SUMMER 2012  Volume 4
A Red Cross call
After a separation lasting almost fifty years the Ivanovich family was reconnected in days, thanks to the Red Cross Movement.
Red Cross farewells Penny Mason steps down as President.
Power to Walk and Work again
New Zealand Red Cross donations giving people a second chance.
A
s 2012 draws to a close we can reflect on the successes and learnings during the year, and the knowledge that our organisation has the experience, expertise and knowledge to continue in 2013 to make a difference to people’s lives. New Zealand Red Cross has after extensive consultation and consideration developed a strategy through to the year 2020. The strategy was recently endorsed by New Zealand Red Cross’ National Council and we would now like to widely share this. It will shortly be available to be viewed on our website www.redcross.org/aboutus/publications This year we have taken an innovation approach with Michael Van de Elzen or “TVNZ’s Food Truck guy”, joined by a film crew, going around the country to bring strategy 20/20 to life, learning about the dedication and enthusiasm of our volunteers, members and staff who are making a real difference to the lives of vulnerable people every day. The strategy 20/20 video sets the scene for us through to the end of this decade, with greater understanding and new learnings, committed to remaining relevant in an ever changing world. It is a compelling reflection and forward focus for us all. Please feel free to watch this video on Red Cross’ youtube channel, once you have finished reading Always Red. Thank you for your continued support, and have a safe and relaxing Summer.
John R. Ware Chief Executive
In this issue 2.
A Red Cross call
4.
New Zealand Red Cross reaching the world
After a separation lasting almost fifty years the Ivanovich family was reconnected in days, thanks to the Red Cross Movement.
Aid workers are sent around the world every year to make a difference and help others in great need.
12.
Red Cross farewells
16.
Power to Walk and Work again
New Zealand Red Cross National President has served her term, she reminisces, and Red Cross says goodbye for now.
New Zealand Red Cross donations giving people a second chance.
26.
Kate and Roxy an enviable Red Cross Duo
A Red Cross retail volunteer and her best friend, who has given her freedom
New Zealand Red Cross ALWAYS RED Official National Newsletter of New Zealand Red Cross ISSN 2253-2250 (Print) ISSN 2253-2269 (Online)
National Office PO Box 12140, Wellington 69 Molesworth Street, Thorndon, Wellington 6144 Phone: 04 471 8250 Fax: 04 471 8251
Summer 2012  Volume 4
Email: national@redcross.org.nz Website: www.redcross.org.nz
National President Penny Mason
Editor: Justine Turner Email: justine.turner@redcross.org.nz
Chief Executive John R. Ware
Design & Print: MakeReady Email: info@makeready.co.nz
New Zealand Red Cross and 188 other National Societies are members of the International Federation of Red Cross Red Crescent Societies. Together with the International Committee of the Red Cross, they make up the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. It is an independent humanitarian organisation based on the fundamental principals of Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity and Universality. New Zealand Red Cross is dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable people by mobilising the power of humanity and enhancing community resilience.
A Red Cross call A
phone call one evening from New Zealand Red Cross changed a Hamilton family’s life for the better. They were no longer alone; they were part of a large family, a family desperate to reconnect. After a separation lasting more than fifty years the Ivanovich family was reconnected in days, thanks to the Red Cross Movement.
pictures of us,” said Radimir’s youngest child Tony Ivanovich, who took the call. “I was shocked, surprised but then incredibly excited. Dad had never talked much about the past, who he was and if we had family; I think he thought there was no one alive, but we were lucky to escape and that was all we needed. We all had a feeling it was tough, what he had been through and although we saw the bullet wounds on his body we didn’t ask. “That is not to say I did not wonder if there was family out there. Sometimes I would punch our surname in Google to see: but nothing.”
Radimir Ivanovich didn’t speak much of his past. He had spent more than half of his life living in camps during the Second World War, before finding solace in New Zealand in 1961 with his wife and two young children. He sent a letter and photos to his family back home in 1965 but received no response.
Sometimes I would punch our surname in Google to see: but nothing
They built a new life in Hamilton, had another child, and all the while Ivanovich’s past was kept a secret even after he died in 2001. But a phone call from New Zealand Red Cross one evening in early 2012 revealed to his children a small piece of this other world.
New Zealand Red Cross had received a message from Red Cross of Montenegro, asking New Zealand Red Cross restoring family links service to establish if members of the Ivanovich family were still living in New Zealand. Ten days later New Zealand Red Cross confirmed the connection and made the call.
“I didn’t believe it at first, I thought this had to be a scam, but I listened and Red Cross knew things, they had 2 NEW ZEALAND RED CROSS
“Ten days was all it took to close 45 years.”
In situations of conflict, where people often become separated, families may never be reunited or know if each other survived. As a part of the Restoring Family Links service, New Zealand Red Cross traces sought individuals thought to be living in New Zealand and sends and receives messages between family members for whom no other form of communication is available when those separations are the result of an armed-conflict, natural disaster or forced migration. The eldest Jovanka, now known as Gianna Sole, was six when the family immigrated to New Zealand: “I wasn’t sure there was any family left, I got the impression we were it. “I believe it was hard for dad, I know both his parents were killed in the war. We heard him talk sometimes and I think he thought there was no life for our family back in Italy.”
Raimiar Ivanovich and his family in Tokoroa New Zealand in 1964.
Reunited. Gianna far left back with her family in Montenegro in November 2012.
Before that phone call I could not tell anyone about my past, now I can 50,000 refugees.
Gianna centre reunited.
A story recently found of their father written in 1975, was all the family knew of their father’s past. Now they are connected to cousins they never knew existed in Montenegro, and are slowly piecing their lives together. Radimir Ivanovich, a Yugoslavian, contracted rheumatic fever so was sent to a hospital in Vienna. Upon his recovery he was captured by the Germans during the Second World War and was taken to a concentration camp in Yugoslavia. He managed to escape to Italy where he stayed until 1945 as one of about
He had lost his parents, the family had been spilt up, and life was trying to survive in an array of camps until 1961; supporting himself, his Italian wife and two small children on $5 a month. Ivanovich then received the news; he later claimed saved their lives. “We were the lucky ones,” he told a local Hamilton paper in 1975. “There are still thousands of refugees in camps in Italy, some whom have been there since 1946…I will always be grateful.” The Ivanovich family had been chosen, as part of a New Zealand government scheme, allowing displaced people to immigrate to New Zealand. Part of the conditions of entry was the family had to be sponsored by a service
organisation (Hamilton Rotary Club) who had to provide them with a furnished home, adequate clothing and employment, while ensuring they were okay until they became self-sufficient. “We have been talking on Skype and swapping photos with our cousins,” Gianna Sole says of how the relationship has now progressed since Red Cross reconnected them. “As a child I was always embarrassed going to school and getting asked about my family, I had nothing to share, but that has changed, soon I will see my family.” Gianna Sole went to Montenegro to visit her cousins in October and November, while Tony’s daughter added her second cousins as friends on Facebook. “We never knew anything,” Tony Ivanovich said “If anyone else is wondering about what if, they should not be afraid, and check to see if Red Cross can help, like they helped us. Before that phone call I could not tell anyone about my past, now I can.” ALWAYS RED 3
New Zealand Red Cross
reaching the world By Lisa Duff
“F
ears Syrian war set to spread”, “Tsunami strikes Samoa”, “Suicide bomber kills nine in “Pakistan”, “Deadly day in Iraq”, “Papua New Guinea battered by king tides.” These are the headlines we see and hear every day; the constant stream of humanitarian crises hitting far too many countries. A lot of these are natural disasters with very little warning, while many are ongoing conflicts that aren’t looking to cease any time soon. However, no matter the circumstances these countries need our help.
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Thanks to New Zealand Red Cross’ aid programme and the wider International Red Cross and Crescent Movement vulnerable people around the world are receiving the assistance they most desperately need. From its humble beginnings in 1960, when physiotherapist Barbara Tomlinson travelled to Morocco to assist people affected by tainted cooking oil, New Zealand Red Cross’ aid programme now has a pool of over 130 trained aid workers. Approximately half of these aid workers are ready to go when needed which makes New Zealand the fourth largest distributor of Red Cross aid workers internationally. “Red Cross is specifically approached as it is the largest and perhaps most reputable humanitarian organisation internationally,” says Aaron Davy, the international operations coordinator for aid programme. “Generally all applications are motivated by an altruistic desire to assist vulnerability in communities, and there is also the sense of adventure that many applicants embody.” Other strong motivators for joining the programme include the opportunity to work in a different cultural context, personal and professional adventure and the experience that people get from working in a developing country. Red Cross aid workers have gone further than just watching disasters
Aid worker Barbara Tomlinson with her medical colleagues in Afghanistan.
unfold on TV, they have put themselves in the frontline to assist some of the most vulnerable people. For aid worker Barbara Turnbull, it was a lifelong desire to join Red Cross that motivated her to join the programme, and has now seen her complete five assignments overseas. “On my first mission I walked to Red Cross’ HQ in Geneva and thought wow I am actually going to be working for them,” she says. As a New Zealand registered nurse with theatre and ward management experience, Barbara has now utilised her skills in some of the world’s most conflict ridden areas. She has had three assignments to Afghanistan (once to Jalalabad and twice to Kandahar), another to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and once to Peshawar, Pakistan. While working as an operating theatre nurse with the ICRC surgical team and as a head nurse on her last assignment, Barbara has worked in extreme environments that are a far cry from anything she has experienced in New Zealand. “Generally the hospitals are not of a standard we enjoy in NZ and the standard of care the patient receives is similarly not as high [therefore] a big part of our job was to train local staff,” explains Barbara. “Unlike in New Zealand not all nursing staff are trained so there are big gaps in their knowledge and skill.”
Aid worker Barbara Tomlinson in Afghanistan.
Another big part of the job for Barbara was teaching local hospital workers
wow I am actually going to be working for them how to care for patients with weapon wounds as per the standards set by the ICRC. “These standards are basic and proven over time so not difficult as such but we just need to ensure that the care is carried out per protocol,” she says. The aid programme works not only to provide immediate help to the sick and wounded, but also ensures vulnerable communities have the right skills and means to look after themselves once the aid has gone. Nurses and health professionals currently make up the majority of aid workers deployed overseas. Just like Barbara many aid workers from around the world are sent by Red Cross to work in hospitals in areas involved in conflict. In these areas they are joined by specialists including security, logistics, IT and water/ sanitation. When it comes to unforeseen disasters such as the tsunami that hit Samoa in 2009, New Zealand Red Cross aid workers become invaluable to the local Red Cross in helping with disaster response. Essential items such as water containers, food and shelter are
ALWAYS RED 5
distributed by New Zealand Red Cross to provide much needed assistance to those affected by natural disasters. To ensure the standard of the work being performed by these aid workers is kept high, all successful applicants to the programme must complete training here in New Zealand. The prerequisite training for any aid worker with Red Cross is the International Mobilisation and Preparation for Action (IMPACT) course. This year on May 14 successful applicants completed the seven day course held at the Royal New Zealand Police College. It is ensured they come away from the course with a complete understanding of everything from the history of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, cross cultural issues, International Humanitarian Law, health and safety and security in the field. Security is a major concern for all aid workers but most importantly those working in conflict ridden areas such as Barbara. “In Kandahar security is very tenuous and as a result there are very strict rules,” says Barbara. “Our lives were restricted to the compound (where the residences and offices are) and hospital.” This ability to work in extreme circumstances and be flexible and adaptable made Barbara an excellent candidate to be an aid worker, and is an essential skill for anyone else wanting to apply for the programme. Newly trained aid worker Erin O’Connor completed the IMPACT course in May and has done further study to ensure she is ready when a spot comes up overseas. “I am doing study myself to improve my knowledge in relation to disaster management and international aid work,” explains Erin.
Erin O’Connor during IMPACT training.
It has always been my goal to do some aid work using my nursing skills and help people who are so much worse off than we are here in New Zealand will benefit the local community. “I am open to going to wherever there is need and learning the ropes from people who have more experience in the aid world” says Erin. “I hope to develop an understanding of the place I am living, its culture, its people.”
Erin has spent a lot of time working overseas but when she is deployed with Red Cross aid programme it will be her first time working in the field as an aid worker.
Erin will be deployed overseas once a suitable mission is available. This can depend on factors such as demand, availability and suitability of the aid worker. The length of time Erin will spend overseas is also dependent on the type of mission.
“It has always been my goal to do some aid work using my nursing skills and help people who are so much worse off than we are here in New Zealand” she says.
“A typical mission is usually about six months” explains Aaron. “But we are commonly seeing shorter three month missions, as well as those that extend out to 12 months”.
Erin is still waiting to hear where she will be sent on her first mission, but wherever it is she is hopeful her work
Then of course as Barbara has done, once an aid worker has completed a mission they can stay in the pool of
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workers and assist whenever necessary. “It is the people who are the most important,” says Barbara of the biggest thing she has taken away from being an aid worker and the reason why she continues to go back. “No matter where you are in the world strive to look after the people to the best of your ability.” As the humanitarian need grows around the world New Zealand Red Cross’ aid programme is growing in response, therefore they are always looking to increase the number of applicants to the programme. “More and more there is a growing professionalism around what it means to be a humanitarian” explains Aaron. “The days of quickly sending over less skilled ‘volunteers’ have long gone.” So what is the best advice for anyone considering applying for the aid programme? “Go ahead and do it!” says Barbara. “You won’t regret doing it but you may regret not doing it.”
New Zealand Red Cross would like to acknowledge the support of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade for its financial support to the programme.
Helping each other
“E
ven if you’re my age you should learn how to help other people, it’s what I’m doing right now,” Hawkes Bay primary school student Kyra Dearns proclaims.
“I’m eight, so it does not matter how old you are, now I know how to help someone who needs me.” Kyra and her Greenmeadows Primary School class of 32 recently completed a New Zealand Red Cross people savers course.
Red Cross people savers trainer Lia Jugo at Greenmeadows Primary School in Hawkes Bay.
what to do if they need it. “I think this is very important. I think we all have a responsibility to think about our surroundings, ourselves and others. Just knowing what to do, understanding the risk and being prepared is not a bad thing to learn.”
It’s about helping someone when they need you
People savers The course is is a one-day organised around in class course a workbook, designed to Jackson Haines, nine which the students introduce and complete, familiarise young students with basic and covers dangers at an accident skills to treat minor injuries before scene, how to call for help. care of medical help arrives. an unconscious person, treatment for Room 17 teacher Ceirwyn Ware says it is about the children learning
chocking, burns, bleeding, shock, broken bones and poisons.
ALWAYS RED 7
Lia Jugo opening the class at Greenmeadows School.
they were shown how to bandage it up. I think the course is a good idea for this age group as it gives them a real basic understanding and prepares them for ‘incase’ anything happens. Then they aren’t as scared of stuff. I am happy to recommend it to other parents.” While Bev Lott said her son Bryce came home animated and couldn’t wait to tell her what he’d been up to. “The first thing he said was DRSABC, then he explained what each letter stood for, and I was really impressed with the fact that he could remember what the letters stood for,” Lott said. “When I asked him what his favourite part was he told me that it was putting people in the recovery position so that if they vomited they could still breath, and that if someone was choking you give them five back blows.
Before starting her classes, New Zealand Red Cross people savers instructor Lin Jugo posed a question to the students – what are we doing today? She had barely finished before the students raised their hands and bodies in anticipation, eager to be picked to answer the question. “Learning how to help people and save someone’s life,” nine-year-old Bryce Lott answered with a grin.
now I know how to help someone who needs me And their parents agree. “Kyra came home buzzing about her new found first aid knowledge! Very proud of her certificate,” said Tanya Dearns. “The best part for her was when one of her class mates had a fake injury and
“It’s about helping someone when they need you,” said Jackson Haines, nine. To June 30, New Zealand Red Cross had offered 832 people savers course at primary schools across the country. That equates to almost 20,000 eight to 12 years now trained in basic first aid. By midday Jared Kinsey, eight, was loudly reciting the DRSABCs as he left for lunch break. “Dangers check for them, R is check for responsiveness, S is shout for help, A is open the airway, B is to check for breathing, and then C is for compression. We’re Dr helpers, that means if someone is hurt we know what to do,” he said. “This is actually quite fun, I didn’t know what we had to do before, but it’s good, I think.” 8 NEW ZEALAND RED CROSS
Filling in their workbooks.
“I’m really impressed that children are being taught basic first aid. It’s so important that they know how to care for themselves and others if a situation arises. With the knowledge comes the empowerment and the belief that they can make a difference, which is great for their confidence. “I wholeheartedly endorse first aid training in school, it needs to become a second nature response and whilst they are young, they are less selfconscious with their classmates when role playing and it becomes an enjoyable learning experience. Thank you Red Cross so much.”
THE
RED CROSS BOX From a logbook kept by Prisoner Of War 33005 24 BN NZEF Corporal Lewis Albert Plackett from Wellington Camp PG 203, PM 3200 ITALY Author unknown 1944
Now have you ever stopped to think Of those who work so hard Who daily we pass in the street And often disregard Annoying I’ll agree, but none the less its time In every street we pass them by as many others do Red cross box, please spare a dime’ Then you and I would hide We’d turn our backs and cross the street To walk on the other side We never knew the hardship the trouble and the strife Of those little bands of people to whom we owe our life Imagine all the comforts if we’d spared a dime before But now we know our foolishness, as prisoners of war Now remember lads in living street Please never try to hide And when we the red cross box We’ll slip a bob inside So give, to the Red Cross freely, please don’t save and stamp Remember all the gladness they brought to Prison camps So appreciate the kindness and before trouble ever knocks Just smile and put a shilling in the Red Cross box.
ALWAYS RED 9
RED CROSS
makes multi-million dollar investment in disaster preparedness
T
he first of five brand new, specially designed New Zealand Red Cross disaster welfare support trucks rolled off the production line in Auckland in October. Lessons learnt from the Canterbury earthquakes highlighted the importance of being prepared. Over the last two years New Zealand Red Cross has placed significant focus on investing and building its response capability, to ensure it is there to support, and augment existing Civil Defence welfare capability, by bringing in trained volunteers and equipment from non-affected areas for a sustained national response. The new trucks are an investment of about $1.5 million, funded from donations from other Red Cross National Societies. New Zealand Red Cross International Operations and Emergencies Manager Andrew McKie says disasters can strike quickly and without warning, and we have learnt from Christchurch that it is critical we prepare. “These trucks, along with our newly
10 NEW ZEALAND RED CROSS
formed national disaster response team complement our existing capability to be able to support a national response to a disaster anywhere in the country. “Red Cross is now more prepared than ever before to respond, and support other emergency services, to deliver first aid, welfare and search and rescue services in disaster and emergency situations.” The trucks each hold welfare centre set-up equipment including stretchers, mattresses and blankets for 140 people, basic food and toiletries for volunteers for a couple of days, medical supplies, an AED, individual and centre hygiene sets, lighting sets and telecommunication sets. The trucks also provide room for emergency personal to perform mass casually triage and pre-hospital emergency first aid support if needed.
The first Red Cross truck to roll out will be based in Wellington.
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Teacher, volunteer, leader –Penny Mason
S 12 NEW ZEALAND RED CROSS
itting in her garden, a cup of tea in hand, relaxing. It is a break Penny Mason has found little time to take over the last ten years.
B
ut change is on the horizon; Penny stands down as New Zealand Red Cross National President in November. Her term is up; the constitution requires a new president to be elected by the organisation’s members. “A lot of people say ‘what are you going to do now’,” says Mason. “It has been so full-on, six years as president and two years as vice. It is going to be a big change, but I feel one chapter closes and another opens. “I have a grandchild now, I won’t have to balance my time anymore, and it will be easier to spend time with my family.” Although Mason is not going to simply walk away from Red Cross. “It has become part of me. I am a member of the Pacific Governance Working Group as deputy chair and I’d like to stay involved with that, and of course be around should I be wanted or needed.” Mason has travelled to many corners of the world representing New Zealand Red Cross, responding to challenges involving politics, wars, diplomacy and increasingly the global demands of humanity and climatic disaster. “It’s been challenging, exciting and stimulating, and I would not have missed being part of this for anything in the world. “I went to the North West Province
of Pakistan (not far from the border to Afghanistan) 18 months after the 2005 earthquake with Andrew McKie; it was very badly damaged in so many places, horrific, a real eye opener. I was amazed to see the amazing achievements our aid workers manage in such difficult circumstances. I met up with a New Zealand Red Cross midwife who was delivering babies in a a health facility newly built by the ICRC. In 2004 many of the islands in the Maldives were badly damaged. In 2009 I travelled there to be present at the “opening” of newly inhabited island, where Red Cross had erected all new buildings for this new community.…it is those experiences
I am nervous and excited about my next chapter that will stay with me, what Red Cross does around the world, the contribution its people make every day. New Zealand Red Cross plays a big part in all these.” Mason’s involvement with Red Cross steams back to the early 1980s, where she was a youth co-ordinator for Red Cross in Waipukurau for several years. She joined the branch in 1994 and became secretary, Vice President and then President.
“What I have done and do for Red Cross is in a voluntary capacity. The entire board works on a voluntary basis and I don’t think may people know that, it is almost a full-time job and for many it is another full time job.” Paul Steere is Mason’s vice president. “I thought when Penny was elected President that she might be different and have a hard task ahead given Lady Jocelyn’s demonstrated knowledge, network and articulate advocacy plus governance skills and experience. “Well Penny has indeed proven to be different. “She has set her mark on her Presidency with the highest of standards in governance and leadership, a passion and commitment to our organisation, second to none. She has never shied from the tough decisions, literally from day one as we went through a CEO change, through the governance transformation and then played a full role in besting the numerous challenges we faced with disaster response. “I have been privileged to work with and observe some great inspirational and clever New Zealanders. Now while Penny may not be as tall as many, she towers over all with her attributes, yet has an ability to relate to all whether they be the Prime Minister or our newest volunteer.” Others have dubbed Mason’s Red Cross contribution a ‘hierarchical journey of leadership’. “Penny’s strength of character shines through everything she does, people are drawn to her and she is held in high regard by all who know her,” says former Central Hawkes Bay branch president Jenny Strawbridge. “She has great determination. We have watched her develop and grow.” Anne Hamilton says her Central Hawkes Bay fellow members have never seen Mason’s ‘ruffled’. “She is a lady with a capital L. She may be the president but
ALWAYS RED 13
she is always courteous and is really a wonderful person.” Hawkes Bay Area Council member Sherrie Bird says Mason always makes everyone feel important. “Penny has helped create that over. It is professional and people want to be involved.” One of Penny’s biggest achievements was developing and facilitating a significant internal structural change within New Zealand Red Cross. In August 2010, 16 area councils were established to replace six regional boards, transforming the membership structure of the organisation. The aim of the change was to make sure a closer link to local communities existed and to enhance communication and understanding between Red Cross’ grass roots and national governance. “People don’t like change, but I believe it is the right way to go and now most others do too.. I feel the membership are more involved, they know what is going on and what
I am very proud of the way Red Cross has performed is needed in communities so are developing all sorts of projects in their own areas,” Mason says. Central Hawkes Bay member Anne Hamilton says it is Mason’s manner and knowledge that brings comfort and trust from people, in even the most challenging times. “She has a natural courtesy and tactfulness towards others, it’s that strength that gives Mason the ability to get on and manage situations which require a clear mind and understanding of the environment.” An example of her calmness was her initial reaction to learning New Zealand Red Cross was going to be responding like never before, following one of the biggest natural disasters to hit the country in recent times. Penny Mason at home in her garden.
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“That was a scary experience. September 2010 was big enough, but then when February 22 hit I was actually on the phone with John (Ware chief executive) and we both heard the radio, we said we’d call each other back. I knew it was time to move quickly, and that we did,” Mason says. “Everyone has been involved, every day for over two years now. It has been very challenging for us all, but I am very proud of the way Red Cross has performed. “I feel I have been privileged over these years. One of the things I am really going to miss that support from my board, that camaraderie and help. There is so much expertise there. “I am nervous and excited about my next chapter. It has been such a privilege and very humbling – I have enjoyed it all.”
Penny taught this weathered businessman a lot about the essential heart of our organisation – our members and volunteers of all stripes. Penny grasps the detail, has a sense of fairness and equally protects the values we subscribe to. Not afraid to ask when new areas of operation arise she quickly becomes comfortable with the new paradigms. She has worked hard and has been dedicated 24/7 – the first emails usually appearing around 7am! It is no wonder she has been recognised internationally as an adept Chair and leader on the world stage of Red Cross. Paul Steere – New Zealand Red Cross Vice President
I have had the privilege of attending with Penny, many International Red Cross/ Red Crescent conferences, statutory meetings and forums over the last six years. As the head of the New Zealand delegation, Penny made sure we were well prepared, contributed in workshops and made connections with as many of the participants as we could. As Chair of the drafting committee, on two occasions Penny helped raise the profile of the New Zealand Society and at the same time ensuring the drafting committee fulfilled its important role. JOHN WARE – New Zealand Red Cross Chief Executive
New Zealand Red Cross is indeed extremely fortunate to have been led over the last six years by such a very capable and highly respected National President, Penny Mason. Such dedicated leadership has meant that as Penny has travelled the length and breadth of our country every member has had the opportunity to learn more about the roles and responsibilities of each component of this National Society and its place in the international arena. Thank you Penny and thank you Tim for your quiet support. Joan Cockburn – Counsellor of Honour
Penny is one of the hardest working volunteers I have had the pleasure to meet. But I would like to add, she is not only hard-working, but is conscientious and shrewd!! Yet, I feel sure, it is only her immediate family who really know the hours Penny puts into ensuring good collaboration and meaningful communication for the members and volunteers of our National Society. Dr Jenny McMahon – New Zealand Red Cross Board Member
It has been an honour to work with her and assist in a small way her giant efforts, distinguished by the significant progress and recognition our Red Cross commands today. Paul Steere – Vice President
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Credit ICRC
16 NEW ZEALAND RED CROSS
Rehabilitation: the power to walk and work again
“W
hen a person steps on a buried antipersonnel mine, the detonation is likely to rip off one or both of his or her legs and drive soil, grass, gravel, metal and plastic fragments of the mine casing, pieces of shoe and shattered bone up into the muscles and lower parts of the body. If it explodes while being handled, a mine can blow off fingers, hands, arms, and injure parts of the face, abdomen and chest”. These are the very real and horrific injuries caused by land mines and explosive remnants of war as described by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The ICRC are dedicated to a mine action plan in the hope of reducing land mine and explosive remnants of war. New Zealand Red Cross support them in this effort with a focus on rehabilitation providing funding to the Special Fund for the Disabled (SFD) annually, this year contributing just over $130,000.
Helping victims to rehabilitate and...walk and walk again
New Zealand Red Cross’ International Operations and Emergencies Manager Andrew McKie explains that any support New Zealand Red Cross gives to the ICRC to aid this course is very much appreciated and creates a real impact.
“Land mines are the legacy of conflicts many decades ago and will continue
to be a treat for decades to come, those who are most affected are those who are generally most vulnerable in any case,” says McKie. For the last six years New Zealand Red Cross has provided funds to this cause through the SFD project for two reasons. Firstly, funds can be allocated to a specific country in need, enabling New Zealand Red Cross to see the affect their contribution is having, and secondly, they believe rehabilitation is arguably the most important aspect of mine action. New Zealand Red Cross International Programmes Manager Glen Rose explains: “although mine action is composed of three main actions the first two are preventative work which is core ICRC funded. Instead we choose to focus on what happens after the mine has exploded, helping victims to rehabilitate and, as the Special Fund for the Disabled says, ‘walk and work again’.”
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New Zealand Red Cross stepped in with funding. According to the initial funding proposal, landmine survivors and conflict casualties represent a significant proportion of people with disabilities in Laos and remain a heavy burden on the country’s assistance facilities. New Zealand Red Cross has seen its funds make a difference; between January and June this year 167 prosthetics were funded. Rose is heading to Laos next year to see this contribution first-hand. He was able to visit a previous project in Cambodia, and outreach centres looking at their processes, meeting locals and seeing where and how the funds were being distributed.
Credit ICRC
“It was extremely beneficial to see how the programme worked at a local level. Though there were external specialists and technicians, they were training locals to work in the prostheses
The latest ICRC’s Special Fund for the Disabled report states that land mine casualties occur daily in almost every region covered by the fund even though processes are in place attempting to outlaw anti-personnel mines. People in these affected areas are compelled to enter dangerous situations to gain access to water, fuel, grazing or other basic necessities. Furthering the issue, these dangerous components are not restricted to particular areas but spread out lying in wait for the unaware person. This results in varying injuries to all kinds of people, usually unexpecting citizens 18 NEW ZEALAND RED CROSS
not involved in conflict, simply trying to carry out everyday activities. Such casualties, according to the ICRC have “dire effects on one’s livelihood. It is likely their mobility will be impaired resulting in the loss of economic stability and often dignity”. The SFD reported that worldwide over 80 per cent of persons with disabilities are unemployed. On top of this, links have been demonstrated between disabilities and poverty, illiteracy, poor health care, and social exclusion. This need is amplified in low economic countries such as Laos where many people do not have access to rehabilitation services due to financial and geographical barriers such as much of the country being inaccessible by road. New Zealand Red Cross is currently in their third year of funding the entire Laos SFD project. In 2009 the ICRC identified a gap that needed to be filled in Laos, and
Credit ICRC
New Zealand Red Cross has seen its funds make a difference
plants and clinics giving the project a real community feel, and making it sustainable. I can’t wait to see how it works in Laos.” In Laos, the SFD works to increase access to physical rehabilitation, the quality of services to people with disabilities and the long-term functioning of rehabilitation centres. The project is across three main clinics the Vientiane NRC, Pakse and Xieng Khuang which collectively provided
prostheses to 340 individuals in 2011. But, SFD’s work is not finished there. Rehabilitation is a long journey, with many survivors needing rehabilitative support their entire life: new prostheses, physiotherapy and counselling. The ICRC reports that a child that steps on a landmine may need up to 35 prostheses in his or her lifetime. New Zealand Red Cross is aware of this and also encourages physiotherapy aid workers to undertake missions in SFD clinics. Rose is passionate about rehabilitation and what New Zealand Red Cross’ small but important contribution can bring: “this contribution enables us to support locals and ensure that those affected by mines and explosive remnants of war have the best possible support returning to full mobilisation and continuing contributing to their communities”.
Credit ICRC
A child that steps on a landmine may need up 35 prostheses in a lifetime
Able to walk again.
New limbs thanks to the ICRC’s Special Fund for the Disabled. ALWAYS RED 19
New Zealand Red Cross the Right Fit By Olivia Cramond
I
f you met Rick Hopcroft in 2007 and asked the 21-yearold what he would be doing in five years, your answer would have been something along the lines of traversing the Southern Alps. However a first aid course in 2007 left Hopcroft hooked on New Zealand Red Cross, and since then he has worked his way from volunteer event first aider, to Bay of Plenty’s training coordinator. Hopcroft’s first taste of New Zealand Red Cross began like many: doing a first aid course. In his final year of an outdoor education course in Christchurch, Hopcroft needed to be up-to-date with first aid in order to be an efficient instructor. New Zealand Red Cross Education and Training National Accounts Manager Marcus Bird said that “while most students [Hopcroft included] are interested in event first aid after a course, Rick asked about volunteering for meals on wheels. That formed an impression with me, and when an opportunity came I rang Rick to offer him a volunteer position on our event first aid team.” Hopcroft says event first aid was a great fit; he liked the idea of combining his new skills with music and events. Hopcroft helped at a variety of events, where he learnt to handle intoxicated people, and those with sprains and breaks; occasionally assisting with the more serious injuries often caused by crashes. When he finished his outdoor education course Hopcroft was asked again if he had considered becoming a first aid instructor. Hopcroft had never thought of a career outside outdoor education, but decided to give it a go and signed up. Hopcroft said it didn’t take long before he was hooked: “we had an amazing Christchurch team. It was a supportive environment with great instructors and passionate people.” In 2010, with a baby on the way, and a recent move to the Bay of Plenty, Hopcroft wanted to continue his 20 NEW ZEALAND RED CROSS
Rick Hopcroft with his family.
career with Red Cross. So he went to the local area office and a part time position was created sending Hopcroft to Rotorua, Hamilton and Tauranga to instruct courses. The flexibility of this role enabled Hopcroft to develop personally and professionally: working with the YMCA outdoor education department, as well as becoming a pre-hospital emergency care instructor. Although he says he loved being able to work part-time and dedicate his days off to his second passion, the outdoors, he was ready for the next step in his career. With growth in the Bay of Plenty region’s first aid sector, a fulltime training coordinator position was created in September 2011. Hopcroft applied and was successful. Describing it as the highlight of his career, Hopcroft can’t believe he has been in the role for almost a year. Bird was not surprised: “when Rick got the role I was thrilled. He was always passionate as an instructor eager to volunteer; Rick has always been very much about what he could do to help”. Hopcroft was doing sales rounds in Tauranga when he visited a Papamoa gym. He explained New Zealand Red Cross offered first aid courses for business groups, and dropped off a brochure. As he left a staff member
asked what the course entailed. The next week Hopcroft was back at the gym taking the staff through a two hour crash course, which resulted in the gym purchasing an AED (automated external defibrillator). Hopcroft was then contacted just 10 days later to say this AED had been used to save the life of one of the gym’s regulars who had gone into cardiac arrest during a workout. Hopcroft went to the gym the next day to debrief with the team. “I was able to download the information from the AED to explain to them all how it had worked. We went through each step enabling them to understand what they did was right, because at that stage the patient was still in intensive care. There were tears and emotion but it was immensely rewarding to hear them recount the skills they used to bring a man back to life, the skills I had taught them just 10 days before.” His first paid job with New Zealand Red Cross was only supposed to be a year Hopcroft knew it was the right environment for him: “right from the beginning I knew I wasn’t going to leave anytime soon. Being a part of the largest humanitarian organisation is a great feeling and I have immense pride in telling people I work for New Zealand Red Cross.”
News (and song) from National Council T Co-authored by Penny Mason and jenny McMahon
he National Council of the New Zealand Red Cross opened in 2012 with a powhiri, and closed with a poroporoakia. This year marked the 70th Anniversary of the Red Cross Choir, celebrated in style as 29 choir members serenaded the crowd throughout the weekend.
Day One saw workshops on Youth Engagement and mid-term goals for Strategy 2020. The Wellington Area Council and Service Centre also described the Vulnerability Studies they have carried out – a discussion that was both illuminating and sobering for all the Area Council representatives.
of the North Island, Jerry Talbot in the lower North Island, and Richard Whitney in the South Island. Mat Darling was elected unopposed as Youth Representative, and Jenny McMahon as National President. Continuing on the Board are Alan Webb (Upper North Island), Steve Osborne (Lower North Island), Paul Steere (South Island) and Paul Kiesanowski (co-opted member and Chair of the Audit & Risk committee).
On completion of the two days, just before everyone left, Penny Mason was taken by surprise when she was awarded, by unanimous agreement, the status of Counsellor of Honour in our National Society. Over the weekend the new AED was on display, alongside displays from a retail shop and the nuclear weapon campaign. On the Saturday (the first day) the first of the new Response Team trucks was also on-site for inspection.
Other presentations included updates on the new website, the need to improve diversity in our society and ways to achieve it, latest news on the recovery in Christchurch, and the forthcoming absorption of Refugee Services into NZ Red Cross. One of the weekend’s highlights was the Youth Panels’ innovative presentation of the Fundamental Principals, which saw members of the panel describing what the Principals have meant to them personally and giving examples of how they apply in their lives. A further highlight was hosting four members of the international Red Cross community: Australian Red Cross Board members Deven Patel and Arati Waldegrave; John Gwynne from the IFRC, based in Kuala Lumpur; and Judith Greenwood from the ICRC, based in Suva. The weekend wrapped up with the election of three new Board members, one in each geographic area – Adriana Gunder in the northern part ALWAYS RED 21
ESSAY
WHY DO WE NEED AN INTERNATIONAL TREATY TO BAN NUCLEAR WEAPONS?
W
riting an essay on why we need an international treaty to ban nuclear weapons came easily, says Nicole Slight winner of New Zealand Red Cross’ nuclear weapons essay competition. The competition asked tertiary students to write a 2000 word essay on why an international treaty was needed to ban nuclear weapons, demonstrating an understanding of international humanitarian law. Nicole believes the move to Wellington and decision to study law was the turning point in developing a passion for international law. “I grew up on a farm near Wanganui,” she said “the move to Wellington opened my eyes to so many things, in particular the issues going on around the world.” Nicole’s first prize award was a $1000 cash, which she intends to save to help fund an exchange in the Netherlands to complete my international law studies at the beginning of next year.
22 NEW ZEALAND RED CROSS
This is her winning essay: “WHY DO WE NEED AN INTERNATIONAL TREATY TO BAN NUCLEAR WEAPONS”
In 2010, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) declared nuclear weapons to be incompatible with international humanitarian law (IHL) and values. The ICRC called for negotiations to take place to achieve a legally binding international treaty to eliminate nuclear weapons in line with existing legal obligations for good faith negotiation on the issue. This essay will discuss nuclear weapons, disarmament and the reasons why such a treaty is needed including reasons under IHL. I. Nuclear Weapons The development of nuclear weapons during World War Two marked a dark point in history for humanity. The first nuclear weapon, the atomic bomb, was used to attack Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945. It remains the only nuclear weapon to have ever been used in warfare and a custom of non-use of nuclear weapons now exists.1
several hundred miles per hour with temperatures rising to 1000 °C” and the remaining radiation has long-lasting and widespread effects.4 Due to this indiscriminate nature, the weapon and its effects target all people within the radius of detonation not just military personnel.
One reason nuclear weapons solicit such concern from groups such as the ICRC is because they have a much more devastating effect on human lives than conventional weapons traditionally used in warfare. Moreover, they are indiscriminate. Mendelsohn describes how during air raids on Britain for 10 months during 1940 -1941, 18.8 kilotons of bombs dropped killed more than 43,000 people but at Hiroshima, one 15 kiloton bomb killed 70,000 in just one day.2 The number of deaths in Hiroshima subsequently increased to 140,000 by the end of World War Two due to radiation exposure and death from injuries.3 Nuclear bombs not only cause destruction from the original explosive force but can “create a firestorm travelling at
Nuclear disarmament has long been a goal of the international community of States. This began with the UN General Assembly’s first resolution in 19465 and was reemphasised by the 1970 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), of which article six requires parties to pursue negotiations in good faith on nuclear disarmament.6 Unfortunately, the NPT has not been signed by all States which have nuclear weapons and there is no timetable for disarmament.7 However, disarmament has been reaffirmed more recently under Security Council Resolution 1887, which committed ‘to creat[ing] the conditions for a world without nuclear weapons.’8 While it was not adopted under Chapter 7 of the UN Charter (so is not binding) and does not create new legal obligations, it still encourages States to work towards nuclear disarmament by restating and supporting legal obligations which already exist.
Andrew Heywood Global Politics (Palgrave MacMillan, Hampshire, 2011) at 264. 2 Jack Mendelsohn “Delegitimizing Nuclear Weapons” (2006) 22 Issues in Science and Technology 67 at 67. 3 Mendelsohn, above n 2, at 67. 4 Heywood, above n 1, at 264. 5 Establishment of a Commission to Deal with the
Problems Raised by Discovery of Atomic Energy GA Res 1/1, A/Res/1/1 (1946). 6 Treaty on the Non Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (opened for signature 1 July 1968, entered into force 5 March 1970), art 7 Mendelsohn above n 2, at 69. 8 Maintenance of International Peace and Security: Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Nuclear Disarmament
1
Further, the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference held in 2010 called for member States to adhere to their existing legal obligations under international law.9 What underlies these the motivations of these agreements and statements is IHL. II. Use of Nuclear Weapons as a breach of IHL IHL is a body of customary international law which is codified in the Hague and Geneva Conventions. IHL establishes limits on the use, and threat of use, of weapons, including nuclear weapons. It also establishes and defines war crimes, crimes against the peace, and crimes against humanity, with an underlying aim to protect innocent civilians. Nuclear weapons are not reconcilable with IHL. This incompatibility has been made clear by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in its 1996 advisory opinion on the Legality of Threat or Use of Nuclear Weapons in Armed Conflict.10 After concluding that there is no rule of international law explicitly prohibiting the use, or threat of use, of nuclear weapons, the ICJ analysed IHL. The ICJ declared IHL and nuclear weapons “scarcely reconcilable” and called for good-faith negotiation towards disarmament.11 Unfortunately, SC Res 1887, S/RES/1887 (2009). Final Document of the 2010 NPT Conference: Volume 1 NPT/CONF.2010/50 (Vol. I) (2010) at 19. 10 Legality of the Use by a State of Nuclear Weapons in Armed Conflict (Advisory Opinion) [1996] ICJ Rep 66. 11 Legality of the Use by a State of Nuclear Weapons in Armed Conflict, above n 10, at 226 9
ALWAYS RED 23
due to a lack of concrete facts, the ICJ could not conclude whether nuclear weapons can never make a distinction between civilians and combatants, or whether nuclear weapons always cause unnecessary suffering. The fundamental IHL principles relevant to the illegitimacy of nuclear weapons include the rule of distinction, the rule of proportionality, the rule of necessity, the corollary requirement of controllability and the principle of self defence. A. Rule of Distinction Under customary international law, the rule of distinction prohibits the use of weapons that cannot discriminate (in their effects) between military targets and civilians.12 The ICJ has said in regard to this principle, that “States must never make civilians the object of attack and must consequently never use weapons that are incapable of distinguishing between civilian and military targets.”13 This rule of distinction is codified in article 48 of Protocol I of the Geneva Convention which gives further insight. When Protocol I was being written, the first conference of experts in 1973 accepted the existence of nondiscriminating weapons, recognising that weapons which cannot be directed to their objective with a certain precision would go against IHL.15 In the ICJ, the presiding Judge Bedjaoui emphasised this as follows:16 Nuclear weapons seem – in the actual state of science - to be unable to make distinction between victims, among combatants as well as among non-combatants... [u]nless science succeeds in developing ‘clean’ nuclear weapons which hit combatants and at the same time do not hit noncombatants, it is clear that the nuclear weapon has non-discriminating consequences and violates humanitarian law at the utmost.
Dean Granoff and Jonathan Granoff “International Humanitarian Law and Nuclear Weapons: Irreconcilable Differences” (2011) 67 Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists 53 at 54-55. 13 Legality of the Use by a State of Nuclear Weapons in Armed Conflict, above n 10, at 257. 14 Protocol Additional to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949, and relating to the Protection of Victims of International Armed Conflicts (Protocol I) (adopted 8 June 1977, entered into force 7 December 1979). 15 Bombspotting “International Humanitarian Law: The 12
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The 1973 conference of experts further agreed that the term “indiscriminate” can apply to time.17 It was noted by Judge Weeramantry in the ICJ opinion that radiation from nuclear weapons is not containable in time and is a source of “continuing danger to human health, even long after its use.”18 The rule of distinction is clearly breached. B. Rule of Proportionality The rule of proportionality prohibits the use of a weapon if probable effects on non-combatants would likely be disproportionate to the
Continuing danger to human health, even long after its use military objective being achieved.19 This rule is clearly breached due to the disproportionate effects on both combatants and non combatants which are described by the ICJ as prohibited and “unnecessary suffering” and “uselessly aggravating…suffering”.20 Judge Shahabuddeen found that “these extended effects [of unspeakable sickness, painful death, effects on the genetic code and ability to render the earth uninhabitable] …may not have military value for the user.”21 Conventional weapons could be used for similar strategic outcomes without the unnecessary effects of nuclear weapons. C. Rule of Necessity The rule of necessity requires a State to use only the level of force necessary against its adversary in order to achieve military objectives – additional levels of force are unlawful.22 This rule will also be breached by the use of nuclear weapons for the reasons the rule of proportionality will be breached - the unnecessary effects. Further, evidence of this breach can
Interpretation of the Court in the Advisory Opinion on Nuclear Weapons” (8 July 2006) Bombspotting <www.vredesactie.be/article.php?id=405> 16 Charles Moxley, John Burroughs and Jonathan Granof “Nuclear Weapons and Compliance with International Humanitarian Law and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty” (2010-2011) 34 Fordham International Law Journal 595 at 606. 17 Bombspotting, above n 15. 18 Legality of the Use by a State of Nuclear Weapons in Armed Conflict, above n 10. at 451. 19 Granoff and Granoff, above n 12, at 55.
be seen in Judge Koroma’s opinion which made reference to the attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, where “over 320,000 people…survived … [but] still suffer from various malignant tumours caused by radiation, including leukaemia, thyroid cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, gastric cancer, cataracts and a variety of other aftereffects. More than half a century after the disaster, they are still said to be undergoing medical examinations and treatment.”23 This result is clearly unnecessary and the use of radioactive force is not a necessity when there are more conventional options. D. The Corollary Requirement of Controllability The corollary requirement of controllability outlines that the aforementioned rules prohibit the use of weapons when the effects cannot be controlled by the user.24 In the 1996 ICJ advisory opinion, the Court looked at the effects of nuclear weapons and determined that the indirect effects such as heat, blast and radiation are inherently uncontrollable.25 This rule is also breached by the use of nuclear weapons. E. Self Defence Self defence gives States an inherent right, subject to constraints imposed by the Charter of the UN, to self defence.26 The use of force in the exercise of self-defence is subject to the requirements of IHL including the aforementioned rules so the use of nuclear weapons in self-defence would not be justified.27 Overall, it is clear that the use of nuclear weapons in war will be illegal under IHL as the five aforementioned rules will be breached. However, while under IHL the use of nuclear weapons constitutes a breach of international legal obligations, IHL does not prevent the holding of such weapons. Therefore, reasons against holding
Legality of the Use by a State of Nuclear Weapons in Armed Conflict, above n 10, at 257. 21 Legality of the Use by a State of Nuclear Weapons in Armed Conflict, above n 10, at 382. 22 Granoff and Granoff, above n 12, at 55. 23 Legality of the Use by a State of Nuclear Weapons in Armed Conflict, above n 10, at 567. 24 Granoff and Granoff, above n 12, at 55. 25 Legality of the Use by a State of Nuclear Weapons in Armed Conflict, above n 10, at 382. 26 Granoff and Granoff, above n 12, at 55. 27 Granoff and Granoff, above n 12, at 55. 20
There are many chances fpr “accidents” to occur while nuclear weapons to exist
nuclear weapons also need to be considered to justify a complete ban. III. Reasons To Completely Ban Nuclear Weapons Perhaps the strongest argument against banning nuclear weapons, despite the non-use principle, is that there are too many chances for “accidents” to occur while nuclear weapons exist. Humanity is threatened “not only by the prospect of States’ deliberate use of nuclear weapons, but also by the risks and harms arising from their production, storage, transport, and deployment.”28 The potential consequences are illustrated by accidents involving nuclear power in Chernobyl in 1986 and in Japan in 2011. Banning nuclear weapons would make it a violation of international law to even hold nuclear weapons thereby preventing such accidents and their consequences. It is argued by some that nuclear weapons have altered attitudes towards warfare and the existence of nuclear weapons prevents war. This is based on the assumption that no State would attack another State when there is the possibility of a nuclear counter-attack. Therefore, according to those who make this argument, the potential of nuclear weapons to wipe out civilisation highlights the horror of war by making a link to human extinction.29 This may be true but a global ban on nuclear weapons can emphasise the horror and destruction that nuclear weapons can create while
simultaneously preventing the likelihood of this destruction. It is inherently a naïve view that nuclear weapons are a foolproof deterrent to war when such weapons have been in existence for less than a century – that is not enough time to make such determinations. Nuclear weapons are also threatening due to symbolic value. This can lead to a security dilemma or even arms race whereby nuclear weapons are acquired for the security of a State but other States see this as an aggressive motive and attain their own nuclear weapons in response.30 Of further concern is that most States that have nuclear weapons have domestic laws allowing the right of first-use (through preventative or preemptive attacks) of their nuclear weapons against any kind of attack.31 Mendelsohn describes how all nuclear first-use policies are in conflict with the 1996 findings of the ICJ.32 Clearly, the passing of these domestic laws emphasises that there is some expectation that such laws may be necessary to allow use of nuclear weapons in the future.
Finally, principles of non-use only really apply to those who adher to the international rules-based system. There is a growing fear among the international community that unpredictable and irrational actors such as terrorist groups will obtain nuclear weapon technology in the near future. This fear has been heightened now North Korea has developed nuclear weapons and is in a dire financial situation– there is the potential that North Korea could sell its nuclear weapons technology to such actors. If nuclear weapons are banned, it will help to prevent such groups gaining access to nuclear weapon technology. IV. Conclusion A treaty banning nuclear weapons would make it a violation of international law to hold or use nuclear weapons. The need to legally ban use of nuclear weapons is clearly demonstrated by IHL. Reasoning and logic supplements IHL to support a ban on even holding nuclear weapons. With the negative effects of use of nuclear weapons and the risk of accidents or weapons getting into the hands of unpredictable actors, there are strong reasons behind the ICRC’s call for negotiations to take place. Negotiations to achieve a legally binding treaty to eliminate nuclear weapons would be in line with current legal obligations for good-faith negotiation and would finally fulfil the goal of the first ever UN General Assembly resolution.
Go to Red Cross’ new website to have your say.
“Vancouver Declaration” (February 2011) The Simons Foundation <www.thesimonsfoundation.ca/resources/ vancouver-declaration-law%E2%80%99s-imperativeurgent-achievement-nuclear-weapon-free-world>
28
Heywood, above n 1, at 265. Heywood, above n 1, at 19. Mendelsohn above n 2, at 69. 32 Mendelsohn above n 2, at 69. 29 30 31
ALWAYS RED 25
Kate & Roxy an enviable Red Cross Duo By Olivia Cramond
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fter broken bones, broken glasses and a lack of confidence from epileptic seizures, Red Cross volunteer Kate Hendra received the gift of confidence, freedom and companionship in her epilepsy dog Roxy. Hendra barely had the confidence to undertake everyday tasks alone after suffering a seizure on the road. “I was scared to cross the road or cook by myself, almost anything.” The fear of ‘what if’ scenarios for Hendra, became too much, she had heard about epilepsy dogs and applied to get one. Unfortunately still alone, Hendra had an epileptic seizure at her gift store job. “I think this frightened the owner a wee bit as slowly my hours were reduced.” Soon after Hendra lost her job, which she says further knocked her self-esteem. Just a month later Hendra’s life took another turn, when she received a call that an epilepsy dog was available. “Her name was Roxy and she is great. She gives me the confidence to go out again, and do day-to-day tasks without having to worry.” Roxy goes everywhere with Hendra, joining her at the Upper Hutt Red Cross shop two days a week, and at the Upper Hutt Red Cross office two afternoons a week, where Hendra now volunteers. “There’s only so much housework you can do and I wanted to be able to help others. When I saw they needed volunteers it made perfect sense.” Upper Hutt Red Cross shop coordinator Tamsin Matthews says the team enjoy spending time with Hendra and Roxy. 26 NEW ZEALAND RED CROSS
“We absolutely love working with both Kate and Roxy. You can tell Roxy enjoys it when Kate is working on the shop floor. She gets heaps of attention from the customers and likes to play with the toys in the toy box, often trying to sneak them home with her. Roxy has quite a personality.” Hendra has recently been given the role of shift supervisor at the Red Cross shop, opening and closing the store when Matthews cannot. “Kate was an obvious choice due to her skill set and reliability. Both of which she had before Roxy came along” says Matthews. Hendra says Roxy has given her that boost in confidence, “I no longer have to worry about the what ifs, I have the confidence to give lots of things a go”. Roxy is still training, which continues for just over a year. For two sessions a week Hendra and Roxy meet with trainer Paula Denby-Gibbs. Hendra pretends to have seizures in all sorts of places to allow Roxy the chance to become confident in different situations, at home, in a busy street, in a shopping mall or anywhere else. “You have to remember that Roxy is a dog and could act differently in different situations, so we train in lots of different places so she is ready for anything,” said Hendra. Roxy has been taught to take off Hendra’s glasses during a seizure using her lips to place them on the ground safely. She then lies by Hendra for safety and barks to attract attention. In some cases, an epilepsy dog can be trained to understand particular cues their owner gives off before seizures, for example a particular twitch or look, the dog can then alert
the owner they are about to have a seizure. Furthermore, there are other types of seizures which result in an individual blacking out, but continuing with whatever action they were in the middle of. An example of how Roxy deals with this is, when coming to a dangerous situation such as crossing the road, Roxy will go to the curb and sit down, unless Hendra tells her, “okay cross” Roxy will refuse to move. Hendra was particularly excited to learn that Roxy can take off her glasses as she would damage up to ten pairs a year, she says when you damage so many every pair counts. After a recent seizure in the bedroom, Roxy removed her glasses safely. However, it took Hendra two hours to find her glasses; Roxy had put them safely under the bed. This team work crosses over to Hendra’s role at the Red Cross shop. Roxy has her own bed where she sits whilst Hendra is working. Matthews, says you have to laugh because even though Roxy has an expensive portable bed, the shop is far too entertaining for Roxy to stay in one place. “Roxy is constantly roaming keeping a close eye on Kate and when Kate tells Roxy to go to her bed Roxy prefers to lie on the carpet rather than the bed, it’s just so her” says Matthews. Whilst Roxy has given Hendra back her confidence, volunteering at Red Cross has enabled her to get to know the Upper Hutt community and make some friends. “I get stopped in the street all the time as everyone waves out and wants to say hello to Roxy, sometimes she steals the show as people have to say, I’m sorry but what’s your name again?”
R
Delving into the Archive ed Cross’ Olivia Cramond spent an afternoon amongst boxes, folders and files, delving through the archive.
“We were on our way to a wedding. I was driving my car with seven of the family in it and doing about 45 at the time it hit us. I thought I had a couple of blow-outs, or else that I was fainting. I couldn’t call out or stop the care. Then suddenly I saw the telegraph poles coming down and nearly hitting the car. Then of course I realised what it was. All the hills seemed to split open and in a second we were covered with dust from the slips.” This reminisce may seem like it could be discussing 22 February 2011 or even 4 September 2010 but no. This reminisce was by, Mrs Margaret Hope in 1980, reflecting upon events of 3 February 1931, the Napier earthquake. This description was found in a carefully labelled folder marked ‘General Files: 955’ among the extensive New Zealand Red Cross archives.
Tradition’ immediately exemplified all that Red Cross is: We felt it impossible to limit our help to men of the Forces when civilians were exposed to enemy attack, for we did not believe that the public would expect any distinction to be drawn between the wounded soldier and the wounded civilian so far as Red Cross aid was concerned. As I turned the last page I appreciated what international operations and emergencies manager, and keeper of the archive keys, Andrew McKie was saying to me just moments before. “There is a wealth of knowledge in there just waiting to be explored. People need to know we have such a resource and
they are welcome to use it.” The archive has something for everyone. There are folders of annual reports, the earliest ones hand written. There are manuals for anything and everything dating back as early as 1914. There are letters to and from government lobbying and advocating, and requests and responses to grants. If reading is not for you, the archives are still a great resource. At least a third of the folders have photographs dating back to the 1920’s all of which can be accessed easily. I was even surprised to find a comic created in 1985 in Switzerland about the history of Red Cross. On the front page was a dashing looking gentleman by the name of Henry
The archive room sits on the fourth floor of national office in Wellington. To the unknowing eye it is just another room of boxes, folders and files. However, in fact it is much more; it’s Red Cross from the early days. Each folder reveals Red Cross personalities, branch functions and a world of black and white photographs. Once you open a box you can’t stop. My first folder brought me to an extract from “The Red Cross and The White” by Hilary St. George Saunders. Chapter One, titled ‘The Great ALWAYS RED 27
Dunant, the founder of Red Cross.
was Santa Claus.
This comic image was then brought to life by another document within the archive titled ‘The Last Phase: A personal Reminiscence by Frau Suzanne Sonderegger 1960’. Frau Suzanne Sonderegger left us with a heartfelt story about Mr Henri Dunant as she knew him, a good friend of her late husband. This reminisce takes you on a journey through the Red Cross’ founders last few years incorporating everything from his friendship, knowledge, caring and occasional paranoia. It begins:
His passion for Red Cross never wavered and Sonderegger describes Dunant’s attempt to instil his passion and energy into her younger, healthier husband. “He would not or could not realise that a man with family responsibilities could not simply drop his work and sacrifice his livelihood for any movement however important.”
At my present time of life – I am seventy-five years of age now – I find it a little difficult to write about J.H. Dunant…Nor is it easy to describe a man of Dunant’s nobility and distinction without using words that sound to my own ears trite and threadbare. Throughout, Frau Suzanne Sonderegger changes this man from the young fresh and energetic one on the front of the comic to an older man who wore a long white beard, down to his knees, to a person whose “outward poverty could not hide his inner wealth” and the children in the community were convinced he
Such reminisces brought the archives to life. Reminisces were not just a learning opportunity straight from people involved in the very beginnings of Red Cross, but extremely humbling. As you read the first-hand accounts of how Red Cross has helped people you feel uplifted knowing you are a part of such a caring organisation. The archives enable you to delve as deep as you like, and uncover all sorts of things. Open a box and find when your local branch opened, what activities they carried out there in the 1940’s and consider yourself lucky we no longer have to write out annual meeting minutes by hand. Getting lost in the archives, takes you on many different journeys whilst reasserting the importance of an organisation such as New Zealand Red Cross. A Mrs Meryl Lowrie 1979 tells of the concern that after World War One finished New Zealand Red
Cross would be disbanded but it soon became apparent that Red Cross was “invaluable for peace time activity”. She goes on to tell of New Zealand Red Cross asserting itself as integral to helping in major disasters: On June 16, 1932 the New Zealand Red Cross Society was granted recognition by the International Committee of Red Cross, taking its place as a full member of a world-wide organisation devoted to the alleviation of distress and to assisting all victims of disaster, whether natural or man-made. Mrs Margaret Hope reminisce of the Napier Earthquake reiterates this: In Napier we found everyone who could do so helping with rescue work. Miss King of Red Cross was outstanding, working tirelessly and efficiently organising food and relief of all kings. Captain Galloway who arrived from Red Cross Headquarters in Wellington was kept busy arranging for messages to o from the victims in Napier to anxious friends and relatives in New Zealand and overseas. It was amazing how people coped, going quietly about helping where needed and in many cases performing heroic feats to help those injured and the homeless. One thing comes through loud and clear in the archives, New Zealand Red Cross is passionate about helping people and will always look to ways of improving their existing response abilities. Ms Hope wrote in 1980: Since those early days of Red Cross our society in New Zealand has come a long way. We are now equipped to support Civil Defence scheme, all kinds of technological help unheard of 50 years ago is available should disaster strike. Red Cross, now strongly established throughout New Zealand, has dedicated and experienced personnel trained to deal with emergencies efficiently and quickly. Wow, if only Hope could see us now, national disaster response team, welfare trucks and all! I am sure within the next forty years someone else will be in this exact same room reading our latest annual report thinking exactly the same thing.
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address the stress
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ew Zealand Red Cross launched a new website to help young people deal with the aftermath of the Canterbury earthquakes in late October. The site “Address the Stress” provides video messages from some of New Zealand’s top sports heroes to musicians, comedians and actors, while experts who are working with Canterbury youth give advice and young people living in Canterbury talk about their own experiences. The website aims to give Canterbury teenagers the coping skills to help them through uncertain times. New Zealand Red Cross Chief Executive John Ware says Address the Stress is for young people dealing with the Canterbury quakes, with advice that can be applied to any natural disaster. “Our concept is to provide information for youth affected by the earthquakes with the aim of reducing anxiety and reminding people of their social connections with appropriate forms of advice and information. “This is a responsive site where young people can leave advice for their peers on how to cope with tough times and see what music choices celebrities use to help them get through.” The site has been clinically reviewed by three psychologists, and Youthline is helping New Zealand Red Cross moderate it. The target audience is young people aged 12 to 25 years in the Waimakariri, Christchurch and Selwyn districts (approximately 77,000 individuals based on census statistics). www.addressthestress.co.nz
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Improving The Lives Of Vulnerable People