New Zealand Red Cross

08/05/2026

As we mark World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, we’re sharing reflections from a recent conversation between New Zealand Red Cross Secretary General Sarah Stuart-Black and International Committee of the Red Cross Regional Director Régis Savioz.

Working together as a global Movement is critical to protecting people in conflict. Across more than 190 countries, Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies support communities while upholding the rules designed to limit suffering in war.

Today, international humanitarian law remains as important as ever. On World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, we stand on the side of humanity and recognise those who continue this work every day.

Read more on our website: www.redcross.org.nz/about-us/news/our-stories/standing-on-the-side-of-humanity-this-world-red-cross-and-red-crescent-day

08/05/2026

Ahead of World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, we’re sharing insights from a recent conversation between New Zealand Red Cross Secretary General Sarah Stuart-Black and International Committee of the Red Cross in the Pacific Regional Director Régis Savioz.

Humanitarian needs are increasing, driven by conflict and climate-related emergencies. Across the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, teams are working together more proactively to support communities when it matters most.

As Régis reflected during the conversation, “the sense of the ‘we’ in this region” and learning from and supporting one another is where the Movement can make the biggest difference.

On World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, we stand on the side of humanity and recognise the millions of members, volunteers and employees supporting communities in times of crisis.

Read more on our website: www.redcross.org.nz/about-us/news/our-stories/standing-on-the-side-of-humanity-this-world-red-cross-and-red-crescent-day

04/05/2026

Write your Will today for free through our trusted partner, Footprint, New Zealand’s largest online Will provider. It only takes on average 15 minutes to complete online, with a full professional review, plus Footprint offers free physical Will storage and registers your Will on the New Zealand Will Registry.

While not required, leaving a gift in your Will to New Zealand Red Cross ensures your values can live on for future generations. You can learn more by visiting our page on Footprint's website: https://partners.myfootprint.co.nz/new-zealand-red-cross

Welcome to the Footprint family New Zealand Red Cross ❤️

New Zealand Red Cross is part of the largest humanitarian network in the world.

They support thousands of people impacted by disasters, conflict, and emergencies both here in Aotearoa New Zealand and around
the globe. Their work reaches people from all walks of life, offering help without regard to cultural, religious, or political beliefs.

We are proud to be able to support this incredible charity and the important work they do through bequests and legacy giving so they can continue to be Here for Humanity for generations to come 🙌

28/04/2026

Across the Middle East, civilians are facing devastating humanitarian consequences from ongoing conflict.

In Lebanon, recent large-scale airstrikes in densely populated areas have caused significant loss of life and widespread displacement. Families are being forced to flee with little warning, and hospitals are under pressure.

In Lebanon, 140,000 people are currently taking refuge across 680 collective shelters. While any pause in fighting brings some relief, it does not end humanitarian needs.

Our Red Cross Red Crescent Movement partners are responding on the ground. The Lebanese Red Cross is providing emergency medical care, search and rescue, and essential humanitarian assistance, supported by the International Committee of the Red Cross and International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

You can help those affected by the ongoing conflict. Donate now to our Middle East Humanitarian Crisis Appeal: https://www.redcross.org.nz/support-us/our-current-appeals/middle-east-humanitarian-crisis-appeal

27/04/2026

Around 15% of working-age adults live with a mental disorder. While work provides structure, social connections, a sense of purpose, identity, and financial security, it can also generate psychosocial risks for those that may be struggling in silence.

The theme for this year’s World Day for Safety and Health at Work is mental health in the workplace. Promoting safer and more supportive workplaces – and improving access to support mechanisms – is something our First Aid team is truly passionate about.

New Zealand Red Cross provides a range of public and exclusive first aid courses, dedicated to mental health and wellbeing. These courses are a way to equip yourself (and your co-workers) with crucial knowledge that develops strong skills when it comes to facing mental health distress.

To learn more, have a look at our mental health and wellbeing courses: https://www.redcross.org.nz/first-aid/mental-health-courses

24/04/2026

This Anzac Day we remember the contributions of all New Zealanders who have supported our mission to improve the lives of vulnerable people since the early days of Red Cross in Aotearoa New Zealand.

During the First and Second World Wars, all over Aotearoa, Red Cross volunteers — mostly women — spent hours making goods, receiving items from others, checking their quality, and packing them to send overseas. The driving force behind raising money and sending parcels was the huge emotional toll of war. Grief and loss could be poured into collective efforts at a time when everyone was suffering.

Today, our global Movement is present in conflict zones across the world, supporting people in their moments of greatest need. We thank and remember all those who have sacrificed their safety and comfort to help people in need.

21/04/2026

Has that winter jacket sitting in your wardrobe been replaced? It's got another life to live.

Pass on what you no longer wear and help give pre-loved pieces in good condition a second chance. Natural fibres, that already worn-in feeling – some things just get better with time.

Drop your clothing donations in-store while we’re open today and let someone else fall in love with them.

Recycle for good at your nearest Red Cross Shop: https://www.redcross.org.nz/about-us/contact-us/map-of-new-zealand-red-cross-locations

20/04/2026

Our thoughts are with North Island communities affected by heavy rain and flooding over the past 48 hours.

Disaster Welfare and Support Team members have been on the ground in Ōhura working alongside Civil Defence at an evacuation centre, carrying out welfare checks and supporting those in need. We’re ready to respond if we’re needed in other communities.

With more wet weather on the way please continue to check MetService New Zealand for the latest weather updates and warnings and keep an eye on your local NZ Civil Defence Group for the latest information for your location.

Take care everyone.

15/04/2026

Looking for an amazing deal on denim? Our Red Cross Shops have partnered with Calvin Klein to bring you a fantastic offer!

From today until the end of June, take any pair of pre-loved, good quality jeans into a Calvin Klein Lifestyle store and you will receive a $20 voucher to spend on a new pair in-store at Calvin Klein! There are two Calvin Klein stores to choose from, in Wellington Central or Queenstown.

Your pre-loved denim will find a new home with an eagle-eyed shopper at one of our Red Cross Shops. Swapping dated for designer has the added bonus of helping Red Cross to support people and communities experiencing vulnerability, here and overseas. Find out more about the denim trade-in initiative here: https://www.calvinklein.co.nz/trade-in-your-denim

15/04/2026

Cyclone Vaianu swept across the North Island on Sunday, bringing damaging winds and heavy rain, and causing widespread disruption including evacuations, power outages, flooding and road closures.

New Zealand Red Cross Disaster Welfare and Support Team members and local branch emergency management support volunteers were on the ground alongside Civil Defence and partner organisations, supporting affected communities in Auckland, Hawke’s Bay, Tauranga and Waikato.

Our teams helped with voluntary evacuations ahead of the cyclone’s arrival, assisted at Civil Defence Centres and community information hubs, and provided emotional and practical support to people in need.

A huge thank you to all Red Cross people who stepped up to support these communities during the cyclone.

We also acknowledge our donors and our Disaster Response Alliance partners, ASB Bank and Woolworths New Zealand, whose support enables us to continue helping communities in need.

Find out more about how we supported communities during Cyclone Vaianu. https://www.redcross.org.nz/about-us/news/our-stories/new-zealand-red-cross-supports-communities-during-cyclone-vaianu

12/04/2026

Our thoughts are with everyone sheltering from Cyclone Vaianu.

Our emergency management team members are on the ground, working closely with Civil Defence and local organisations.

Across the North Island, our Disaster Welfare and Support Team and other supporting members are:

• Assisting Civil Defence Centres in Waiheke Island, Warkworth, Wellsford and Mount Maunganui; and
• Helped with welfare checks and voluntary evacuations in Port Waikato.

We’ll continue to support communities as the situation develops. New Zealand Red Cross is here for you – stay safe, everyone.

Please continue to check NZ Civil Defence for the latest information for your location, and keep an eye on MetService New Zealand for the latest updates and warnings.