Issue 5 2013
82nd National Council
S
wiss Ambassador Marion Weichelt Krupski gave all attendees a warm welcome to the 82nd National Council held in Wellington on 2 and 3 November.
The National Council was again attended by a large number of Red Cross representatives from all across New Zealand, as well as staff and international guests. International visitors included Australian Red Cross President Michael Legge and Vice-President Ross Pinney, and the ICRC representative in the Pacific, Judith Greenwood. A wide range of topics was discussed with presentations about next year’s Annual
Appeal, the new ‘RedNet’ information resource for members, emergency preparedness and our disaster response teams as well as an overview of Christchurch recovery activities. A highlight of the meeting came during Shupayi Mpunga’s speech about youth leadership and engagement. While her speech was mostly focused around the recent Christchurch Youth Forum, she took the opportunity to get attendees up on their feet by teaching them the Cupid Shuffle dance – a song that has been adapted by the Red Cross youth and is fun and catchy. Visit the story on the homepage of RedNet to see the Board, staff and other Red Cross members giving the dance a go. Another presentation which stood out was the insight into the Refugee Services
programme. National Refugee Services Manager Molly Kennedy began with an overview about the programme, explaining how the different branches within Red Cross may look to connect with it. Adding to Molly’s message were social worker Lucy Anderson and volunteer supervisor Sonja De Lange. A former refugee, Mohammad Ali Amiri was a great addition and, combined with Lucy and Sonja’s perspective, gave a very informative overview of all the different aspects of the programme. President Jenny McMahon said it was fabulous to see many of the membership during the weekend. “Your enthusiasm, passion and dedication are really appreciated and are a hallmark of New Zealand Red Cross’ success,” she says.
Log on to RedNet
Message from Jenny My thanks to everyone for their support and participation at our National Council meeting in early November. It was another successful meeting with representatives from up and down the country exchanging information and ideas. Your Board has committed to having the revised Members’ Handbook available by the end of the calendar year; likewise, the revised New Zealand Red Cross Constitution adopted. I recently attended the General Assembly meeting of all National Societies with the Federation Secretariat. There were a number of workshops in relation to disaster management, beneficiary communications and youth engagement among others. A couple of discussion topics are particularly pertinent at all levels within our global Movement: how to engage smaller units at community level to take a bigger responsibility; and how we would create a Federation today if we were starting from scratch. I believe both are topics we should discuss. If we know what we want we can work towards achieving the outcome we prefer! During my time in Sydney I also attended the Council of Delegates. Agreements were adopted unanimously to continue to pursue the banning of nuclear weapons; to improve coordination within the Movement; and to promote inclusion for the disabled in the Movement. As the year draws to an end, I wish one and all a very happy and safe holiday, with sufficient time to re-energise the batteries for 2014, and a happy family time.
Dr Jenny McMahon National President New Zealand Red Cross Link Newsletter
New Zealand Red Cross’ intranet ‘RedNet’ is now live and ready to be accessed my members across the country. Membership access to the intranet has been something high on the Board’s priority list for some time now and this year we have had the necessary resources and support to make it a reality. With the help of Microsoft Corporation, we have
Red Cross through the generations Community mindedness is reflected in much of what Red Cross is about. Red Cross member Wendy Joy Baker recently found this is what drew not only herself but also other generations of her family to Red Cross. In 2007, both Wendy’s parents passed away. Since then she has been researching her family history. She spent time looking through boxes and boxes of material, never sure what she was going to find. “Finding Mum’s Red Cross certificates in one of the boxes was exciting as I had no idea she had done any Red Cross training and at the time I had just completed a Red Cross first aid course,” she says. The certificates were dated as far back as 1938. Wendy was surprised her mother had kept them all these years and thought it exemplified the person she was. She researched a little further then shared her story with us: “Just recently, I found two of my mother’s (Yvonne Barbara Drewett-Browne) British Red Cross Society certificates – one for anti-gas training and one for first aid. Mum was born in Bristol, England where she was an English teacher before travelling to New Zealand on the T.S.S Captain Cook ship in 1954 and becoming a social worker. Finding her Red Cross certificates has brought on respectful reflection, particularly about Red Cross. I was aware that Red Cross has had a special place in my family’s heart due to their wartime experiences. My father, Trevor William Baker, was a Second World War veteran and his father a First World War veteran. On Mum’s side, my grandfather was a special constable in the
developed a user-friendly resource that can be accessed anywhere via the internet. RedNet is the hub of all internal communication in our organisation. On the home page you will find feature news stories and internal announcements which keep everyone up to speed with what is happening in different areas or departments. We have our Secretary General’s blog which Tony updates regularly for you to read and comment on. The home page also has a small area which highlights the social media platform Twitter – it shows messages from all English-
Second World War and my grandmother was an air raid precaution warden. It is obvious that this is what inspired my mother to complete the Red Cross anti-gas training. Our family has always been community minded and health and well-being have always been important. Personally, I have completed three New Zealand Red Cross first aid courses, and have volunteered at the Mount Maunganui Red Cross shop for three years. Having worked as a healthy lifestyle coordinator I strongly believe that first aid courses are important. You never know when the useful information learnt will be needed to help someone. Red Cross connects with my heart and soul for many reasons but particularly because it exemplifies my mother. My mother is an inspiration to me because of her community spirit, her dedication to education and training and her caring career. I am proud of my family. Thanks New Zealand Red Cross for letting me share my story.”
Wendy with a photograph of her Mum and certificate.
speaking National Societies, giving a great insight into what they are sharing online. Last but not least we have a breaking news feature which only gets turned on when there is important news that the organisation needs to be kept up to date with. This is currently live and is the hub of all Typhoon Haiyan information. Members have their own page, which is driven by members’ news. It has a feature story as well as an area for updates and information. The latest copy of Link will always be available online, there will be documents you may find interesting,
words from National Membership Services Manager Peter Scott and a column from our President, Dr Jenny McMahon. It is our hope that this page will be by the members for the members and we encourage you to send through stories, photos, documents as well as any information and updates to Peter Scott, the page administrator, to put online. Simply follow the instructions in the reply paid mailer to request access. We will then be in touch to sign you up and you can join us online.
An exemplary member of New Zealand Red Cross Pat to all her friends, was an outstanding member of New Zealand Red Cross. At home at a garden party, at Government House or even a youth camp in Auckland, Pat could be found helping with everything from washing dishes after functions to greeting international visitors. A big supporter of youth activities, she relished the opportunity to encourage the young to try something different. Pat brought comfort to many, becoming involved with the Refugee Settlement programme long before it came under the Red Cross banner. Extremely active in the wider Auckland community, Pat was also able to appreciate the national and international requirements, either seated at the Board table in Wellington or representing New Zealand Red Cross as a delegate to the 1985 Asia-Pacific meeting. Pat was elected to the New Zealand Red Cross National Executive (Board) in 1982 where her wise counsel was always appreciated. She served at national, centre and branch level where her extraordinary fundraising ability, vitality and energy inspired all who worked with her. One of her proudest moments was when her much loved Mt Eden branch Red Cross shop reached the $1 million total for funds raised. Pat’s other great interest was local politics and community service, serving a term as Mayoress of the (then) Mt Eden Borough Council. Her service to the community was recognised by the
Who Am I? Karen Clements What is your role? PMER Manager (Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting) How long have you been with Red Cross? Nearly nine years and it’s flown by! What do you do?
Patricia Hayden Gribble.
Mt Roskill Rotary Club and the Mt Eden Borough Council on her retirement. Pat had a keen sense of humour and an ability to have fun which will be fondly remembered, while her capacity to quickly switch from merriment to a serious discussion was a measure of her discipline to difficult tasks at hand. Pat had a wonderful love of life, her family and Red Cross. She will be greatly missed by all who were fortunate to know and work with her. Patricia Gribble QSM, 1922–2013: 1990 Medal, Justice of the Peace, Counsellor of Honour New Zealand Red Cross. Obituary supplied by Joan Cockburn.
I work with others towards ensuring that our programmes and community services are able to, and continue to, make a difference in our communities, and that we can deliver them effectively and efficiently. What is your favourite part of your job? Working with passionate people from all walks of life who believe in something other than chasing the dollar. Why New Zealand Red Cross? I believe strongly in what Red Cross stands for, especially the Fundamental Principles. I also love our organisation’s history and the great stories that come with it. Biggest indulgence? Sitting in the sun with a good book and a nice glass of wine. DO YOU WANT TO NOMINATE SOMEONE WE SHOULD ALL KNOW ABOUT?
communications@redcross.org.nz
Issue 4 /2013 | www.redcross.org.nz
Miramar Uniting Church offers a helping hand
June Stewart and Jenny More hand over cheques to manager Judi McCallum and Employer Liaisons Sue Paterson and Cheryl Robilliard, and client Feisel Igal.
Miramar Uniting Church has recently helped the Red Cross Pathways to Employment programme by donating $2,000 to assist with the many costs former refugees face in their search for work. It was through meeting refugee families at church services that congregation members came to realise how crucial employment is to former refugees’ resettlement in New Zealand and what a
hurdle obtaining work is for them. To make the donation more effective it was broken down in three concrete components: petrol vouchers totalling $700; Snapper cards with a purchase value of $300; and a cheque for $1,000 for employment preparation activities such as training courses and driving lessons. The donation was presented by church administrator June Stewart. “Putting a small drop into a big bucket doesn’t make a difference so we tried to find a way where a small donation would go further,” says June. Pathways to Employment Manager Judi McCallum is highly appreciative of the generous gesture and adds: “We are quite stretched for resources and are grateful to have an opportunity to support our clients further in overcoming the financial barriers to becoming work ready.”
Local Highlights
Social Media What was popular in November 2013 Facebook: It’s time to take the next step in the elimination of nuclear weapons. We join Australian Red Cross and ask you to share the things you love – things that would be lost if the world was destroyed by a nuclear bomb. It might be walking through your local garden, spending time with your family, or simply, a safe world to live in. Take the next step and let’s show the world what’s at stake if we don’t end the threat of the most destructive weapon – nuclear weapons: http://bit.ly/GA120z
Twitter: New Zealand Red Cross 90% of lives are saved by local people after disasters. #Humanitariantech can help connect and build #resilience. #WDR2013
Followers: 9250
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www.facebook.com/NewZealandRedCross www.twitter.com/NZRedCross
Where in the world are our aid workers?
Stacey Jones and Anne-Maree Delaney enjoying the A&P show.
Canterbury A&P show Canterbury Red Cross had a great presence at the A&P show earlier this month with a stall showcasing their activities around Christchurch as well as their recovery initiatives. A highlight of the show was launching the Kiri and the Emergency, Kiri me te Aituā resource. The first aid resource is aimed at children aged 3–6 years, introducing first aid messages, building children’s understanding around danger and supporting them to build confidence and skills to act in an emergency.
Rt Hon John Key with the Auckland emergency management team.
Auckland celebrates ICRC turning 150 The Auckland Area Council hosted a cocktail party sponsored by Ernst & Young to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the International Red Cross on 25 October. Rt Hon John Key attended as the guest of honour and spoke about Red Cross both internationally and in New Zealand. Almost $15,000 was raised from auctions and pledges and will go towards establishing youth programmes in Auckland.
Kaiapoi Kaiapoi members were recently visited by one of the Red Cross disaster welfare support trucks. Everyone was delighted to see the truck in action with three members taking the opportunity to have a photo on the back of it.
Taking off: Anne-Maree Delaney – Fiji Kevin Duignan – Vietnam Rose Fenton – Vietnam Louise Humphreys – Lebanon Kaye Wilson – South Sudan Currently in the field: Rebecca Barrell – South Sudan Mike Carson – Philippines Glenys Checchi – South Sudan Ewan Coldicott – Philippines Gail Corbett – Gaza, OPT Chelsea Giles-Hansen – Kenya Joshua Herron – Senegal Thomas McNally – Philippines Erin O’Connor – South Sudan Melanie Ogle – Kenya Ellie Seo – Malaysia Barbara Turnbull – DPRK Peter Winthrop – Wellington/Pacific Ana Zarkovic – Marshall Islands VIEW CURRENT AID WORKERS AT
www.redcross.org.nz/what-we-do
National Office
Members Marie Swift, Isobel Francis and Sheila Pinkham on the back of the Red Cross truck.
PO Box 12-140, Wellington 69 Molesworth Street, Thorndon Wellington Phone: 04 471 8250 Fax: 04 471 8251 Email: national@redcross.org.nz www.redcross.org.nz