need access to our e-learning platform called 'Aspire'. If you need access for your role the learning and development team will create a login for you when you start. For help with Aspire, email learning@redcross.org.nz.
It is free to register for the global online learning community run by the International Federation of Red Cross. There are over 150 free courses in many languages. The topics include migration, preparing for disasters, leadership and many others.
Register for the IFRC Online Learning Platform
Training for volunteer roles
In some volunteer roles you will complete a training course before you start volunteering.
These roles include:
- refugee support volunteers
- DWST volunteers
- Meals on Wheels drivers, and
- retail shop volunteers.
You will receive more information about training when you register to volunteer.
Upcoming induction courses
DNA of the Red Cross
DNA of the Red Cross is a three-hour workshop for Red Cross people run by Dr Rebecca Dudley our principal advisor of International Humanitarian Law. It provides an engaging, participatory introduction to the key elements of Red Cross identity:
- International Humanitarian Law
- our fundamental principles and
- the values underlying these.
This induction session is highly recommended for new Red Cross people and is a useful refresher for those who have been around for a while.
Session times
Dunedin – 4 October, 6:30 to 9:30 pm
This is an opportunity for people in or near Dunedin to join an in-person session at the Dunedin Service Centre. Please register with your name, role, and email address at otago@redcross.org.nz before 30 September. Please note places are limited.
Wellington – 10 October, 10 am to 1 pm
This is an in-person session at Red Cross House, 69 Molesworth St Training Room 2, Level 1.
Online session – 13 October, 10 am to 1 pm
To register provide your name, role, email address and the date of the session you want. Email: IHL.Volunteer@redcross.org.nz before 3 October, Tuesday.
Joining instructions and materials will be sent out a few days ahead of the session.

Dr Rebecca Dudley
About Dr Rebecca Dudley
Dr Rebecca Dudley has been our IHL Advisor since August 2016, working on legal frameworks that can protect vulnerable people in humanitarian emergencies. She has 30 years' experience as a trainer, as well as in advocacy and policy roles, in areas including:
- sexual and gender-based violence
- community development
- human rights
- transitional justice in post-conflict societies.
Related content
Learn about our history and our work over the last century.
Our history and what we stand for
Find out more from our International Humanitarian Law (IHL) advisor, Rebecca Dudley as she explains the Red Cross’ seven fundamental principles: Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity, and Universality.