International treaties already set out protections for astronauts in distress. But when disaster strikes here on Earth, there is still no comprehensive global treaty specifically focused on protecting people. That could be about to change.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has launched its Earth’s Missing Treaty campaign, backed by astronauts from around the world, to build support for a new global treaty to protect people before, during and after disasters.

A year ago, on 23 October 2025, Doug Osborne thought Thursday would be a normal day. The morning had started beautifully with calm skies and sunshine. By lunchtime, everything had changed.

A medical emergency involving your child is every parent’s worst nightmare. For Holly, bringing work home with her ended up being a good thing last year.

Holly had undertaken first aid training through Red Cross. Since her initial training, she became a mother for the first time, welcoming her son Brody into the family. While at home with then 1 year old Brody in Canterbury last October, she noticed her son was choking.

Aotearoa New Zealand, you showed up in a big way. Together, we collected 54,183kg of quality pre-loved clothing during the 2026 Uber x Red Cross Clothing Drive. Thank you to everyone who donated, volunteered, and helped make it happen.

Around 80 New Zealand Red Cross Disaster Welfare and Support Team (DWST) volunteers from around the North Island converged in Tauranga to take part in an emergency exercise as part of the National Emergency Management Agency’s (NEMA) national exercise, Exercise Pacific Wave.