On 14 November 2016, a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck Kaikōura and surrounding areas of the upper South Island, with significant impacts also felt in Wellington. Ten years later, we remember the people and communities affected and everyone who stepped in to help.

Not long ago, Alva Linton's kitchen became a genuinely dangerous place for her to be. Alva, who is trying to avoid a second knee replacement, if possible, found the solution through Meals on Wheels, a different volunteer delivering a hot meal to her door each day of the week, rain or shine.

On the spur of the moment, and thanks to a Facebook ad, newly arrived immigrant, Jocel Garcia, decided to give volunteering for New Zealand Red Cross a go. She saw a call for volunteers for Meals on Wheels volunteers and decided it would be a meaningful way to give back after a corporate career in Manila in the Philippines, as well as a fantastic way to get to know her new neighbourhood.

On Saturday 7 November we held our 95th National Council Annual General Meeting in Wellington. National Council is our highest governing body and is responsible for electing our National President, National Board members, and National Youth Representative.

Many of Invercargill’s loved but unridden bikes are getting a second lease of life thanks to BestStart Waihopai Kindy and New Zealand Red Cross. Donated bikes are making a difference for former refugee families settling in Southland.