Issue 4 2013
Greetings from Tony
I
t has now been three weeks since the warm welcome I received at national office with a traditional Mihi Whakatau. In this short time I have already met many of you, the people who make Red Cross tick. Everyone has shared so much with me, and I thank those of you who have sent welcome emails and letters. It is now only fair I share a bit about me with you.
My background in the not-for-profit sector began in the 1980s as a psychiatric social worker in Auckland and then in the national office of the NZ AIDS Foundation working on health promotion campaigns. I moved back to my hometown of Christchurch in 1989 with my partner Bernadette and worked freelance for charities as a writer and fundraiser – discovering the pleasure and intriguing
challenges of working with teams of people to get things done. My first CEO role was with the Comcare Trust, which provides a range of housing and community support services for people with psychiatric disabilities. My next CEO role was with the Christchurch Arts Centre Trust, during which time I completed a Masters in Management and a thesis on customer services in social service organisations. By then Bernadette and I had two kids: Maggie-Rose who is now 17, and Sally who is 12 (pictured above). In 2008 we left our home in Diamond Harbour (opposite Lyttelton) to come to Wellington where I became CEO of NZ Victim Support. Since then Wellington has become my favourite city – a dramatic, energetic, friendly and beautiful place with bush and beach close at hand. Outside of work, family and friends are the heart of my world. I’m an amateur
musician and have played guitar and bass in jazz and rock bands. Music is a big part of our family life: Wellington ukuleles, jam sessions, sing-alongs around the piano. I even have to confess to owning a banjo. One theme of all of that (at least with the power of hindsight) is community and connection: the relationships that help us find meaning, and make a rich, full life possible are so important. As someone much wiser than me said, “a community is a place where no one who has the need to mourn or celebrate should have to do so alone”. I’m continuing to enjoy learning about the ways Red Cross brings those powerful ideas to life. I am excited to get out of the office and meet our members and volunteers. It’s important to me that everyone feels part of one organisation and knows that their views will be an important part of my orientation to Red Cross and the great work we are doing.
New Brand Standards
Message from Jenny
Our brand standards have had a refresh and we are starting to see them take pride of place on some Red Cross buildings and vehicles. Electronic copies of the New Zealand Red Cross brand standards are available on the Comms and Marketing page of our intranet. If you don’t have access to the online platform simply email the communications team on communications@redcross.org.nz. ACCESS THEM ONLINE
http://bit.ly/19Dgocy
It is the start of a new era in New Zealand Red Cross, as we welcome Tony Paine as our Secretary General. A traditional Maori welcome for Tony in early September was attended by a number of Victim Support workers, proof of the impact he had as their CEO and a sure sign of things to come with us. It really is a pleasure to have Tony join us. He has started his regional visits to meet staff and members and I am sure many of you will have the pleasure of meeting him in the coming months. I have been fortunate in also being able to continue visiting branches, area councils and service centres. This remains the most fulfilling part of my role, meeting with so many dedicated and energetic people who know and understand their respective communities. Recently I participated in the annual mid-winter lunch in Waitahuna, where former residents and members of the area get together; this year marked 70 years of the branch. In Blenheim, I joined the Marlborough branch and the local RSA in reuniting (by way of loan) the Florence Nightingale Medal awarded to Matron Edith Rudd (née Lewis) with her service medals from the two world wars she served in. Matron Rudd was in Egypt from 1915 to 1918 and on the hospital ship ‘Maunganui’ from 1941 to 1944. She joined New Zealand Red Cross in 1925.
New Zealand Red Cross Link Newsletter
Our new one-stop shop in Whangarei shows the difference between the old and new branding. The new building houses the Whangarei service centre, first aid training facility and retail shop.
Service medals awarded 40 years on One of the lesser known periods in New Zealand Red Cross history was recently revisited when Interim Secretary General Andrew McKie presented two Vietnam service medals to Leonie Clent (née) Bowden 40 years after the conflict ended. Leonie served in Vietnam with the sixth and last welfare team from 1974 to ‘75. Here she worked to rehabilitate the Montagnard (also known as Degar) indigenous highlands people. Her story is one described as ‘heartbreaking,’ filled with love and loss and recently covered in the Otago Daily Times. Leonie accepted the medals on behalf of her Red Cross team-mates, including former partner and team leader Mac Riding, who was killed on mission when his plane was shot down in 1975. “I accept these for the team, the others who are not here. You don’t ever forget,” she says.
Andrew McKie awarding a service medal to Leonie Clent.
Jenny McMahon National President
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READ THE FULL OTAGO DAILY TIMES STORY AT
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Ta Eh Doe completes a fitness exercise at Naenae Boxing Academy.
Ontrack holiday programme The ‘Ontrack’ holiday programme for youth from a refugee background was held in Upper Hutt in July. The programme, designed for intermediate and secondary school students, uses sport to engage, motivate and inspire young people to maximise their potential. A range of sport and life skill development activities are designed to get young people active and develop skills such as leadership and goal setting, while also boosting confidence and self-esteem. The programme had 32 participants aged between 12 and 22. Refugee Services case worker Dennis Maang thoroughly enjoyed his time at the programme, watching many of the children engage in aspects of New Zealand life they hadn’t had a chance to enjoy before now. “The programme was not only for sporting opportunities but a time for the children to try new things. Some took part in games they had never heard of, threw a frisbee for the first time, experienced the cinema and had their first taste of pizza,” he says.
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Who Am I? Peter Scott National Membership Services Manager. How long have you been with Red Cross? Since the tail end of the last millennium (1999) when I went on my first mission with the ICRC to Southern Sudan. What do you do? Support the growth and engagement of the membership across the country. What is your favourite part of your job? Meeting our inspiring members around the country. Many have been with New Zealand Red Cross for many years, and their dedication and passion for the movement makes me proud to be a part of our Red Cross family. Why New Zealand Red Cross? Jason and Aaron visiting the demilitarised zone.
Youth panel members back from South Korea Aaron Turner and Jason Sebastian of the National Youth Panel recently spent two weeks in South Korea at the 2nd Model IFRC General Assembly. Hosted by Korea Red Cross and funded by the Korea Exchange Bank, the assembly discussed what national societies can do for vulnerable migrant and refugee youth and reinforced New Zealand Red Cross’ aim of a culture of social inclusion. Jason also felt the discussions highlighted the importance of seeking opportunities in our own backyard to make migrants and refugees feel welcome.
Interaction with other Red Cross youth was a huge benefit. “The opportunity to meet with youth representatives from the Pacific national societies is very rare,” says Aaron. Based on what he saw in Korea, Jason wants to explore ways of engaging high school-aged youth here. Early initial engagement means a higher chance of future participation in Red Cross activities, he says. He invites all members, volunteers and staff to think about how this could be done in their own area and to get in touch at youth@redcross.org.nz.
After some challenging and rewarding missions overseas in countries where Red Cross support can literally be the difference between life and death, I continue to enjoy working for an organisation that prides itself on making a difference in such a meaningful way. Biggest indulgence? A big fat cigar and a bottle of port on the veranda of a tramping hut anywhere in New Zealand after a hard slog through our beautiful native bush. Totally wrong on so many levels, but it just feels so right! DO YOU WANT TO NOMINATE SOMEONE WE SHOULD ALL KNOW ABOUT?
communications@redcross.org.nz
Issue 4 /2013 | www.redcross.org.nz
Local Highlights
Social Media What was popular in August 2013
Kaikoura joins Marlborough Following its latest AGM, Kaikoura branch will join the Marlborough region. Kaikoura branch president Margaret Hislop says it will be beneficial to have oversight from a closer region, particularly in disaster support which previously came from North Canterbury.
Facebook: New Zealand Red Cross Are you or one of your friends running the Auckland Marathon? Put your best foot forward and join our Red Cross team! Here’s how: www.teamred.org.nz Twitter: New Zealand Red Cross The welfare centre at #Seddon School will be open all night, supporting residents of Seddon and surrounding areas #eqnz.
Sally receiving her award.
Maureen Reid and Jeanette Gunn cutting the cake.
Citizens Award for Sally Ballot
Darfield celebrates 80 years
Passionate Red Cross volunteer Sally Ballot recently received a citizens award. The award recognises extraordinary people who give their time to make their community a better place. Sally joined Red Cross as a Meals on Wheels driver and quickly became involved in the New Plymouth branch committee and almost all of its community programmes. Candace Noyes, Taranaki programme coordinator, describes Sally as “a source of joy for those who are socially isolated and lonely”.
Darfield branch celebrated its 80 anniversary with a modest gathering and a slice of Red Cross cake. Canterbury and West Coast area manager Carol Ball attended the event and had the privilege of reading the minutes from their very first meeting in 1933.
Soni and Wini.
Soni and Wini Rogan – valuable volunteers In a recent Manukau Courier article two of our hardworking Meals on Wheels volunteers were recognised as valuable volunteers in their region. In the ‘Thanks a Bunch’ article, Meals on Wheels coordinator Andrea Sutton describes Soni and Wini Rogan as simply wonderful people and exceptional volunteers. “Their reliability and helpfulness really make a difference to our service.”
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Maree receiving her award from Bob Parker.
Study in the workforce pays off Rangiora shop co-ordinator Maree Brogan received an award from Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker earlier this year. The certificate of achievement for gaining a National Certificate in Retail at level three was awarded on behalf of the Mayors of Canterbury as part of the Canterbury Industry Training Awards. “I feel very privileged to have been given the opportunity by Red Cross and Service IQ to do this study and am excited to continue into Level Four,” says Maree.
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Where in the world are our aid workers? Taking off: Glenys Ewans is heading to Malakal, South Sudan as a hospital administrator. Currently in the field: Melanie Ogle – Nairobi, Kenya Cate Keville – Suva, Fiji Erin O’Connor – Malakal, South Sudan Janet Askew – Beirut, Lebanon Louisa Akavi – Damascus, Syria Ana Zarkovic – Majuro, Marshall Islands Rick Eisenhart – Apia, Samoa Chelsea Giles-Hansen – Nairobi, Kenya Rebecca Barrell – Malakal, South Sudan Ellie Seo – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Graham Duggan – Kabul, Afghanistan Barbara Turnbull – Pyongyang, DPRK Joshua Herron – Dakar, Senegal Peter Winthrop – Wellington/Fiji Gail Corbett – Gaza, OPT VIEW CURRENT AID WORKERS AT
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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 www.redcross.org.nz