National Board elections

Diane Turner - MNZM, JP (She, Her, Ia)

Bio

Diane is an experienced Chief Executive and senior public sector leader with a career spanning central and local government, Iwi and NGO sectors. She has also contributed her expertise in international settings.

In addition to governance roles aligned with her employment, Diane has served on boards in the philanthropic, education and sports sectors. In 2026 she was elected to the Red Cross Midland Region Area Council.

She has had a long association with the Red Cross through her work in Emergency Management at local, regional and national levels. Her academic qualifications include a Bachelor of Social Sciences and Town Planning and a Master of Business Administration. In 2025 she was awarded the Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for services to governance, seniors and Māori.

Statement

I would welcome the opportunity to contribute to the work of New Zealand Red Cross as a Board member.

My strong governance and senior leadership expertise developed through experience and skills gained working across central and local government, Iwi and non-governmental organisations enables me to connect strategic priorities with practical action. I am able to bring diverse perspectives together and lead with integrity, resilience and purpose. My approach combines strategic insight with a strong focus on people, relationships and delivering meaningful outcomes to the communities I serve.

I am recognised for building credibility and trust across organisational and community boundaries and for developing and enabling the implementation of innovative approaches to complex challenges.

As a skilled and effective communicator, relationship builder and influencer, I have successfully navigated complex stakeholder environments and worked effectively with Ministers, politicians, Boards, Iwi, community groups, and a diverse range of sector partners.

Although relatively new to membership of New Zealand Red Cross, I believe I have the skills and experience to work effectively with colleagues to advance its Mission, and to contribute to the effective governance of this highly respected organisation.

Nominated by Midland Area Council.

Ray Yip (He/Him)

Bio

Kin Wah (Ray) Yip is a commercial operations professional, compliance practitioner, and community volunteer based in Auckland. He is driven by a simple personal ambition: a constant desire to improve himself and to help the people and organisations around him grow together.

This mindset led Ray to actively volunteer across various organisations and community initiatives. He currently serves as the Team Leader for the New Zealand Red Cross South Auckland Disaster Welfare and Support Team (RC07S), leading a team of volunteers in emergency preparedness and deployment operations. Previously, he served as a committee member on the Unitec Research Ethics Committee (UREC), reviewing research proposals against ethical and institutional standards, and has volunteered across numerous community events over the years.

Professionally, Ray works in technical sales support and commercial operations at Abodo Wood, focusing on process improvement, operational risk management, and cross-functional problem solving—including designing a successful inventory recovery process. His background also includes working in regulated corporate governance and AML/KYC compliance with Vistra in Singapore, as well as commercial and retail operations management.

Ray holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Business (Supply Chain & Logistics) at Level 8 from Unitec (GPA 6.25) and a Bachelor of Business Administration. He is multilingual, speaking fluent English, Mandarin, and Cantonese, with intermediate Malay.

Ray brings a practical, grounded, and open-minded approach to everything he does. He values continuous learning, evidence-based decision-making, and strong teamwork, always striving to contribute authentically to his community.

Statement

As the Team Leader for the South Auckland Disaster Welfare and Support Team (RC07S), I thoroughly enjoy working as a frontline volunteer. As I have become more deeply involved with the team, my curiosity about how New Zealand Red Cross functions at a national level has naturally grown. I find myself constantly thinking about how our organisation is run from the top down and asking what a National Board member can realistically do to uphold, strengthen, and support our mission.

My decision to apply comes from a genuine desire to learn, contribute, and take my own professional and personal development to the next level. Over my career, I have built practical experience across commercial operations, supply chain management, ethical governance, and regulatory compliance. I want to test and apply these skills at a national governance level to see if my background can serve as a genuine asset to New Zealand Red Cross.

I will not make bold claims that I will immediately "fix" or "improve" the organisation upon joining. That would be premature and unrealistic. I strongly believe that before jumping to any conclusions or declaring what needs to change, a good leader must first take the time to thoroughly understand the entire system—the operational realities, the governance frameworks, the financial landscape, and the people on the ground. Effective governance starts with listening, observing, and understanding the whole picture before making decisions.

What I bring is a grounded, practical perspective that connects frontline volunteering with commercial and governance discipline:

Frontline and Safety Insight: Leading a team of volunteers through exercises and emergency deployments gives me real, practical experience with volunteer dynamics, retention challenges, and health and safety on the ground.

Commercial and Analytical Thinking: With a Level 8 qualification in Supply Chain Management and experience in commercial operations at Abodo Wood, I bring a practical, process-oriented mindset to problem-solving, resource allocation, and operational risk.

Ethical Oversight and Compliance: My experience in corporate compliance (AML/KYC at Vistra Singapore) and serving on Unitec’s Research Ethics Committee taught me how to evaluate complex risks, follow statutory requirements, and make objective, evidence-based decisions.

I am eager to understand Red Cross at a deeper level, elevate my own skills through board service, and offer a thoughtful, balanced voice to the National Board.

Nominated by Northern Area Council.

Arnold Andrews - MInstD

Bio

Arnold Andrews is a governance professional with experience across local government, community organisations and the not-for-profit sector. His professional career has centred on supporting effective decision-making, strengthening governance practice and helping organisations translate strategy into meaningful outcomes for the communities they serve.

Alongside his professional career, Arnold has built extensive voluntary governance experience across a range of community organisations. His roles have included Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer responsibilities, giving him practical experience in strategic leadership, financial oversight, risk, organisational sustainability, policy development and stakeholder relationships.

Arnold currently serves as an Area Councillor with New Zealand Red Cross, providing him with first-hand experience of the organisation's governance structure and the important role members, volunteers and communities play in advancing its humanitarian mission. He values the Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross and believes strongly in governance that is impartial, accountable, inclusive and focused on service to others.

With an academic background spanning business, accounting, human resources and project management, Arnold brings both financial and organisational perspectives to governance discussions. He is particularly interested in strengthening governance capability, organisational resilience and long-term sustainability.

Arnold is passionate about creating opportunities for diverse and younger voices to participate meaningfully in governance. He brings a collaborative approach, a willingness to ask constructive questions and a strong belief that effective boards must balance strategic ambition with sound stewardship and accountability.

Through service on the National Board, Arnold hopes to contribute his experience and perspective to strengthening New Zealand Red Cross and supporting its continued impact in communities throughout Aotearoa New Zealand.

Statement

I am seeking election to the New Zealand Red Cross National Board because I want to contribute my governance, financial and strategic experience to an organisation whose humanitarian mission and principles I value deeply.

I bring professional governance experience from local government, where I support elected members, senior leaders and decision-making processes, alongside extensive voluntary governance experience across not-for-profit organisations. My board roles have included chairing organisations, providing secretariat leadership, overseeing finances, supporting strategy development and strengthening organisational capability. These experiences have required me to exercise independent judgement, maintain confidentiality, manage competing perspectives and remain accountable for decisions.

I have a strong understanding of good governance, including the importance of clear separation between governance and management, effective delegation, risk oversight, financial stewardship, strategic planning and transparent decision-making. My accounting background and experience as a Treasurer have also strengthened my ability to interpret financial information, consider financial sustainability and contribute constructively to budget and risk discussions. These are areas the National Board specifically identifies as important to its responsibilities.

My experience with New Zealand Red Cross has given me an appreciation of the relationship between members, Area Councils and national governance. I would bring this perspective to the Board while recognising that a National Board member must act in the interests of New Zealand Red Cross as a whole. I am comfortable working collaboratively, challenging constructively where necessary, and contributing to complex discussions while respecting different perspectives.

I also bring a strong commitment to diversity, inclusion and increasing participation by younger people in governance. I believe effective governance is strengthened when boards understand the communities they serve, actively seek diverse perspectives and remain focused on both current needs and long-term organisational resilience.

If elected, I would bring energy, preparation, integrity and a genuine commitment to contributing meaningfully to the National Board. I am particularly motivated by the opportunity to strengthen governance, support long-term financial and organisational sustainability, and help New Zealand Red Cross to continue delivering meaningful impact for communities across Aotearoa New Zealand.

Nominated by East-West Area Council.

Frank de Lange - MBA, BEng (He/Him)

Bio

Frank joined New Zealand Red Cross in 2021 as a Disaster Welfare and Support Team (DWST) volunteer. He is currently Deputy Team Lead and Training Officer for the Taranaki DWST. Previously, he served as the Area Council Chair for the Taranaki Area, Area Chair of the East-West Area and twice as member of National Council.

He has represented volunteers in several significant initiatives, including the Area Model Project Group, Area Model Review Steering Group and the IT Governance Group. He currently serves as volunteer on the Te Ara (Digital Transformation) Programme Board.

Frank has more than 35 years of international operational and business leadership experience working for a major multinational energy company in several countries across the world with distinctively different cultural, organisational and operating environments. He brings operational leadership, governance and organisational change management experience, together with a strong understanding of volunteer perspectives.

Statement

I settled in New Zealand in 2021 and joined New Zealand Red Cross soon afterwards as a Disaster Welfare and Support Team (DWST) volunteer. I am currently Deputy Team Lead and Training Officer for the Taranaki DWST. Previously, I served as the Area Council Chair for the Taranaki Area, Area Chair of the East-West Area and twice as member of National Council.

A particular focus throughout my Red Cross involvement has been ensuring that the voice and experience of volunteers is heard in organisational decision-making. I have represented volunteers in several significant initiatives, including the Area Model Project Group, Area Model Review Steering Group and the IT Governance Group. I currently serve as volunteer on the Te Ara (Digital Transformation) Programme Board. These experiences have given me a broad understanding of New Zealand Red Cross and an appreciation of both the opportunities and challenges involved in implementing change across the organisation.

I also bring more than 35 years of international operational and business leadership experience working for a major multinational energy company in several countries across the world with distinctively different cultural, organisational and operating environments. My career has given me extensive experience in organisational change, strategy, governance, risk management, assurance, developing people and team leadership. I hold an MBA and I’m a certified continuous improvement practitioner.

I am standing for the National Board because I believe that I can make an impactful and constructive contribution to the future of New Zealand Red Cross. I would bring operational leadership, governance and organisational change management experience, together with a strong understanding of volunteer perspectives. I am particularly motivated by supporting New Zealand Red Cross through its change journey while remaining focused on its core humanitarian mission and the people and communities it serves. I can commit the time required and would bring energy, independence, integrity and a strong volunteer perspective to the role.

Nominated by East-West Area Council.

Clare Fearnley (She/Her)

Bio

I am an experienced public sector leader with three decades of experience contributing to strategic policy, organisational leadership, international engagement, and cross-government engagement. This has involved governance, financial stewardship, planning, and accountability, as well as navigating complex geopolitical landscapes and leading large, multicultural teams through periods of significant change and challenge.

I have held diverse roles both onshore and offshore (in Asia, Europe and North America), serving as Ambassador, including heading New Zealand’s largest offshore diplomatic network—comprising four diplomatic posts, 10 government agencies, and several hundred colleagues—during the unprecedented disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic. This involved first-hand experience in crisis management, occupational health and safety and institutional resilience.

My early career included a formative posting to Geneva, where I had responsibility for liaison with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the International Federation (IFRC), embedding a deep, lifelong commitment to the Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross Movement, and to international humanitarian law.

I am an active Red Cross volunteer and have served as President of the Wellington Branch since 2024, thoroughly enjoying all aspects of the role, including hands-on engagement with our volunteer network and wider community.

Statement

I am seeking election to the New Zealand Red Cross National Board, offering broad experience in public sector executive leadership and governance, alongside a deep-seated commitment to the Red Cross humanitarian mission, including at the branch and group level. Having served as a diplomat, a senior public sector leader, and currently as the President of the Wellington Red Cross Branch, I understand both the strategic complexities of national governance and the vital, grassroots reality of our community engagement and impact.

The challenges facing Red Cross today—ranging from escalating climate-driven and other emergencies at home and internationally, to complex financial and operational demands—require a Board with ongoing robust systemic leadership, risk management expertise, and strong institutional stewardship. In the course of my career, I have had the opportunity to lead through volatility. As Ambassador heading New Zealand's largest offshore network during the COVID-19 pandemic, I headed a complex and diverse operation through a period of global disruption. This provided intensive, first-hand experience in crisis management, occupational health and safety, financial accountability, and institutional resilience. I hope to bring this practical experience to the work of the Board to support New Zealand Red Cross in continuing to be agile, effective, and structurally sound.

My relationship with the Red Cross is lifelong and deeply personal. My work at the New Zealand Permanent Mission in Geneva in the mid-1990s gave me direct insight into the international machinery of the ICRC and IFRC, instilling a profound respect for our organisation’s Fundamental Principles—particularly Neutrality, Impartiality, and Independence. I have also maintained a long-term interest in international humanitarian law since undertaking community IHL outreach during an early secondment to the Canadian Foreign Ministry in the early 1990s.

Serving as Wellington Branch President since 2024, I see daily how Red Cross principles translate into local action. I find great joy in engagement with other volunteers and the wider community. As a Board member, I would champion our people, including the voices of our branches, groups, and volunteers in informing our national strategies.

As a member of the National Board, I would seek to contribute to rigorous oversight, collaborative leadership, and a clear strategic vision.

I am committed to a Red Cross that is forward-looking, financially sustainable, and focused in its service to the most vulnerable. It would be a great privilege to earn your support for National Board membership.

Nominated by Central Area Council.

Melanie Taylor

Bio

Melanie has over 20 years’ experience as a public servant in New Zealand and the United Kingdom, working across policy, operations, governance, strategy, and emergency response, including COVID‑19. Her career has been shaped by working in complex, high‑trust environments where sound judgement, collaboration, and practical decision making are essential.

Melanie has extensive experience supporting governance and executive-level decision making, combining strategic thinking with an understanding of operational realities. She is a trusted advisor with strong system‑level insight and a commitment to effective public service.

She holds a deep respect for the Red Cross Fundamental Principles as they align closely with her own professional values and is motivated by the organisation’s role in strengthening community resilience and responding to crises. Melanie is keen to contribute her experience and judgement as an Area Councillor in support of the New Zealand Red Cross’s mission.

Statement

I am deeply motivated by the Red Cross mission and Fundamental Principles—humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality—these align closely with my own professional values and long-standing commitment to public service. I stood for the Central Area Council for this reason and greatly enjoy my role there—the activity our branches do is thoughtful and inspiring. I would like to contribute more, however, and would be comfortable doing so in a governance and strategy capacity, which are my areas of professional experience.

I bring over twenty years’ experience as a public servant in both New Zealand and the United Kingdom, having worked in policy, operations, governance, strategy, and emergency responses (including COVID-19). I am experienced in supporting decision‑making at governance and executive levels, balancing strategy with practical reality, and working as a trusted advisor, and I am part of the formal governance structure in my work in the public service. I'd love an opportunity to use this experience to more deeply contribute to the mahi of the New Zealand Red Cross.

Nominated by Central Area Council.

Michael Templeton - PGDipEmergMgt (He/Him/His)

Bio

My experience in the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors positions me well for this governance role. I have a depth of experience within the New Zealand Red Cross, having served both operationally and in multiple governance capacities.

Since joining 12 years ago, I have been deeply involved in DWST, served on a Branch executive, and been elected to two Area Councils. I have delivered training events across multiple DWST teams and been involved in both the WASH and EOC Technical Groups. In governance, I have overseen improved operational reporting, implemented more stringent financial management, and worked to ensure that our members understand what the organisation is doing and why.

I am passionate about ensuring that our members are actively recognised and celebrated for all that they do and want to make this one of the best organisations to be a part of.

I have spent the last decade involved in public service at both the local and national level. I have previously worked in government accounting and contract management for local government, and I currently work in emergency management for central government.

Statement

I am excited to put myself forward for election to the National Board of the New Zealand Red Cross. I am pragmatic in my approach to governance and look for solutions to problems that best reflect the views of stakeholders, ensuring that they feel heard and consulted. I am experienced in identifying and managing risks and aim to take a long-term view when making decisions that will affect others.

If I am elected, the areas that I would focus on in my first term include: moving us forward to the completion of Strategy 2030, including responding to the mid-review conducted this year and implementing its recommendations where they make sense; streamlining and improving the formal recognition of our people with improvements to the honours and awards process; and ensuring that New Zealand Red Cross is getting maximum value for every dollar we spend, keeping us solvent and well positioned for the future to come.

Nominated by Central Area Council.

Brendon Baddiley

Bio

Brendon joined New Zealand Red Cross in 2009 after completing a first aid course and has remained actively involved ever since.

A long‑serving Disaster Welfare and Support Team volunteer, he has held deputy team leader and team administrator roles and supported responses including the Christchurch earthquakes, Nelson fires, and Cyclone Gabrielle.

Brendon brings extensive operational and volunteer leadership experience, a passion for developing volunteers, and a strong commitment to supporting communities in times of need.

Statement

I am excited to put my name forward for the New Zealand Red Cross National Board. I see it as an opportunity to give back to an organisation and a cause that I deeply admire.

Throughout my time with Red Cross, I have seen first-hand the impact Red Cross can have on people's lives. We have a proud history of supporting communities through emergencies, providing humanitarian assistance, and helping people build resilience. Being able to contribute to that mission at a governance level would be a privilege.

My experiences as a Deputy Team Leader have strengthened my leadership skills and given me valuable insight into strategic thinking, decision-making, risk management, and the importance of strong relationships. More importantly, they have reinforced my belief that good leadership starts with listening and is ultimately about serving others.

I am interested in joining the National Board because I want to contribute my skills and experience in a way that supports the future success of New Zealand Red Cross. I believe governance is an important form of service, helping to ensure organisations remain strong, sustainable, and focused on the communities they exist to support.

I bring a practical perspective, sound judgement, and a collaborative approach. I enjoy working with people from diverse backgrounds, considering different viewpoints, and finding solutions that balance immediate needs with long-term goals.

For me, this is about giving back. I see National Board service as an opportunity to support the incredible work all volunteers and staff do across the country and help ensure New Zealand Red Cross continues to make a positive difference in the lives of people and communities throughout Aotearoa New Zealand.

Thank you for considering me for the National Board position.

Nominated by Canterbury Area Council.

Casey Glover

Bio

I am seeking appointment to the New Zealand Red Cross Board because of my strong commitment to the organisation and my desire to contribute my experience, leadership and knowledge at a national level.

I have been involved with New Zealand Red Cross for 15 years and have developed a deep understanding of the organisation, its people, Fundamental Principles and the communities we serve. Throughout this time, I have taken on leadership responsibilities and worked alongside volunteers, members and community partners to support the work of Red Cross across Canterbury.

For the past 2.5 years, I have had the privilege of serving as Chair of the Canterbury Area Council. This role has strengthened my governance and leadership experience and provided me with a greater understanding of the responsibility involved in representing our members and communities. I have worked to bring people together, encourage participation, listen to different perspectives and provide strong, considered leadership.

I believe I have become a strong leader within the Canterbury Red Cross community and have built valuable relationships through my involvement. I understand the importance of effective governance, collaboration and accountability, while ensuring the voices and needs of our communities are reflected in decision-making.

Alongside my Area Council experience, I have also been actively involved in youth governance for at least ten years. This has given me a strong understanding of the contribution young people bring to Red Cross and the importance of creating genuine opportunities for young people to have a voice in the organisation’s future.

I would bring to the Board 15 years of experience with New Zealand Red Cross, a strong understanding of our organisation and communities, and proven leadership at an Area Council level. During my elected term, I would be committed to helping build a stronger and more engaged membership, while supporting long-term financial stability and sustainability so that New Zealand Red Cross can continue delivering for communities across Aotearoa.

Statement

I am seeking election to the New Zealand Red Cross Board because I want to contribute my experience, leadership and commitment to the continued strength of our organisation.

I have been involved with New Zealand Red Cross for 15 years, giving me a strong understanding of our people, our purpose and the communities we serve. For more than ten years, I have been involved in youth and Area Council governance, providing me with valuable experience in leadership, representation, decision-making and governance.

Nominated by Canterbury Area Council. 

Jayne McAllister (She/Her)

Bio

I offer myself for election to the National Board, and I am honoured to have the opportunity to do so. I started my journey with New Zealand Red Cross firstly as an employee first aid instructor and then flowing naturally to the volunteer side of the organisation.

Having a 19-year history with New Zealand Red Cross, I have a broad experience within the organisation ranging from Invercargill DWST, Invercargill Branch Member and Secretary to Southland Area Council Secretary and then Chair and was instrumental in setting up the curtain bank service in Invercargill. I have also been the Meals on Wheels Coordinator for Invercargill and still enjoy delivering MOW today. Over the years I have sat on various advisory groups and the Area Model Steering Group in 2023.

Professionally outside of Red Cross, I have an extensive background in emergency management. Originally, I was Emergency Management Coordinator for the Southern District Health Board, and then Emergency Management Advisor for Emergency Management Southland, I have also been the community liaison for Safe in the South – a programme focused on building strategies for safer, resilient communities. My broad experience includes a number of response and recovery activities related emergency events from biosecurity incursion to welfare support during the Christchurch earthquakes, Southland 2020 floods and COVID-19.

Currently I am Project Manager Emergency Management for a health trust. I am also a founding trustee and Secretary of Te Rakau Awhina Charitable Trust, which assists with medical costs for people to whom to finances are a barrier to treatment.

I am proud to belong to an organisation whose fundamental principles value humanity and our diverse communities. I believe I have the skills, attributes and governance experience to offer the Board, to work for the future of New Zealand Red Cross and carry it forward.

Statement

Jayne joined Red Cross in 2007 as a first aid instructor and joined the emergency response team as a volunteer, which has led to 19 years of volunteering in Red Cross. Jayne chaired the Southland Area Council from 2016 to 2020 and was awarded Honorary Life Membership in 2023.

Professionally Jayne has an extensive background in emergency management, her broad emergency experience extends from response and recovery activities to community resilience. Currently Jayne is a Project Manager, Emergency Management for a health trust. Jayne has governance experience in the not-for-profit sector.

Nominated by Southern Area Council.

Anna-Marie Thompson (She/Her)

Bio

Anna-Marie Thompson is an experienced commercial leader, community advocate and former New Zealand Red Cross Area Council Chair based on the West Coast.

She served as Chair of the New Zealand Red Cross West Coast Area Council from 2017 to 2023, providing governance and leadership, supporting volunteers and community initiatives, and working with regional and national Red Cross teams.

Anna-Marie is currently Senior Commercial Manager – South Island for Sports Entertainment Network NZ (SENZ), where she leads commercial strategy, revenue development and key stakeholder relationships across the South Island. She previously spent more than a decade with NZME in account management, team leadership and media roles.

She is also a founder, co-owner and Event Manager of AgFest West Coast, established in 2012. Through AgFest she has extensive experience in strategic planning, financial management, sponsorship, major-event delivery, compliance, risk management and developing partnerships across the private, public and community sectors.

Anna-Marie has completed West Coast Management, Leadership and Governance programmes and brings a practical understanding of both commercial organisations and community-based governance.

Her connection to Red Cross is also personal. Her late mother was a long-serving Red Cross volunteer in Australia who was decorated for her service, establishing a family connection with the Movement that Anna-Marie has continued through her own involvement in New Zealand.

She is committed to Red Cross's principles of humanity, impartiality and service and to strengthening resilient communities throughout Aotearoa New Zealand.

Statement

I am putting myself forward for the New Zealand Red Cross National Board because Red Cross has been part of my life for many years, both personally and through my own service to the organisation.

My connection with Red Cross began long before I held a formal role. My late mother was a dedicated Red Cross volunteer in Australia and was decorated for her service. Her commitment to helping others left a lasting impression on me and helped shape my own belief in service, community and the importance of supporting people when they are at their most vulnerable.

I was privileged to serve as Chair of the West Coast Area Council from 2017 to 2023. That experience gave me a strong understanding of Red Cross, its people and its Fundamental Principles, but importantly it also gave me an appreciation of the contribution made every day by volunteers, members and staff in communities throughout New Zealand.

Professionally, I have spent much of my career in commercial and leadership roles. I am currently Senior Commercial Manager – South Island for Sports Entertainment Network NZ, with responsibility for commercial strategy, revenue and key stakeholder relationships. Previously, I held leadership and commercial roles with NZME.

I am also a founder, co-owner and Event Manager of AgFest West Coast. Building AgFest from the ground up has involved strategic and financial planning, risk and compliance, managing major events, developing partnerships and working with businesses, councils, emergency services and community organisations.

I believe this combination of Red Cross experience, commercial knowledge, governance experience and practical community leadership would allow me to make a useful contribution to the National Board.

New Zealand Red Cross is operating in a changing environment. Maintaining financial sustainability, attracting and supporting volunteers, engaging younger generations and ensuring Red Cross remains strongly connected to communities will all require careful governance and clear strategic thinking.

If elected, I would bring an independent and practical perspective to the Board while remaining strongly connected to the people and communities Red Cross exists to serve.

For me, this is also an opportunity to continue a family tradition of service to Red Cross and to contribute to an organisation whose principles and humanitarian mission I deeply value.

Nominated by Upper South Area Council.

Lynette Will

Bio

I have been a dedicated New Zealand Red Cross volunteer for more than 25 years, contributing across a wide range of programmes, leadership, governance, and emergency response activities. Throughout my volunteering journey, I have remained committed to the Red Cross principles of humanity, impartiality, and service to communities.

As a Life Member of New Zealand Red Cross, I have served in numerous volunteer roles, including Disaster Welfare and Support Team (DWST) member, DWST new recruit trainer, refugee resettlement volunteer, and First Aid volunteer. These experiences have enabled me to support individuals and families during emergencies, assist former refugees as they establish new lives in Aotearoa New Zealand, and mentor and develop new volunteers.

My leadership experience includes serving as Branch President, Area Council Member, and currently as a National Council Member (2025-2026). Through these roles I have worked to strengthen volunteer engagement, support effective governance, and contribute to the strategic direction of the organisation.

In my professional life, I was the Chair of the College of Air and Surface Transport Nurses, providing national leadership for nurses working in patient transport and retrieval services across New Zealand. This role has strengthened my skills in governance, stakeholder engagement, advocacy, and strategic planning.

Over the past two and a half decades, I have seen firsthand the difference that dedicated volunteers can make in the lives of vulnerable people and communities. I remain passionate about ensuring New Zealand Red Cross continues to be a strong, inclusive, and resilient organisation, supported by empowered volunteers and effective leadership at every level.

Statement

I am seeking election because I am passionate about the future of New Zealand Red Cross and the vital role our volunteers play in supporting communities across Aotearoa New Zealand.

As a Life Member with more than 25 years of volunteer service, I have gained experience across many areas of the organisation, including as a Disaster Welfare and Support Team (DWST) member, DWST new recruit trainer, refugee resettlement volunteer, and First Aid volunteer. These roles have given me a strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing both our volunteers and the communities we serve.

I have also served as Branch President, Area Council Member, and am currently a National Council Member (2025-2026). Through these leadership and governance roles, I have developed a broad understanding of Red Cross operations, volunteer engagement, and the importance of balancing local needs with national priorities.

Professionally, I served as Chair of the College of Air and Surface Transport Nurses, a national leadership position that has strengthened my governance, strategic planning, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement skills. My career in healthcare has reinforced the importance of collaboration, accountability, and evidence-informed decision making.

If elected, I will continue to be a strong advocate for volunteers, recognising that they are the heart of our organisation. I believe in listening to diverse perspectives, fostering respectful and inclusive discussions, and supporting decisions that strengthen Red Cross for the future. I am committed to ensuring that our organisation remains responsive to community needs, supports volunteer development, and upholds the Fundamental Principles that guide our work.

My combination of frontline volunteering experience, leadership within Red Cross, governance experience, and professional expertise allows me to contribute a practical, informed, and collaborative perspective. I would be honoured to continue serving the members of New Zealand Red Cross and to help ensure the organisation remains strong, resilient, and ready to meet future challenges.

Thank you for your consideration and support.

Nominated by Southern Area Council.