New Zealand Red Cross members and volunteers are at the heart of our work. Red Cross awards are one way of thanking people who give their time and effort to support our work.

New Zealand Red Cross awards

Eligibility

All Red Cross members, volunteers, staff, supporters of the Red Cross (including individuals, groups and businesses) are eligible for an award if they meet the criteria.

The eligibility criteria for each award are described in the Members Handbook. Staff, branches, groups and area councils may nominate anyone for an award if they meet the criteria.


Nominate someone for an award

Step 1

Complete the nomination form which is Appendix 4D of the Members Handbook.

Write no more than 300 words about the nominee. This can be used as a draft citation where required. See guidance in the Members Handbook on how to write a good summary.

Step 2

Send the nomination form to your service centre.

The deadline for National Award nominations is 1 July so there is time to assess the nominees before the annual National Council meeting in November each year.

Service centre information


2021 recipients

Honorary Life Membership 

Audrey Bruce – Tinwald 
Pater MacKay – Bay of Plenty Area Council 
Michel Gordon – Napier 
Robyn Gordon – Napier 
Philippa Parker – Taranaki Area Council 

National Certificate of Commendation Award 

Rod McCloy – DWST, Marlborough  
Kate Burton – DWST, Marlborough 
Tony Fenemor – DWST, Marlborugh 

National Certificate of Appreciation Award 

Reuben Tucker – NZRC Foundation Trustee, retired
Joan Hay – East Coast Area Council  

Jennifer Clark Memorial Scholarship 

Mikaela Hight 

Service Award – 70 Years 

Mary Miles – Tinwald  
Ailsa Lovett – Tinwald  

Service Award – 60 Years 

Rachel (Rae) Lissette – Napier 
Allen Little QSM, JP – Levin  

Service Award – 50 Years 

Alice Gumby – Katikati 
Lynette Jones – Blenheim 
Liana Cockerill – Napier  

Service Award – 45 Years

Jocelyn Rooney – Tauranga 
Lorna Wills – Palmerston North 

Service Award – 40 years 

Audrey Bruce – Tinwald 
Janette Dowie – Ashburton 
Patricia Weir – Ashburton  

Our other awards

New Zealand Red Cross Counsellor of Honour

This is the highest honour awarded by New Zealand Red Cross. It recognises achievement and merit of the highest degree of service by a member or staff of New Zealand Red Cross.

The National Council will only appoint a member as a counsellor of honour on the recommendation of the National Board. The National Board must be unanimous in their recommendation. 

The maximum number of counsellors of honour at any one time is 20. 

New Zealand Red Cross Medal of Honour 

This prestigious award recognises outstanding, society-changing achievement and service by a member of New Zealand Red Cross.

New Zealand Red Cross Distinguished Service Award 

This award recognises distinguished service by a member, staff member or, in special circumstances, a non-New Zealand Red Cross person. Only New Zealand Red Cross service may be considered for this award.

New Zealand Red Cross International Service Award 

This award recognises distinguished service by people who serve New Zealand Red Cross internationally with evidence of exceptional contributions to the assignments undertaken. This award is open to members and staff of New Zealand Red Cross.

Meritorious Service Award

This award recognises outstanding service by a member, staff member or, in special circumstances, a non-New Zealand Red Cross person. Only New Zealand Red Cross service may be considered for this award.

New Zealand Red Cross Honorary Life Member 

Honorary Life Membership is a category of membership of New Zealand Red Cross. The award recognises members of New Zealand Red Cross who have given remarkable service or dedication in the advancement of the aims and ideals of New Zealand Red Cross.

New Zealand Red Cross Certificate of Commendation 

This certificate is awarded to people who have made a special noteworthy contribution to the work of New Zealand Red Cross at a branch, area or national level.

New Zealand Red Cross Certificate of Appreciation 

This certificate is awarded to people who have made a special noteworthy contribution to the work of New Zealand Red Cross at a branch, area or national level, but who do not qualify for a higher award.

National Society Achievement Award

This award is for the purpose of recognising outstanding achievement by a Pacific Island Red Cross Red Crescent National Society. The achievement must be of definite and precise nature in a particular activity.

Jennifer Clark Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship to the value of $2000 to attend a course, recognises past National Board member Jennifer Clark, as a passionate advocate for the development of youth, by way of an annual scholarship. Established in December 2010 with the permission of Jennifer’s family. 

New Zealand Red Cross Service Award

Service Awards recognise the contribution given to New Zealand Red Cross by members and staff over a period of time.

International awards

The Florence Nightingale Medal

The Florence Nightingale Medal is the highest international Red Cross honour that can be awarded to a nurse. It honors nurses or nursing aids who have worked as international delegates and shown exceptional courage and a devotion to victims of armed conflict or natural disaster.

It is also awarded to nurses who demonstrate outstanding service and a pioneering spirit in the areas of public health and nursing education.

  • Felicity Gapes – 2019
    Read about Felicity's award
  • Gail Corbett – 2017
  • Guru Dev Singh – 2017
  • Barbara Turnbull – 2017
  • Graham Zinsli – 2015
  • Janet Askew – 2013
  • Andrew Cameron – 2011
  • Joyce Hood – 2009
  • Marian Whittingham – 2007
  • Geraldo Cruz Pires-Ribeiro – 2001
  • Margaret Ann Bryson, Order of Merit – 1999
  • Louisa Akavi – 1999
  • Sheryl Thayer (posthumous) – 1997
  • Judith Owen – 1995
  • Wendy Smith – 1993
  • Philippa Parker – 1993
  • Jennifer McMahon – 1991
  • Glenys Rodger-Checch – 1987
  • Megan Crisp – 1981
  • Ngaire Simpson – 1975
  • Moya McTamney – 1969
  • Muriel Jackson – 1965
  • Mary Gidall – 1963
  • Doris Ramsy – 1961
  • Edith Rudd – 1961
  • Flora Cameron – 1959
  • Catherine Wells – 1957
  • Edan House – 1951
  • Helen Crooke – 1949
  • Irene Campbell – 1947
  • Hester Maclean – 1920