new zealand red cross
issue 2/2012 In this issue: A HUMANITARIAN LEGEND CHRISTCHURCH ANNIVERSARY WOMEN and WAR
new zealand sees red
Message from Penny
The annual SEE RED appeal was a great success. Teams from across the country were out in force last week putting in a tremendous effort reaching our target of $450,000 before the end of March.
As we neared the anniversary of the Christchurch earthquake that cruelly devastated so many lives and livelihoods, we all found ourselves reflecting on the year that had passed. So much had happened and the destruction to that beautiful city and its people had changed the lives of them all for ever. New Zealand Red Cross had also changed a lot during that time.
On 16 March a sea of red collectors lined local pathways drumming up support and collecting donations for Red Cross. Wellington volunteers were first to collect on the streets on 7 March. Central Auckland was lit up for the appeal with the Sky Tower, Aotea Square, The Cloud and Auckland Museum turning red for Red Cross. National Fundraising Manager Alice Montague put the challenge out to businesses across New Zealand to wear red and not let the colour of hope fade.
For the last 18 months we have been called upon to make extraordinary efforts to provide relief. We have managed well and it was with great pride that I received on behalf of our organisation, the special award presented by the Christchurch City Council to organisations who provided first response. As I accepted the award I thought of the many staff, members and volunteers who did so much to help those in need. Without the efforts of those people, many of whom will be reading this Link, Red Cross could never have provided the help for
¡ Auckland service centre staff SEE RED.
2012 is shaping up to be another very busy year. We seem to be doing more and more as time goes on, but that is because we are seen to be reliable, and of course our Fundamental Principles mean we are held in high regard. Our help in Christchurch continues as does our work throughout the country. That is what we are all about – there to assist 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. It means we are always busy but it is what makes Red Cross special and a wonderful organisation to be involved with. I hope you all enjoy working for it as much as I do.
Penny Mason
National President
christchurch earthquake awards New Zealand Red Cross received an award for providing “invaluable support in rescue and recovery” and for “assisting our city in its darkest hour” during the Christchurch one year anniversary commemorations.
¡ New Zealand Red Cross national office staff SEE RED.
which we were rewarded. Let me take this opportunity to thank you all.
Red Cross also received a St John Priory Award, one of only eight organisations to be honoured. The Canterbury earthquakes and continuing aftershocks have led to the largest relief and recovery programme in New Zealand Red Cross history. New Zealand Red Cross have been involved in the recovery process from day one although now the focus has
changed to the long-term recovery of the region. The 2011 Earthquake Appeal raised a record amount – $115million. However, Red Cross efforts go further than just raising money. Volunteers and staff have been doing everything they can to support those in need from coordinating response activities and visiting homes, to distributing torch radios and general community outreach. It is these efforts as a whole that have seen New Zealand Red Cross recognised by these two official Christchurch Earthquake awards.
new zealand red cross
PAT FARMER – a humanitarian legend Unsafe water and poor sanitation has claimed more lives worldwide over the past century than any other cause. Some four million people die each year from diseases associated with the lack of access to safe drinking water, inadequate sanitation and poor hygiene.
VOLUNTEEER OF THE YEAR AWARD NOMINEES The nominees for 2011 volunteer of the year award were truly inspirational. Here are their stories... Ruth Cameron
Hamilton
Ruth Cameron has been described as truly embodying all that is Red Cross through the seven principles. Ruth dedicates 30 hours a week to Red Cross where she coordinates the day to day running of one of the highest performing Red Cross shops, Five Cross Roads in Fairfield, Hamilton. Community probation places offenders at this store with Ruth. She works extra hours to help set them on the right path. Angela Toonman Senior Community Work Supervisor for Hamilton’s Community Probation Services, describes Ruth as often the reason why offenders complete their sentence successfully.
¡ Pat Farmer at his media conference with his children and Australian Red Cross Chief Executive Robert Tickner.
Australian Red Cross has labelled ultra distance runner Pat Farmer a humanitarian legend for his superhuman feat. Pat is the first person to run from the North to the South Pole. His run was about much more than breaking records or personal glory. His purpose was to raise awareness and money for Red Cross water and sanitation programs around the world.
All of this is despite suffering a major head injury in the last 15 years. Hamish knows his limitations and continues to make a positive impact in many people’s lives.
KEY DATES april
The money will also be used to build extra latrines at the school and fund hygiene education for students and teachers.
Red Cross Chief Executive John Ware and National Operations and Emergencies Manager Andrew McKie recently travelled to Samoa to meet with the Samoan Red Cross board and management to review their longterm strategic plan and discuss New Zealand Red Cross’ role in this.
hamish dawson
Hamish is described as someone who never stops when there is something to do. Hamish has made himself available for both earthquakes and for the last four years, consecutively volunteered for three days at a youth camp working 10 hour days with the children.
Money raised has been used to fund a project in Timor-Leste connecting a school and a clinic on the outskirts of the town of Com to the settlements clean water supply.
samoa disaster response update
nelson
Hamish Dawson is a long serving Red Cross member, volunteer at a Red Cross shop and member of the Nelson response team.
Twenty-two pairs of running shoes, one pair of snow shoes and two pairs of boots later Pat arrived at the South Pole and erected the red cross flag in the ice. Throughout the trip, Pat passed through 14 countries and clocked up 80km per day. In each country he passed through he raised money and continues to do so now.
¡ Samoan Red Cross staff test the new water facilities. Photo courtesy of International Federation of Red Cross.
During their visit they also visited the tsunami affected areas in the south and discussed how New Zealand Red Cross would work together as partners with Federation and Australia Red Cross.
More than two and a half years since the devastating tsunami in September 2009 New Zealand Red Cross’ involvement in Samoa is far from finished. Samoan Red Cross is a small national society which for many years was a branch of New Zealand Red Cross and became a National Society in its own right in 1983. Although New Zealand Red Cross has worked with and Supported Samoan Red Cross since it became an independent society, the needs post tsunami became much greater.
NTERNATIONAL DAY OF 4 IMINE AWARENESS
6-9 EASTER WEEKEND
¡ A home with a new Red Cross water system. Photo courtesy of International Federation of Red Cross.
7 WORLD HEALTH DAY
who am i?
new shop in tawa
Do you want to nominate someone you think we should all know about? We would love to hear all about them! So please send us a picture and a contact number so we can show them off around the New Zealand Red Cross. Email us at communications@redcross.org.nz Who am I? Janine Sharp, Service Centre Administrator, Dunedin.
Who am I? Nick Hopkins, first year student at Victoria University. Originally from New Plymouth where I volunteer at my local service centre.
How long have you been with Red Cross? Nine Years. What do you do? Keep the Dunedin team in line… and “turn my computer on and off” at the request of Ricky (in IT). What is your favourite rainy day activity? Getting a bit lazy, lounging in my beanbag in front of the fire, reading a good book or playing board games with my fantastic children and husband. Why New Zealand Red Cross? In 2003 I read an advert asking people if they “enjoy being up to your knees in mud and appreciate late nights out in the rain” so I joined the – then named – emergency response unit. I joined the office staff in 2008. Red Cross is now in my blood. Biggest Indulgence? My nespresso coffee maker… then drinking the resulting coffee in my beanbag in front of a fire. AID WORKERS IN PAPUA NEW GUINEA As a result of a major landslide and ongoing floods in Papua New Guinea the Papua New Guinea Red Cross requested assistance from New Zealand Red Cross. Bill Olsen and Matthew Poole, two aid workers left in late January to spend a week assisting Papua New Guinea Red Cross with IT and telecommunications as part of its emergency response. New Zealand Red Cross International Programmes Manager Glenn Rose said both aid workers were experienced.
How long have you been with Red Cross? Since 2010. What do you do? Since 2010, I have been involved in the planning, running and development of the “No Limits!” youth programme. I also coordinated the social media and video production of the programme. I will also be attending the National Youth Forum for New Zealand Red Cross. What is your favourite rainy day activity? Watching movies. Why New Zealand Red Cross? Why not? The No Limits programme is one of the main reasons I continue to work with the organisation. It gives me the opportunity to help others in my own community. With Red Cross we can see the effect we’re having, the reactions of the people we’re helping and the difference we’re making. This makes it all the more special and worth doing. Biggest Indulgence? Chocolate. MEMBER 188 – CYPRUS Red Cross now has 188 National Societies with the Cyprus Red Cross being officially recognised by the International Committee of the Red Cross on January. In accordance with the Cyprus Red Cross Law of 1967, the Cyprus Red Cross also acts as an auxiliary to the national authorities of the Republic of Cyprus in the humanitarian field and plays a central role in disaster preparedness and disaster response.
ECRETARY GENERAL OF 10 SINTERNATIONAL 22 I NTERNATIONAL MOTHER EARTH DAY FEDERATION OF RED CROSS VISITS NEW ZEALAND
¡ Front entrance of the new Tawa shop. Below, inside the shop.
The fifth Wellington Red Cross shop opened in Tawa on 9 March. The shop has 25 volunteers who have been fabulous learning new skills and providing great customer service.
Opening day was nice and busy and the following weeks have seen a steady flow of customers. While it mainly stocks clothing, this is the first Red Cross shop in Wellington to provide a wider range of products, from kitsch prints, modern homewares and vintage kitchen items. The team is in good hands, under the leadership of Deb Tuckey, previously Shop Coordinator at Newtown. Deb’s fantastic skills will ensure this new shop continues to not only look fabulous, but also be a great place to work in.
LARGEST HUMANITARIAN LAW COLLECTION Napier Red Cross branch established and continues to maintain one of the largest international humanitarian law collections in the country.
¡ Counsellor of honour Joan Cockburn checks out the collection.
EGIONAL FIRST AID MASTER TRAINING 23 RCOURSE IN AUCKLAND
CHRISTCHURCH EARTHQUAKE ANNIVERSARY RED CROSS WORKER RECEIVES AWARD Nominated by members of the community who felt his actions went above and beyond his role with Red Cross. Stephen ran the Red Cross operation on the ground during the initial response stage, working with the police, fire, ambulance and council to coordinate the response. New Zealand Red Cross International Operations and Emergencies Manager Andrew McKie wholeheartedly supports Stephen Mason.
¡ Stephen Mason receiving his Christchurch Earthquake Award from Major Bob Parker.
New Zealand Red Cross Emergency Management Officer Stephen Manson has received a Christchurch earthquake award. Presented by Mayor Bob Parker, the award was for kindness, service and heroism. A direct reflection of Stephen’s actions during and after the September and February earthquakes.
“Steve exemplifies the sort of person we want in Red Cross. He’s a highly committed, professional and dedicated emergency manager, but he also would be a good guy to be living next door to. “Staff and volunteers think highly of him and he has been a real asset to New Zealand Red Cross, not only in the response stage but throughout the recovery phase.”
THANK YOU FROM THE DRYDENS George and Joyce Dryden would like to send a big thank you to Red Cross for the winter assistance grant they received. “We would like to acknowledge with gratitude your generous and greatly appreciated contribution to our power account. “Thank you for your grant and your concern for many Christchurch people.” Eighty-five year old George has advanced emphysema and is hooked up to an oxygen machine 24 hours a day. He needs machinery to help him breathe at night—and his bedroom needs to be kept at a constant 17 degrees. Joyce, who’s 86, has had a stroke and needs a walker. The power needed to charge a mobility scooter and supply the oxygen has led to a monthly power bill of around $400. Last year’s Winter Assistance grant meant George and Joyce could live without concern.
Humbled to have received the award Stephen plans to give it to his children to make up for all the hours they missed with him over the past 18 months.
A LITTLE GESTURE BRINGS BIG SMILES
¡ George and Joyce Dryden.
INTERNAL CHALLENGE: Did you know we have a facebook page and twitter account dedicated to telling your stories to the public? We are putting out a challenge to get Red Cross people to like our facebook page, follow our tweets and get one friend to like us as well!
¡ Christchurch recovery team with their beautiful bouquets.
Members of the recovery team at Christchurch’s service centre had their day brightened by Moffats Flower Company. Bouquets of flowers and a letter of thanks brought smiles all round to this Red Cross team. A kind act proving the hard work we all do does get noticed.
KEY DATES MAY
8 R ED CROSS RED CRESCENT DAY
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IME OF REMEMBRANCE & RECONCILIATION 8-9 TFOR THOSE WHO LOST THEIR LIVES DURING WORLD WAR II
women and war seminar the day which comprised of different speakers, a photo exhibition and an interactive scenario.
red cross care centre for the cook islands
Judy Owen spoke of what she had seen in her 30 years as a Red Cross aid worker.
¡ S tudents listening to a personal account of women and war.
When we pick up a newspaper or watch the news we are often confronted with pictures and stories of conflicts that are raging around the world. Often we just see one side of war – the side concerned with tactics, military causalities, numbers, money and politics. We do not hear the other side of war, the stories of women who everyday keep their communities going whilst living amongst the conflict. New Zealand Red Cross celebrated International Women’s Day on 8 March by holding an interactive seminar on women and war at Woodford House in Hawke’s Bay. About 70 students participated in
Advocacy and Policy manager Gabby Emery discussed the Red Cross Movement, international humanitarian law and how conflict affects women. Rwandan refugees Antoinette and her daughter Pamela gave a personal reflection. They spoke about their own first-hand experiences about genocide and settling into a new life here in New Zealand.
¡ G abby Emery participating in the interactive side of the seminar.
rebecca barrell Where did your first mission take you? My first mission was working for ICRC Hospital for War and Weapon Wounded in Peshawar, Pakistan. I was an ex-pat ward nurse, responsible for nursing care in the emergency department, intensive care unit and surgical wards. ¡ Rebecca (Left) with fellow aid worker Miriam.
Rebecca is a New Zealand Red Cross aid worker. On returning from her first mission she agreed to answer a few questions. What inspired you to become a part of New Zealand Red Cross? I have always been interested in nursing overseas and travelling. While working in London I completed a Diploma in Tropical Nursing. Following this I applied to be an aid worker as it was a fantastic way to combine my interests and new found knowledge.
15 I NTERNATIONAL DAY OF FAMILIES
What was the highlight of your time there? It was a privilege to work with a diverse cultural group, meet a fantastic group of ex-pat staff, to cope with 45 degree heat and to witness the resilience of those I nursed. Where to now? I am back in Christchurch until the end of March enjoying catching up with family and friends, New Zealand’s beautiful scenery and the fantastic food and wine! At the end of March I head to Afghanistan to commence my second mission. ORLD DAY FOR CULTURAL DIVERSITY 21 W FOR DIALOGUE AND DEVELOPMENT
¡ National President Penny Mason (centre) and Cook Islands Prime Minister Henry Puna (second left) with other officials at the opening.
Cook Islands Red Cross are now the proud owners of a national headquarters. The official inauguration took ¡ National Retail Manpart on 1 March. ager Patrick Cummings, Though the Whangarei Area Manweather was less ager Nancy Kareroa, President Penny Mason than ideal it did and Tim Mason. nothing to damper the mood of those who had turned out in support of the building’s opening. Attendees included New Zealand Red Cross President Penny Mason and National Retail Manager Patrick Cummings, Cook Islands Red Cross President Nga Jessie, Queens Representative Sir Frederick Goodwin, Prime Minister Henry Puna and his wife Akaiti Puna and New Zealand High Commissioner John Carter. The $1.3million dollar administrative building doubles as a care centre. The multi-purpose building incorporates everything needed by Cook Islands Red Cross in one central place. An administrative block housing their communications room with 2,000 satellite phones right next to their evacuation centre which can house up to 100 people in the even of a disaster. Cook Islands Red Cross President Nga Jessie reflected on how far Cook Islands Red Cross has come. He spoke of the very first office furnished with one table and four chairs. He recalled saying at the society’s first-ever meeting: “This is a young coconut tree we have just planted. Let us look after it so it will grow well.” He came back to this at the conclusion of his speech stating that the tree, is indeed growing well.
NEW ZEALAND RED CROSS LINK
area round-up
upper hutt
¡ Dr Judy Wilson
Long-time Red Cross member Dr Judy Wilson has been advocating for Red Cross in her local newspaper the Upper Hutt Leader.
A staunch supporter of all that Red Cross entails Dr Wilson believes that there should be a qualified first aider in every home in New Zealand. Her Red Cross encounters include entering junior Red Cross games as a child, volunteering during World War II and for the past 33 years local schools and organisations have competed in first aid competitions for the Judy Wilson Shield.
ashburton Over 20 different nationalities showcased their native dance, song and foods during Ashburton’s Waitangi Day celebrations. With over 10,000 attendees, including the Commissioner of Race Relations, Joris de Boris, the day was hailed a success. Five members of the Tinwald Branch and three from the Methven Branch were on hand to hydrate attendees handing out around 1,000 cups of water throughout the day. All members were delighted with the days festivities and pleased to be invited. The event was organised with the intent to celebrate Mid Canterbury’s multicultural communities and give each culture the opportunity to showcase their traditions.
nelson Two Nelson Red Cross staff volunteered for four days at Bridge Valley Camp. During this time they helped 31 children from all walks of life participate in activities such as confidence courses, orienteering, rock climbing and abseiling. The overall goal was to provide the children with opportunities to develop life skills, increase self-esteem and work as a team whilst stepping out of their comfort zones. Feedback has been extremely positive with many comments about how much more confident the children are upon returning home.
Events like these highlight cultural diversity and give everyone the opportunity to share their cultures whilst participating and appreciating others.
kaiapoi
otago Otago area councillor Liz Carroll-Lowe and three youth volunteers, Jacob Moller, Mat Darling and Scott Carroll-Lowe had a fantastic day at the North ¡ The team competing Otago A & P in the tug of war competition. Show in Oamaru promoting New Zealand Red Cross and attracting new members for the Oamaru Red Cross branch. They spoke to many people who were interested in Red Cross programmes, first aid kits and defibrillators. They attracted seven prospective new members for the Oamaru Branch and still had time to participate in the tug of war competition. Liz was very excited with how the day went and said “there was an excellent response to our presence and I think it was a brilliant way to connect directly with the community.”
¡ Pat O’Brien, Lynette Lovett and Lyn Gutry at Red Cross’ water tent.
auckland Auckland area has been busy working with the refugee centre purchasing and delivering 100 1litre bottles of sunscreen to help refugees and asylum seekers protect themselves from the harsh New Zealand sun. Each refugee family was also presented with a first aid kit and toiletry packs made up of toothpaste, toothbrush, face cloth, soap, shampoo and much more.
Onwards and upwards for the Kaiapoi branch. With a new location at the Working Men’s Club they are looking forward ¡ Defibrillator presented to Maurice (Bones) to a fresh start. Nutira By Lorraine Their first order Waters for the community and is housed at of business was the Kaiapoi Club. providing the community with a new defibrillator funded by a branch raffle, a bring and buy and interest the Kaiapoi branch receives from a legacy. National Office PO Box 12-140, Wellington 69 Molesworth Street, Thorndon Wellington Phone: 04 471 8250 Fax: 04 471 8251 Email: national@redcross.org.nz This edition written by Olivia Cramond. www.redcross.org.nz