In New Zealand

2020 has been a year like no other. Here are 20 photos capturing the humanitarian spirit in the toughest of times in 2020.

Gift giving is a practice that is often associated with the festive holiday season. In a garage somewhere in the town of Wairoa, however, this kind gesture is something that is observed all year round – and it is a commitment that started with a lovely lady named Colleen Grey.

When the harbour wall extension in Dunedin required the expertise of stone masons, New Zealand Red Cross’ Pathways to Employment team saw the perfect opportunity for skilled former refugees from Syria. 

Law students from Victoria University of Wellington have taken out New Zealand Red Cross’ mock war crimes trial and will go on to represent Aotearoa in an international competition.

Like the rest of the world, Nicky van Praagh found out about the Whakaari/White Island eruption while watching the news. A few days later, she would be a part of New Zealand Red Cross response to the unprecedented emergency. A year on, she reflects on her experience.   

 With support from New Zealand Red Cross' Pathways to Employment programme, Zay Oo has has been able to rediscover his passion for electrical work, embarking on a apprenticeship that will see him become a qualified electrician in the next three years.

Kere and her children had just moved into their house when the wild weather hit Napier in November 2020. Situated at the top of Bluff Hill, they were relatively safe from the threats of flooding – but this did not leave them any less vulnerable to the heavy downpour’s impact. Fortunately, they were surrounded by good and ready neighbours.

Going through adolescence can be hard enough, but when other challenges are added, such as settling in a new country, adapting to a different culture and learning another language, life can be bit tougher for our young people.

For International Volunteer Day, we're celebrating 20 Kiwi humanitarians who have been a difference in 2020. Meet these incredible people.

As we approach the 10-year anniversary of the 2011 February Canterbury earthquake, New Zealand Red Cross is inviting current and former Greater Christchurch residents (which includes Christchurch City, Waimakariri and Selwyn) to participate in a survey aimed at better understanding their recovery.

For Evangeline, a Plimmerton resident whose property has been affected in the recent flood, the sight of a Red Cross volunteer came as huge relief.

Chetan Arekar’s journey to New Zealand was only meant to last three months. However, due to COVID-19, he found himself stuck here longer than excepted - seven months to be exact, without work and with no way of getting home. He was relieved to find out about the support available through Visitor Care Manaaki Manuhiri.