In New Zealand

Following the Christchurch terror attack, it will be a long journey to rebuild communities where people feel safe again. This World Refugee Day, June 20, New Zealand Red Cross is urging Kiwis to reach out a hand of friendship to former refugees in their communities.

When Mr Mohammadi arrived in New Zealand six years ago he was on his own and had just basic English. Fast forward to 2019 and his perseverance and a passion to change the world has helped him graduate with an honour’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Canterbury.

Jennifer Lillas is a Refugee Support Volunteer in Hamilton who has been going the extra mile to help families new to the city.

Get to know Campbell, a dedicated Area Councillor and Disaster Welfare and Support Team member who has been responding to emergencies as part of Red Cross for ten years.

It’s a wet Tuesday morning in Invercargill, but it’s with a warm smile that Betty Wilson opens the door to Kevin Whitney, a New Zealand Red Cross Meals on Wheels driver.

The November 2016 earthquake saw Hurunui resident Erica Robertson’s insulation tossed around the ceiling and fireplace thrown across the room. Winters on the South Island’s East Coast are chilly, and her house had already been hard to heat.

Carol Ball, one of our National Humanitarian Development Managers, is third generation Red Cross. Her family’s involvement spans over 104 years, to when Red Cross groups first formed in New Zealand.

It’s been two months since Hassan made Christchurch home. With a helping hand from his Refugee Support Volunteer, he’s already started taking English classes, got his Learner driver’s licence and is looking to join a Kiwi football team.

Abdal and Rebecca have a heart of gold. Recently married, they didn’t want the wedding to be just about themselves, so they came up with a unique idea – a gift registry for former refugees.

Fadwa Alkak is a teacher, a sister, a sewer and a Kiwi. Stitch by stitch, she is creating a new life in New Zealand.

From being Branch President to joining his local Disaster Welfare and Support Team and finding time to deliver Meals on Wheels, Kevin Whitney is a man of many Red Cross hats.

It felt like any other day in the office for New Zealand Red Cross First Aid Trainer, Alan. That’s until he received an alert – mid-class – that someone was having a real medical emergency just 200 metres away.