On 8 May 2024, Napier Library re-launched their international humanitarian law collection. First opened in 2006 by then New Zealand Red Cross National President Jocelyn Lady Keith CBE, the collection is once again available to the public after the library refurbished their buildings. The following is the speech delivered at the relaunch event by our current National President Kerry Nickels.

Many of the homes in the small Hawke’s Bay community of Waiohiki have stayed in the same family for generations. Kiriana Laison is the fourth generation of her family to live in her home – her children are the fifth. The night flooding from Cyclone Gabrielle arrived, Kiriana was worried she had not only lost her home but her entire community – and her family. 

Update 15: A year after Cyclone Gabrielle and other severe weather events in early 2023 we’ve committed the entire New Zealand Disaster Fund to helping people and communities affected.

Napier local Joan Cockburn received a Service Award which recognises her 60 years of service to Red Cross.

Update 14: In this update we focus on our work supporting mental health in recovering communities and check in on three community grant recipients.