In New Zealand

“You didn’t have time to process until you were away from the place. It was mentally and physically exhausting” explains, New Zealand Red Cross disaster response volunteer, Trudy Taylor, as she reflects on the Canterbury earthquakes 10 years on. 

Ali Mashal was separated from his family at the age of 15 when he was forced to flee Afghanistan. His story is one of survival, hope and determination. 

The plan to settle 210 people is a promising start and New Zealand Red Cross is hopeful the Government will now prioritise meeting its policy of settling 1,500 people annually.

When Plimmerton resident, Emma Fromings, received a visit from one of our Red Cross disaster response volunteers, Nikki Carver, following a severe weather event, she was still in shock. But having someone from Red Cross to talk to made all the difference.

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.