Tools and guidance for volunteers
Find useful guidance and tools to support you in your volunteer role.
Information for everyone
Code of Conduct
The Code of Conduct applies to all our staff and volunteers. It is based on the seven fundamental principles of the Red Cross Red Crescent movement.
Read the Code of Conduct (PDF, 1.3MB)
Members' Handbook
The Members' handbook is a detailed document which has everything you need to know about how the New Zealand Red Cross is run. It covers a whole range of procedures including voting in Red Cross elections and managing fundraising and branch finances. It has useful information for anyone who has a role in an Area Council, Branch or Group.
Induction booklet
We run an induction and training programme for new volunteers.
Read more about induction and training
Health, safety and wellbeing
The health, safety and wellbeing of our employees, members and volunteers lies at the heart of everything we do. Our health, safety and wellbeing page has helpful information on:
- reporting accidents, incidents, stress and unacceptable behaviour
- safe driving guidelines
- how to access our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- resources for mental health and wellbeing
- registering for free NZRC Psychological First Aid training
- external helplines and organisations
Visit our health, safety and wellbeing page
Red Cross Brand Standards
There are rules about how we can use the Red Cross emblem and brand. If you are making posters or anything else that has our brand you must follow the brand standards. For help or advice contact communications@redcross.org.nz.
Media and social media
We encourage all our members and volunteers to follow and share New Zealand Red Cross social media channels.
If you have stories to share with the media contact communications@redcross.org.nz
Information for volunteers
We offer a wide range of different types of volunteering opportunities. Some volunteering roles require training or have operational guidance tailored for the role.
Guidance for Disaster Welfare Support team volunteers
Note we are working on this section of the website, and over time plan to include guidance for:
- refugee support volunteers
- volunteer meals on wheels drivers, and
- volunteer retail assistants (Red Cross shops)
In the meantime, you will receive the guidance or operational documents you need by email.
Members' wellbeing survey
To better understand the wellbeing of our members, including volunteers, we’ve sent out a short, secure, and confidential online wellbeing survey.
The survey is open from Monday 18 September to Friday 13 October 2023.
Access to Red Cross systems
Some members and volunteers need access to our systems for their role.
The intranet
Most information for members and volunteers is available on this website. Red Cross does have an intranet, which is a new platform available to elected role-holders and employees. Role-holders include National Board members and councillors from each area council.
To get help with passwords, multi-factor authentication or access to the intranet contact the IT service desk on 04 494 9111.
Aspire Learning
Some specific training is needed for members and volunteers. If you need to complete online training, this can be done through Aspire.
Email learning@redcross.org.nz for help with access to Aspire.
International mobile app 'V-Community'
The International Red Cross Federation manages a mobile app for all Red Cross Red Crescent volunteers around the world.
The V–Community app enables volunteers to connect in their own language with other volunteers from across the globe, to request or offer support via chat, share experiences, stories and messages with fellow volunteers.
The app can translate content into 106 languages