In New Zealand

Who are the people who volunteer their time to help others during a disaster? We introduce you to some members of our Auckland Disaster Welfare and Support Team (DWST).

This year marks an important milestone in international humanitarian law (IHL) – we’re celebrating the 70th anniversary of the 1949 Geneva Conventions.

It’s a misty Monday morning in Auckland, yet there’s chatter and laughter as a group of former refugee women gathers together on what used to be a bowling green.

On 5 August, the Rt Honorable Jacinda Ardern hosted a reception at Parliament celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions. Speaking to MPs, judges, ambassadors, New Zealand Red Cross members and young humanitarian leaders, the Prime Minister recalled the importance of the Conventions.

Olive is a frequent user of our Community Transport service in Otago. Thanks to the help of our friendly drivers like Beverly, she’s able to attend her medical appointments every month and receive moral support during a stressful time.

For Jane and Lisa, volunteering with New Zealand Red Cross has been a journey full of emotions, challenges and friendships. Together, they have helped change the lives of nine former refugee families in Dunedin.

There are many great reasons you should volunteer, but we’ve narrowed these down to the top seven benefits of volunteering to inspire you.

Ubah is a young woman from a refugee background who has creative dreams. She’s gaining useful skills with help from New Zealand Red Cross and a generous member of her community.

We spent a day at the Branch meeting some of our members and those in the community they work alongside.

Francesca is an inspirational young woman with a passion to do good – from raising funds, to training as a disaster response volunteer and being an executive member of O-Red, she is a reminder that young people can be humanitarians.

Today New Zealand Red Cross Meals on Wheels driver Jenny has a busy morning ahead – she needs to deliver 15 meals around Mosgiel.

When the Nelson-Tasman area was threatened by a massive fire in February, Red Cross Disaster Welfare and Support Teams (DWST) from around the country were mobilised to support the response.