INDUCTION HANDBOOK New Zealand Red Cross - PART 1 New Zealand Red Cross
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INDUCTION HANDBOOK New Zealand Red Cross PART 1 New Zealand Red Cross
Table of Contents
PART 1 New Zealand Red Cross
Welcome from the Secretary General & National President 1- 03
Your Introduction to New Zealand Red Cross 1- 04
New Zealand Red Cross Mission & Fundamental Principles 1- 05
History of New Zealand Red Cross 1- 06
International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement 1- 07
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) 1- 08
International Federation of Red Cross and
Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) 1- 09
National Societies 1- 10
International Humanitarian Law (IHL) 1- 11
Emblems 1- 12
New Zealand Red Cross today 1- 14
New Zealand Red Cross Programmes and Activities 1- 17
Governance 1- 22
Health and Safety 1- 24
PART 2 Volunteering in New Zealand
Introduction 2-02
The Importance of Members as Volunteers 2-03
Members & Red Cross: Mutual Expectations 2-04
Support & Policies for Members Volunteering 2-06
PART 3 New Zealand Red Cross Employees
Introduction 3-02
RedNet 3-03
Datacom Easipay 3-04
Organisational Policies and Procedures 3-07
NZRC Organisation Policy Register 3-08
Summary of Key HR Policies and Procedures 3-10
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New Zealand Red Cross | INDUCTION HANDBOOK PART 1
About this Induction Handbook
This handbook is for all new staff and members of New
Zealand Red Cross.
Part 1 provides an overview of the International Red Cross
and Red Crescent Movement and New Zealand Red Cross.
Part 2 provides information specific to members.
Part 3 provides information specific to staff.
New information is added regularly to help you stay up-
to-date, so you are encouraged to regularly check this
document on the New Zealand Red Cross website or our
intranet, RedNet.
Feedback
We encourage you to send comments about this handbook
to your local New Zealand Red Cross contact person. Your
feedback will help to keep this induction relevant and up-
to-date.
Privacy
All photographs used in this handbook comply with New
Zealand Red Cross photography guidelines and where
necessary, photography consent has been obtained.
Version 2.1
October 2015
New Zealand Red Cross
Rīpeka Whero Aotearoa
2
PART 1 INDUCTION HANDBOOK | New Zealand Red Cross
Welcome from the
Secretary General &
National President
Sadly, we have much to do if we want to see this great
humanitarian principle come to life. Our world is all too
often marked by preventable suffering and tragedy. The
great humanitarian challenges of our age – poverty, climate
change, violence, forced migration, slavery, the threat
posed by nuclear weapons, exclusion, and injustice – all
require action big enough to make a real difference for
millions of people. We need to be effective, compassionate
and courageous.
So thank you for being part of that action. For being
someone who stands in solidarity with people facing
vulnerability, whether they live next door to you or
thousands of miles away. For wanting to make a difference.
We hope you will start your journey with Red Cross here,
with this induction. Take some time to learn a bit about our
history, our values, what we do and what we stand for. We
know you will be inspired, because we have been.
We also hope you have a wonderful time as a member of
Tena koe New Zealand Red Cross and the worldwide Movement we
are part of. We hope you find meaning and hope, and enjoy
Nau mai haere mai ki Rīpeka Whero Aotearoa
the company of like-minded people who want to make the
Welcome to New Zealand Red Cross world a better place.
It is great to be able to welcome you to New Zealand Red Thanks for getting involved and helping to make a
Cross. Whether you are one of our thousands of members difference. We hope to meet you in person soon.
volunteering or starting work as an employee, this
With our very best wishes
induction package is the best place to start.
Ngā mihi mahana
At the heart of our work is a very powerful and world-
changing idea: that human beings are capable of
responding to and overcoming the challenges we face,
especially from violent conflict and natural disaster. That
the power of humanity, the power of good people working
together to help people in need, is strong enough to
ensure that every person on the planet is able to lead a
safe and satisfying life free from disruption, exclusion and Tony Paine Jenny McMahon
vulnerability. SECRETARY GENERAL NATIONAL PRESIDENT
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New Zealand Red Cross | INDUCTION HANDBOOK PART 1
Your Introduction to
New Zealand Red Cross
This induction handbook is the place to start your
introduction to New Zealand Red Cross. It takes you through
the history of Red Cross, our values, and the way we work in
New Zealand Aotearoa.
You will also get a specific induction from your team New staff receive:
leader, manager, area council or branch executive. This §§ Letter of Offer (two copies)
local induction will depend on how and where you are
joining us: as a member volunteering or as employee; §§ Individual Employment Agreement (two copies)
as part of a branch, activity group or staff team. §§ Job Description (two copies)
If you are going to be employed or volunteering in a §§ The Red Cross Information Technology (IT) Policy
specific programme the induction will include: (two copies)
§§ information to ensure your safety §§ Red Cross Code of Conduct (two copies)
§§ guidelines on and expectations of standards of §§ Employee Information form
performance and behaviour §§ Tax Code Declaration form
§§ detailed role or position description so you can confidently §§ Application of Employment form
start your duties
§§ Introduction to KiwiSaver – Employee Information form
§§ link to, or copy of, the New Zealand Red Cross Members’ (one copy)
Handbook, which sets out how the organisation operates
within the Constitution §§ KiwiSaver Opt in/Opt out forms
§§ link to the Red Cross Learning Platform – a free online §§ Criminal Record Consent to Disclosure.
resource full of training programmes on the Red Cross Red
Crescent Movement and its work. See page 07 for more Please follow us on social media
on the Movement. Twitter | Facebook | Youtube
All new members receive:
Keep up to date with our work by visiting
§§ Membership card, and where appropriate
our website
§§ Role description redcross.org.nz
§§ Reporting requirements
§§ Criminal Record Consent to Disclosure
§§ Copy of the Red Cross Code of Conduct
§§ Other information needed to operate effectively from
day one.
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PART 1 INDUCTION HANDBOOK | New Zealand Red Cross
New Zealand Red Cross
Mission & Fundamental
Principles
The Power of Humanity The seven Fundamental Principles express the reason for
the existence of the Movement and inspire and influence
New Zealand Red Cross’ mission is: to improve the lives of
all that we do. They were formally adopted at the 20th
vulnerable people by mobilising the power of humanity and
International Conference of the Red Cross and Red
enhancing community resilience.
Crescent in Vienna in 1965.
Fundamental Principles For more information on our Fundamental Principles and
to see them in action go to:
Our members and staff are guided by the seven www.fundamentalprinciples.today
Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and
Red Crescent Movement.
FUNDAMENTAL NGĀ MĀTĀPONO
PRINCIPLES TAKETAKE
HUMANITY TE NGĀKAU ATAWHAI
IMPARTIALITY TE TŌKEKETANGA
NEUTRALITY TE WHAKARAUPAPA
INDEPENDENCE TE TŪ MOTUHAKE
VOLUNTARY SERVICE HE RATONGA TŪAO
UNITY TE KOTAHITANGA
UNIVERSALITY O TE AO
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New Zealand Red Cross | INDUCTION HANDBOOK PART 1
History of New Zealand
Red Cross
New Zealand Red Cross has been part of the fabric of our country for over a century.
Photo Credit: New Zealand Red Cross archives
In 1914, at the start of the First World War (WWI), On 3 June 1932 the New Zealand Red Cross Society was
ad hoc Red Cross groups began raising money and recognised by government proclamation as the National
sending medical supplies to New Zealand troops Society of New Zealand. This was followed soon after by
overseas. recognition from the International Committee of the
The Governor General, Lord Liverpool, arranged a meeting Red Cross.
to coordinate the patriotic activities of these groups. Since then, New Zealand Red Cross has been there for
The meeting was held on 10 November 1915 and the New people in need, providing relief in times of crisis and care
Zealand Branch of the British Red Cross emerged from for the most vulnerable people and communities in New
these efforts. During WWI, New Zealand Red Cross worked Zealand and around the world.
in conjunction with the Order of St John as a joint council.
From fundraising efforts through to sewing circles, these 2015 Centenary
early Red Cross members provided significant support In 2015, Red Cross celebrated 100 years of people helping
and relief during WWI, the 1918 influenza pandemic, the people and thanked generations of New Zealanders for
1931 Hawke’s Bay earthquake, WWII and the 1953 Tangiwai their service to the nation in times of war, disaster and
disaster. emergency.
On 4 December 1930, Red Cross workers at a meeting To acknowledge and celebrate the extraordinary generosity
in Wellington unanimously decided to form a national of the people who have been a part of our story, Red Cross
Red Cross society and to seek recognition from the New placed an archive of historical images and stories online
Zealand government.
and asked members to share their personal connection
After the Hawke’s Bay earthquake, Wellington Secretary with Red Cross in our online Centenary Story Collection.
Malcolm Galloway and others worked to pull together all For more information on our Centenary, visit
Red Cross groups in New Zealand. redcross.org.nz/100/
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PART 1 INDUCTION HANDBOOK | New Zealand Red Cross
International Red Cross
and Red Crescent
Movement
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is the largest humanitarian
network in the world. Its mission is to alleviate human suffering, protect life and health
and uphold human dignity, especially during armed conflicts and other emergencies. It is
present in every country in the world and supported by millions of staff and volunteers.
The Movement is made up of the International International Committee for Relief to
Committee of the Red Cross, 190 National Red Cross
and Red Crescent Societies and the International the Wounded
Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. In 1863 Dunant proposed an international congress be held
Watch a film about the history of the Movement, ‘to formulate some international principle, sanctioned by a
The Story of an Idea, on YouTube. Convention inviolate in character, which might constitute
the basis for societies for the relief of the wounded’. The
Convention would also protect the wounded and those
Origins of the Movement coming to their aid.
The origins of the Movement go back to June 1859. Henry
Dunant, a Swiss businessman, witnessed the devastation In Geneva in October 1863, Dunant, who went on to
and suffering caused by armed conflict at the Battle of become the first person to win the Nobel peace prize,
Solferino in northern Italy. Horrified by the carnage and helped set up the International Committee for Relief
the plight of the wounded, he rallied the women of a to the Wounded. The Committee, later to become the
nearby town to bring comfort to the wounded and dying. International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), chose
He made no distinction between the warring nationalities, a red cross of five even squares on a white background as
showing compassion to all men. His rallying cry was: its emblem, the reverse of the Swiss flag. At this landmark
meeting 12 governments became signatories to the first
“Tutti Fratelli” Geneva Convention for the ‘Amelioration of the Condition
– ALL MEN ARE BROTHERS. of the Wounded in Armies in the Field’.
This was the beginning of codified international
A Memory of Solferino humanitarian law (the laws of war – see page 11 below)
and addressed several critical issues in armed conflict.
In 1862 Dunant wrote A Memory of Solferino, the book
Medical services on the battlefield were defined as neutral
about the appalling conditions and suffering of wounded
and were responsible for care of the wounded of all sides.
soldiers on the battlefield and the relief operation he
Because they refrained from engaging in the hostilities,
initiated to assist them. Dunant’s proposal to set up
medical services would be respected and protected.
a volunteer organisation and have nations agree to a
convention to treat sick and wounded soldiers in an
impartial and neutral manner laid the foundation for the
Red Cross Movement and the Geneva Conventions – the
laws of war.
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New Zealand Red Cross | INDUCTION HANDBOOK PART 1
International Committee
of the Red Cross (ICRC)
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), formed in 1863, is the founding
body of the Movement and has its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. The ICRC is
present in some 80 countries and has approximately 12,000 staff.
You can watch a video about the ICRC in action on YouTube here.
Under the provisions of the Geneva Conventions The ICRC also endeavours to prevent suffering by
and the statutes of the Movement, the ICRC is promoting and strengthening humanitarian law and
an independent, neutral organisation and has a universal humanitarian principles.
permanent mandate to undertake the role of neutral
For more information visit the ICRC website at
intermediary in times of armed conflict, providing
www.icrc.org
protection and assistance to victims, visiting prisoners
of war and other detainees, providing medical care
to the sick and wounded and tracing and reuniting
separated families.
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PART 1 INDUCTION HANDBOOK | New Zealand Red CrossInternational Federation
of Red Cross and Red
Crescent Societies (IFRC)
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the
world’s largest humanitarian and development network, with millions of volunteers in 190
national societies worldwide.
You can learn more about IFRC’s work on its YouTube channel here.
While the ICRC is focused on international
humanitarian law and conflict, the IFRC is more
focused on community development, national society
capacity building, disaster response and recovery.
We are guided by Strategy 2020 – our collective plan of
action to tackle the major humanitarian and development
challenges of the present decade. We will continue ‘saving
lives and changing minds’ by focusing our work in three key
areas: disaster response and recovery, development and
promoting social inclusion and peace.
§§ We deliver programming which addresses the humanitarian
Disaster response and recovery consequences of climate change, urbanisation, violence and
regular and irregular migration.
§§ Natural disasters are increasing in number, scale and
complexity. There is an urgent need to properly link §§ We work in close collaboration with communities to
humanitarian response to disaster preparedness and risk support their capacity building.
reduction, as this saves lives, is cost-effective and builds
resilience. Promoting social inclusion and peace
§§ We know that this approach makes a lasting difference,
§§ We promote the practical application of the Fundamental
because it has been a cornerstone of our work for decades.
Principles.
§§ Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers live in the communities
§§ We support the integration of disadvantaged people into
they serve, and are present before, during and after a crisis.
their communities.
§§ They are the first to respond when disaster strikes and have
§§ Our volunteering and youth networks contribute to
the greatest motivation in helping their community recover.
intergenerational dialogue, bridge divides between religions
§§ Volunteers know best how to comfort and support the and cultures, and quietly challenge discrimination wherever
affected people, because they are the affected people. it is encountered.
New Zealand Red Cross’ strategic plan is adapted from
Development the framework of the Federation’s Strategy 2020. You can
§§ We are active in health (including extensive HIV/AIDS
watch a video about the strategy here.
programming), food security, water and sanitation. For more about IFRC, visit www.ifrc.org
9
New Zealand Red Cross | INDUCTION HANDBOOK PART 1National Societies
National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, of which New Zealand Red Cross is one,
embody the work and Fundamental Principles of the Movement. There are currently
national societies in 190 countries.
National societies act as auxiliaries to the public The Movement comes together
authorities of their countries in the humanitarian field
The ICRC, Federation and national societies are
and provide a range of services including disaster
independent bodies. Each has its individual status and no
relief, health and social programmes.
one component exercises authority over any other. The
National societies also provide core Red Cross services Movement is bound together in a number of different
such as Restoring Family Links (see page 11) and the ways. For instance, by the seven Fundamental Principles
promotion of international humanitarian law and and by the use of the Red Cross, Red Crescent and Red
humanitarian values. National societies assist affected Crystal emblems (see page 12 below).
civilian populations and, where appropriate, some support
There are regular meetings of Movement partners. The
the army medical services during a violent conflict.
International Conference of the Red Cross and Red
Crescent, held every four years, is the Movement’s highest
What does ‘auxiliary’ mean? deliberative body. Importantly, this conference is also
A national society is not a non-governmental organisation attended by the 194 nations that are party to the Geneva
(NGO). A national society is established and authorised Conventions. So governments play a part in these Red
by government and has unique roles in supporting the Cross discussions and have the chance to input and work
humanitarian services of its public authorities. This is quite with Movement priorities and make commitments, or
a distinctive relationship. Internationally, the ICRC and the pledges, for the next four years.
Federation have observer status at the United Nations
Two other Movement meetings take place every two
General Assembly, another right that has been specially
years: the General Assembly (made up of national societies
granted.
and the IFRC) and the Council of Delegates which brings
The practical implications of the auxiliary role differ from together ICRC, IFRC and national societies.
country to country, however, the common thread is that
national societies are reliable, independent partners for
national and local public authorities. Before a national
society can become part of the Movement, a number of
conditions need to be met. The first is that the state must
have agreed to be bound by the Geneva Conventions
of 1949. A state must then legally recognise the national
society in some form of domestic law, decree or Royal
Charter.
This in no way implies that the government controls or
directs the work of a national society, which remains
independent in accordance with the Fundamental
Principles. Each government must recognise the national
society in some legal form. In endorsing the national
society the government and authorities are required to
allow for work of the national society to be governed by
the seven Fundamental Principles.
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PART 1 INDUCTION HANDBOOK | New Zealand Red CrossInternational
Humanitarian Law (IHL)
Photo Credit: Rachel Banfield
What is IHL? Red Cross and IHL
International humanitarian law (IHL) is a set of rules which Since its creation in 1863, the International Red Cross
seek, for humanitarian reasons, to limit the effects of Red and Crescent Movement has had an inseparable
armed conflict. IHL protects people who are not, or who relationship with IHL.
are no longer, participating in the hostilities and restricts
As well as the historical relationship, the most important
the means and methods of warfare.
IHL treaties – the Geneva Conventions and their Additional
International humanitarian law is also known as the law of Protocols – contain a number of provisions which give
war or the law of armed conflict. elements of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement
specific tasks they are legally entitled to undertake during
There are more than 90 IHL treaties, but the most
times of armed conflict.
fundamental and well-known are the Geneva Conventions –
in fact four Geneva Conventions and their three Additional For example, under IHL the ICRC has the right to visit
Protocols. prisoners of war and Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
must be allowed to carry out humanitarian activities. This
legal connection between an international humanitarian
organisation and a specific area of international law is
unique and provides the Movement with a legal mandate
to assist victims during times of armed conflict.
National societies, such as New Zealand Red Cross, are
required to educate the public and particular target
audiences about the significance of IHL.
Red Cross members and staff should have an
understanding of IHL and humanitarian values – a body of
law and principles that underpin and drive the work of Red
Cross worldwide.
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New Zealand Red Cross | INDUCTION HANDBOOK PART 1Emblems
The emblems of the Red Cross, Red Crescent and Red Crystal are international symbols
of protection in situations of armed conflict. When worn, they indicate a person’s
membership to a part of the Movement and on property they indicate ownership. Strict
rules control the emblems’ use. Watch this video on YouTube about the emblems.
By signing the Geneva Conventions, 194 countries More than a logo
have agreed to respect and protect the emblem of a
The Red Cross emblem is far more than a logo and
red cross on a white background, as well as the red
its protection is not a matter of trademark law. As a
crescent. Many have agreed to respect the additional
universal emblem of protection in armed conflict, its use
emblem, the red crystal, too.
is restricted under international humanitarian law and
In armed conflict, the red cross emblem says ‘Don’t Shoot!’ specifically by New Zealand law. Section 8 of the Geneva
– this person, site, vehicle or equipment is not part of the Conventions Act 1958 makes it a criminal offence to misuse
fight, but is providing impartial assistance. For 150 years the the emblem in New Zealand and no person or organisation
emblem has saved lives, particularly those of the wounded, is allowed to use the red cross emblem without the
prisoners of war and civilians in wartime. It enables the permission of the Minister of Defence.
Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement to access victims
of war and carry out our life-saving work.
Use of the emblems
The red crescent emblem was first used by Red Cross The Red Cross emblem has now existed as a visible sign
members during the conflict between the Ottoman Empire of protection for more than 150 years. Symbolising the
and Russia in the late 1870s. The emblem was officially neutrality, independence and impartiality of the Red Cross
adopted in 1929. Movement, it serves two very distinctive purposes, as a:
In some recent conflicts, the red cross and red crescent 1. Protective device
emblems have been mistakenly believed to have religious
To protect medical, religious, humanitarian personnel,
or political connotations. This led to the need for a third
medical facilities and transports in times of war.
emblem, free of any political, religious, racial or ethnic
perceptions. The red crystal was adopted in December To ensure maximum visibility the emblem must be large
2005 as the additional protective emblem. in comparison to the person or object displaying it (for
example, on rooftops or armbands). Nothing can be added
to the cross or white background.
2. Indicative device
To show that a person or object is linked to the Movement,
mainly in times of peace.
It should never be used on armbands or rooftops, it
shouldn’t be too large in comparison to the size of the
object it appears on, and usually bears the name or initials of
the National Society (for example, New Zealand Red Cross).
Any confusion between the protective and indicative use
of the emblem must be avoided.
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PART 1 INDUCTION HANDBOOK | New Zealand Red CrossEntitlement to use the Red Cross emblem is governed by
the 1949 Geneva Conventions and national laws in almost
200 countries. In New Zealand, the only bodies allowed
to use the emblem are some services of the New Zealand
Defence Force and New Zealand Red Cross. Even within
the humanitarian services of New Zealand Red Cross, use
of the emblem is strictly regulated.
We have developed clear brand guidelines on how and
when to use the emblem. Please contact the Marketing
Manager at National Office for more information.
If you spot use of the emblem in New Zealand that may
constitute misuse, please contact the IHL & Policy Manager
at National Office. New Zealand Red Cross has agreed
procedures to follow up any uses of concern.
13
New Zealand Red Cross | INDUCTION HANDBOOK PART 1New Zealand
Red Cross Today
Red Cross has been an essential part of New Zealand since 1914, helping those in need.
As part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, we can draw on
the capacity and knowledge of the largest humanitarian organisation in the world and its
unique international standing.
Photo Credit: Luke Tarver
In times of disaster, conflict and emergency we and values, by working in an open and transparent way and
offer assistance in a neutral and impartial manner, holding ourselves accountable for all that we do.
independent of any cultural, religious or political
We celebrate the diversity of the communities we work in,
affiliations.
including those who work with us. We are committed to
The work of New Zealand Red Cross is diverse and far- using the Treaty of Waitangi to guide our relationship with
reaching and would not be possible without the combined Maori as Tangata Whenua and Treaty partners, while also
efforts of our members, staff and supporters. The being mindful of our commitment to Pacific Island nations
difference we make to the lives of vulnerable people is and other migrant groups.
founded on their commitment and dedication. Together
New Zealand Red Cross works hard to provide fast,
we can mobilise the power of humanity.
relevant, expert and caring assistance to meet the needs of
We actively strive to live by our Fundamental Principles affected and vulnerable people, at home and overseas.
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PART 1 INDUCTION HANDBOOK | New Zealand Red CrossPhoto Credit: Corinne Ambler
Membership §§ developing new skills
Like all Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, members §§ attending First Aid Training (free for members who are
volunteering to help others are at the heart of everything regularly volunteering in Red Cross activities)
New Zealand Red Cross does. Anyone who joins the §§ meeting and socialising with other people who also want to
organisation and supports the Fundamental Principles get involved in humanitarian activities and make the world a
becomes a member. New members choose whether to join better place
their nearest branch, an activity group (e.g. Retail, Meals §§ being part of the largest humanitarian organisation in
on Wheels, National Disaster Response Team, refugee the world, and therefore part of the response to all the
programmes), or as individual members. major humanitarian crises of our times: disasters, violent
conflicts, poverty, gender equity, exclusion, climate change,
Red Cross members can make a difference by:
epidemics, forced migration, inequitable access to health
§§ volunteering in Red Cross activities and programmes care, education, and employment. In the face of seemingly
already operating in New Zealand overwhelming global and local need, joining Red Cross
allows a member to say; “I am part of the solution!”.
§§ working with other Red Cross members to develop
new humanitarian activities that help address urgent
vulnerabilities locally, nationally, or internationally
§§ raising or contributing funds to support Red Cross
activities in New Zealand and around the world
§§ participating in the governance of the organisation,
including serving on branch committees, area councils or
boards, and electing office holders (employees who are
members cannot vote or hold office)
§§ striving for a safer, healthier, fairer world – even in their
day-to-day choices and conversations
§§ finding out more about what helps people and communities
become stronger, how these things can be encouraged, and
tapping into the resources of the New Zealand Red Cross
and global Movement
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New Zealand Red Cross | INDUCTION HANDBOOK PART 1Community
Red Cross members volunteer in their communites
to reduce vulnerability and build resilience. Members
are humanitarians in action and seek to understand
vulnerability in their community, and then act using
the Fundamental Principles and Red Cross tools and
policies and a guide.
Mobilisation Vulnerability
Red Cross seeks to mobilise the power of humanity
by supporting and inspiring members to volunteer as and Resilience
humanitarians in their own communities.
The best responses to vulnerability come from within
This support includes: the community. Red Cross people need to be from,
and work for, their communities. This requires a very
§§ Help to think about, plan and act in response to diverse organisation, including members whose lives
vulnerability and opportunities for resilience building
have been touched by marginalisation, vulnerability
§§ Simple ways of evaluating impact and making sure and threats to resilience.
we are making a positive difference
The Fundamental Principles of humanity (alleviating
§§ Suggestions, tools, systems, and methods for doing and preventing suffering, protecting life and health),
humanitarian work in a New Zealand context impartiality (actions guided by need and prioritised on
§§ Existing and new programmes that members can the basis of urgency) and voluntary service can guide
contribute to or use as examples to develop thinking about community needs, the things that make
further action lives vulnerable, and opportunities to build resilience.
§§ Advocacy on humanitarian issues
§§ Staff provide support and help administer and
manage some large scale activities
New Zealand Red
§§ Ways to support International Red Cross and
Red Crescent response to humanitarian crises
around the world.
Cross Governance
Members come together in groups, branches, area
Red Cross employs staff to help councils, the Nation Youth Panel and the National
provide support and facilitation of Board to provide stewardship and governance for the
community humanitarian action. organisation.
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PART 1 INDUCTION HANDBOOK | New Zealand Red CrossNew Zealand Red Cross
Programmes and
Activities
1. Humanitarian services §§ as part of the Movement’s global response to major
disasters, New Zealand Red Cross has an Information
a. Disaster management Technology and Telecommunication Emergency Response
Unit that assists in the provision of good communications
Red Cross helps communities in New Zealand and the
systems to the affected National Society and other
Pacific region prepare for disasters and emergencies, responding teams
responds to disasters in New Zealand and overseas,
and helps communities recover from disasters. We §§ recovery programmes – e.g. post-Christchurch Earthquakes
have a formal role in welfare support and cash grants §§ fundraising for local and international disaster appeals
management mandated by the New Zealand government’s
§§ Restoring Family Links after a disaster through the
Emergency Management Plan. Movement’s international tracing service
Activities include: §§ supporting the Movement’s One Billion Coalition for
§§ 19 regionally based, self-sufficient Disaster Welfare and Resilience which aims to have one person in every
Support Teams (DWST) supported by five specialist household around the world active in community resilience
welfare trucks. A 50-strong National Disaster Response building by 2020
Team (NDRT) is drawn from the DWST and is capable of §§ community resilience training and local initiatives to help
providing advanced support and potential support to the
people prepare for disaster.
Pacific region.
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New Zealand Red Cross | INDUCTION HANDBOOK PART 1d. Restoring Family Links (RFL)
Untold suffering is caused to people around the world
when they are separated from loved ones due to armed
conflict, natural disasters, forced migration, or other
situations requiring humanitarian response.
RFL is the term given to a range of activities that aim
to prevent separation and disappearance, restore and
maintain contact between family members, and clarify
the fate of missing people. It is a key part of our disaster
management, refugee and international programmes.
New Zealand Red Cross RFL offers:
§§ international tracing: we look for family members, using
the Movement’s global network, who have been separated
from loved ones as a result of a humanitarian crisis.
§§ Red Cross messages: we assist families to establish and
maintain communication where usual means of
b. Refugee programmes communication are not available due to conflict or disaster.
Every year New Zealand welcomes some of the most
e. International humanitarian law
vulnerable and at-risk refugees to our country. Red Cross
and humanitarian diplomacy
is New Zealand’s lead refugee resettlement agency, helping
newly arrived former refugees resettle into new homes New Zealand Red Cross promotes the importance of
supported by cross-cultural workers, social workers and international humanitarian law (IHL – see page 11 above)
family volunteers. We help with everything from setting up and seeks to raise awareness and inspire action from
a house to connecting with schools, health services and New Zealand leaders and decision-makers in response to
community support. A separate Pathways to Employment humanitarian challenges such as the impact of nuclear
programme helps former refugees overcome barriers weapons, climate change, and the needs of refugees.
to getting jobs. These programmes are funded by the Red Cross also provides the secretariat for New Zealand’s
government under contract. IHL Committee – representatives of government
departments and other specialists with a responsibility
c. International programme for promoting IHL.
The New Zealand Red Cross international strategy has
three main focuses: disaster risk management in the
f. Programmes with and for children and
Asia-Pacific Region, Pacific National Society Institutional young people
Strengthening and Global Health Response to Crises and People Savers is an emergency care course specifically
Conflict. designed for 8 to 12 year-olds, taught to them by New
Zealand Red Cross trainers for free in their schools. Each
This programme features the deployment of around 50
year tens of thousands of students spend a day with
specially trained and highly skilled delegates (aid workers)
Red Cross learning how to treat broken bones, bleeding,
each year who travel to help after disasters and during
choking, poisons, and calling emergency services. Children
health emergencies (e.g. Ebola). The first step to joining
take course material home, sharing new skills with their
the delegate pool is to attend a Red Cross delegate training
family and friends.
course, known as ‘IMPACT’ training. Aid workers are
selected on the basis of their professional experience in Wars, Laws and Humanity provides a school-based
specific technical fields that meet an identified need. These programme that educates young people about armed
include community health, communications, water and conflict, its humanitarian consequences and the rules
sanitation, logistics, physiotherapy, nursing and security. limiting its effects.
The international programme also provides First Aid The New Zealand IHL Moot Competition sees teams
Training for Red Cross trainers in the Pacific to help of law students make their case on a matter involving
improve community preparedness and support local Red humanitarian law in front of a panel of leading international
Cross societies earning funds from First Aid Training. Parts legal minds. The winning team then represents New Zealand
of the international programme are funded by government competing against other universities in the Asia Pacific IHL
under contract. Read the International Strategy here. Moot Court Competition held each year in Hong Kong.
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PART 1 INDUCTION HANDBOOK | New Zealand Red CrossPhoto Credit: Luke Tarver
To help keep young people safe, New Zealand Red Cross g. Community programmes
runs a course in high schools and other youth centres that Red Cross members volunteer in a wide range of
teaches young people to prevent, recognise and respond community programmes. Some of these are offered
to alcohol and other drug-related health emergencies. across New Zealand, others are local initiatives. The
Save a Mate (SAM) is an interactive course, designed to following list covers the major activities.
encourage and empower 14 to 19 year-olds to act in real
time to ‘save a mate’. One of our longest standing and most recognised
community activities, Meals on Wheels sees Red Cross
Youth in Emergency Services (YES) is a programme that voluntary drivers deliver more than 650,000 hot meals
strengthens and encourages young people’s connection to each year for the elderly, unwell and people unable to
their community by encouraging and fostering on-going leave their homes.
sustainable relationships through a range of volunteer
emergency services. The programme is funded through Our Community Transport programme is a lifeline for
the Ministry of Youth Development. people who need to get to a doctor’s appointment or
make a hospital visit but struggle to manage their own
Rise Up/No Limits is a New Zealand Red Cross programme transport. Every year hundreds of dedicated voluntary
run in the Mid-Central Region for young people aged drivers transport thousands of patients to appointments.
between 10 and 12 years. Delivered during the school
holidays, the programme is a mix of outdoor education In Wairarapa, Auckland and Hastings, Community Gardens
skills and activities provided by various organisations such teach people how to grow and cook fresh vegetables and
as NZ Police, NZ Army and NZ Surf Life Saving. It gives supply fresh food to locals.
participants the opportunity to build self-confidence and Curtain Banks in Gisborne, Napier and Palmerston North
develop social and interpersonal skills. help to keep people warm in cold and damp housing, a
Youth forums in some parts of the country teach young leading cause of respiratory illness in New Zealand. This
people about the Fundamental Principles and the Red initiative refurbishes donated curtains and then distributes
Cross and Red Crescent Movement while supporting them to families free of charge. About 90% of the clients
them to plan and carry out a humanitarian project in and their families have respiratory illnesses or some form
their community. of disability.
Red Cross university groups are active in several New Zealand Red Cross Hospital Support members, in
universities around New Zealand. partnership with local district health boards, provide a
warm and friendly welcome to hospital patients, visitors
or blood donors. In some centres this includes offering a
selection of items such as drinks and snacks, toiletries and
reading materials.
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New Zealand Red Cross | INDUCTION HANDBOOK PART 12. Social enterprise b. First Aid Education and Training
Red Cross is one of New Zealand’s largest and most
a. Red Cross Retail trusted providers of First Aid Training. We are a New
Red Cross has 56 stores across New Zealand. Our bright, Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) top-rated private
friendly stores stock top quality recycled fashion and training organisation and our NZQA-approved courses
homewares for discerning bargain hunters with an eye range from basic first aid to specialist outdoor and pre-
for style and a heart for the planet. With a wide variety hospital emergency care courses. The training provides an
of merchandise and locations, there’s a store to suit important source of income for Red Cross programmes,
everyone’s taste and budget. Visit redcross.org.nz/retail while helping ensure the New Zealand public are better
prepared for disasters and emergencies as first aiders.
Retail’s primary purpose is to generate profit to support
Red Cross also provides first aid services for community
New Zealand Red Cross’ activities, and generating these
events and training in other subjects such as Psychological
funds for humanitarian services is fundamental to all they
First Aid (PFA). Visit the Red Cross website for more
do. However, the social and environmental contributions
information.
the stores make are also important, including providing
goods for refugees, supporting community recycling and
diverting waste from landfill, economical clothing for
families, and offering meaning and purpose to the 1400
members volunteering and 80 staff who run the stores
every day.
Red Cross also sells first aid kits, disaster preparedness
supplies and second hand clothing online.
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PART 1 INDUCTION HANDBOOK | New Zealand Red Cross4. National Office services
The delivery of Red Cross services and programmes
is supported by a number of people based at National
Office in Wellington. Their roles include: finance, HR,
membership, IT, fundraising, marketing & communications,
property management, advocacy and IHL programmes,
emblem protection, and senior programme managers for
both humanitarian services and social enterprise.
The Secretary General is appointed by the Board, and
accountable to the Board through the National President
for the effective implementation of the Board’s strategic
direction and achievement of objectives. The role is based
at National Office and is responsible for all operational and
staffing-related matters.
Read more about New Zealand Red Cross’ plans in one of
our key documents, Strategy 2020.
5. Red Cross Learning Platform
The Red Cross Learning Platform is a global online learning
community, run by the IFRC and is available to anyone
passionate about humanitarian issues and interested in
developing their careers. It provides an online suite of
over 150 courses in multiple languages and supports the
competencies and skills of Red Cross and Red Crescent
members and staff to do more, do better, and reach
further in saving lives and changing minds.
The learning platform courses are free, self-directed and of
high quality. Take a look at the courses available and start
3. Fundraising your learning journey: www.ifrc.org/learning-platform or
Fundraising is a hugely important activity for New via the link on New Zealand Red Cross website or RedNet.
Zealand Red Cross. We seek contributions of money and
in-kind support from generous individuals, trusts and
corporations to:
§§ help the international and national response to major
disasters and conflicts (Special Appeals)
§§ help fund New Zealand Red Cross services and operations.
Donations from individuals make up the bulk of our
fundraising income, with people who sign up to give
regularly (Project Partners) at the heart of our support.
Read more about Project Partners here.
Local community fundraising is also important, with a wide
range of activities running across the country, especially
around our appeal week in March. Each year New Zealand
Red Cross raises millions of dollars for Special Appeals and
our humanitarian programmes.
We encourage all staff and members to take part in and
promote our fundraising activities.
The New Zealand Red Cross Foundation, which is run by
skilled volunteers, also generates funds for our work.
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New Zealand Red Cross | INDUCTION HANDBOOK PART 1Governance
New Zealand Red Cross is a legally incorporated society. It acts under its own
Constitution and has charitable status. Full details of the governance structure, roles and
responsibilities are in the Members’ Handbook.
New Zealand Red Cross councillors of honour, members and the Governor-General, Lt Gen The Rt Hon Sir Jerry Matepara.
National Council National Youth Panel
The National Council is the highest authority of New The National Youth Panel is a group of young humanitarian
Zealand Red Cross. To enable the objectives of New leaders who act as an advisory subcommittee to the
Zealand Red Cross to be carried out, National Council National Board. It is chaired by the National Youth
has a wide range of powers which include altering the Representative who is a full Board member. The role of
Constitution of New Zealand Red Cross, appointing or the National Youth Panel is to ensure the Society remains
electing office holders of the National Council and taking relevant to and inclusive of young humanitarians and that
any action in keeping with the objectives of New Zealand it is always adapting its response to evolving community
Red Cross. The members of the National Council include vulnerabilities. The National Youth Panel does this by
a Patron, National President, National Vice President, reviewing and evaluating the implementation of national
a national youth representative, counsellors of honour policies and practices that impact on young people;
and two representatives from each area within New highlighting youth or community needs; advocating
Zealand. The National Council meets annually to appoint for and supporting young people across the Society;
or elect office holders, consider remits and other matters encouraging active involvement of young people within
concerning the activities of New Zealand Red Cross. Red Cross decision-making structures; and advising Red
Cross governance groups on best practice in working with
New Zealand Red Cross Board young people.
New Zealand Red Cross is governed by a Board of up A National Youth Forum is held every two years to
to 11 people, including eight elected members and up allow youth representatives to participate in a summit
to three co-opted members. Board members provide that caters for the planning and review of policies and
leadership, determine Red Cross’ goals and ensure their programmes that affect young people within the Society
implementation. The Board is chaired by the National and to discuss how it can better cater for the needs of
President and has a number of subcommittees, as well young people in the community. The National Youth
as two formal advisory groups focused on work with Forum democratically elects the National Youth Panel at
refugees and relationships with Maori. this summit.
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PART 1 INDUCTION HANDBOOK | New Zealand Red CrossGroups
A New Zealand Red Cross group is a group of members
that undertake activities to fulfil the mission of New
Zealand Red Cross. A group may undertake a single
activity, a number of activities or may be formed
by members with a common interest, purpose or
background. Examples include university groups, Disaster
Welfare Support Teams, members volunteering in Retail,
fundraising groups, single activity groups such as a Meet
and Greet service in a particular hospital, and knitting
groups. A group differs from a branch in that it does not
have a formal governance structure. Instead, branches,
area councils or staff generally provide any administration
required by groups.
The Governor-General, Lt Gen The Rt Hon Sir Jerry Matepara and New Zealand
Counsellors of honour
Red Cross President, Jenny McMahon. This is the highest honour awarded by New Zealand Red
Cross. It recognises achievement and merit of the highest
degree of service by a member of New Zealand Red
Cross over a minimum period of 10 years. All counsellors
of honour also become honorary life members of New
Zealand Red Cross. There can be no more than 20 at any
one time.
New Zealand Red Cross Secretary General, Tony Paine and the Governor-General,
Lt Gen The Rt Hon Sir Jerry Matepara.
Area councils
Area councils have a governance oversight of New Zealand
Red Cross in each of 16 geographical areas. They protect
the integrity of Red Cross by ensuring adherence to the
Fundamental Principles, Red Cross values, and Code of
Conduct by members and staff. Area councils provide
annual area forums for all people in the Red Cross family
to have their say.
Branches
A New Zealand Red Cross branch is a community-
based collection of members that undertake a variety
of activities to fulfil the mission of Red Cross. Branches
are governed through a formal structure comprising a
President, Treasurer and Secretary.
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New Zealand Red Cross | INDUCTION HANDBOOK PART 1Health and Safety
New Zealand Red Cross is committed to and has a responsibility for providing a safe work
environment for all its employees, members volunteering, customers and visitors. Red
Cross needs to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.
Everyone involved in Red Cross has a responsibility to Red Cross has a Health and Safety Framework that guides
prevent harm to themselves and others in or around how we keep safe. This includes regular audits, a national
Red Cross places of work. health and safety committee, and specific protocols for
different workplaces and environments.
This includes in vehicles and public places, for example
when delivering Meals on Wheels or on Disaster Welfare If you are working for the New Zealand Red Cross as a
and Response Team trainings. A workplace hazard could be volunteer or employee and have not been briefed by
physical, such as lifting heavy boxes, or emotional, such as your team leader or manager about the risks in your
the stress of dealing with an emergency or people affected workplace please ask for that to happen before you
by disaster. start work.
The most important ways to keep safe are: All members and employees must:
§§ carry out their work in a way that does not adversely affect
1 Ensuring any workplace hazards are identified and
their own health and safety or that of others
removed or minimised as far as possible
§§ actively encourage safe behaviour from their colleagues
2 Ensuring all employees and members are given training to
keep safe in the workplace §§ read, understand and abide by the New Zealand Red
3 Reporting and reviewing any accidents, incidents or near Cross Health and Safety in the Workplace Policy
misses and any instance of serious harm §§ please ask their team leader or branch executive for access
a. Accident: An event that causes any person to be if they cannot view online
harmed, meaning causing illness, injury or both. §§ undertake training or instruction in health and safety
b. Incident: An incident means any occurrence, other than related subjects to ensure they are competent to carry out
an accident, that is associated with any activity or event their health and safety responsibilities and work safely.
that affects or could affect the health or safety of a
person.
c. Near miss: Any event that did not, but in different
circumstances might have caused any person to be
harmed, meaning causing illness, injury or both, to a
person
d. Serious harm: Serious harm means death or any one of
a number of conditions that amounts to or results in
permanent loss of bodily function, or temporary severe
loss of bodily function.
4 Regularly reviewing safety and health and taking
responsibility for creating safe environments.
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PART 1 INDUCTION HANDBOOK | New Zealand Red CrossWhat do I do if I encounter an injury/ their contact details updated with their branch executive
or team leader. Should a disaster occur after hours,
incident/near miss/serious harm or workplaces may be unsafe. Employees and members will
hazard? be contacted to inform them of this or for any other
reason related to a disaster to ensure their wellbeing. If a
All injuries and incidents including near misses need to be
major event occurs when an employee or member is at
reported and investigated to ensure we are all safe and
home, they should remain there until advised either by Civil
that we meet requirements under law.
Defence or New Zealand Red Cross that it is safe to return
Employees are responsible for recording any injury, to the workplace.
incident, near miss or serious harm they encounter by
All Red Cross members and employees should have an
using the online reporting system found in the Health &
action and communication plan with their family in case
Safety section of Easipay (see below).
they are not able to get home after a disaster.
Members, especially when volunteering, must immediately
report all hazards, accidents and incidents, including near
misses, to their team leader or branch executive who then
Managing wellbeing during a
advises a senior staff member so it can be entered into the pandemic
Health & Safety section of Easipay. New Zealand Red Cross has a policy to help ensure
employees’ and members’ wellbeing during a pandemic.
If the workplace becomes an unsafe place, this policy
outlines the appropriate processes and procedures.
Business continuity
New Zealand Red Cross has local and national business
continuity plans in place. These are managed regionally by
humanitarian services managers and at National Office by
the International and National Emergency Management
Officer.
Should the National Office be unable to carry out its
normal functions, for example ensuring employees
continue to get paid, they will be managed remotely.
Managing wellbeing during a disaster
response
All Red Cross offices and premises have emergency
procedures. Staff and members should be aware of these,
noting evacuation procedures and emergency supplies
located in their work area.
It is important that employees have their current
emergency contact details in the Human Resources
Information System (HRIS), and that all members keep
3
New Zealand Red Cross | INDUCTION HANDBOOK PART 1National Office
redcross.org.nz
Red Cross House 0800 RED CROSS (0800 733 276)
69 Molesworth Street
PO Box 12140 f acebook.com/NewZealandRedCross
Thorndon, Wellington 6144 twitter.com/NZRedCrossYou can also read
