Reflections on six years of steering Red Cross

Attending events on World Refugee Day each year has been a highlight of her calendar, as has the international humanitarian law Moot Court – a chance to challenge law students with test cases on the one area of law agreed to by all countries and states around the globe.

Having been a lawyer in her day job, now semi-retired, Kerry has found the work of Red Cross in this area “so fascinating”. She has enjoyed being an active member of New Zealand’s International Humanitarian Law Committee, alongside representatives of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the New Zealand Defence Force, the New Zealand Police, and academics.

The response of Red Cross people in times of disasters and other emergencies both in New Zealand and overseas has also made a lasting impression.  This work is varied, from looking after people’s emotional and physical welfare to working in IT infrastructure and the positive impact Red Cross people have on communities in these difficult circumstances is humbling.

Kerry came to Red Cross through an advertisement for an area councillor in the Auckland area.

“My children were teenagers and I felt like I had capacity to offer something to a charity. I had no idea what Red Cross did in New Zealand but I thought I’d go to a meeting and see.”

Alongside learning quickly about its domestic work, Kerry quickly became involved in local fundraising activities and found herself, somewhat to her surprise, shortly an area council chair, and then elected to the National Board.

When the National President role was suggested to her, she felt it “wasn’t really me, but I’d give it a go”.  Becoming National President was a huge honour and, while not daunted, she certainly was aware of the responsibly the role entails.

“That’s been my whole story to here with Red Cross,” she laughs. “There was no plan, it was just incremental.”

She has found the international component of the role interesting and challenging. Meeting people from a wide range of backgrounds, with a shared humanitarian purpose, has been a highlight, in particular becoming New Zealand’s representative on the Governing Board of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies (IFRC).

Back at home, she is proud of changes to the Area structure and the New Zealand Red Cross Constitution, encouraging better collaboration between Area chairs, and the work of the Board on implementing Strategy 2030.

As well as the IFRC role, Kerry plans to continue her Red Cross work at a local level, delivering meals on wheels fortnightly and joining the Waiheke Red Cross Branch.

She’s hoping to see flourish the outcomes of the new planning structures and strategic work built under her guidance, and the continued success of the New Zealand arm of the Movement.

“We’ve created a path and options for bigger, bolder opportunities for young people. It’s an epic legacy to leave behind.”

Sarita joined Red Cross as a disaster welfare and support team volunteer in Dunedin and quickly found a humanitarian organisation she could love.

“It’s about being there for people at their most vulnerable, but not just in disasters – which is seen a lot in the media. It’s also about Meals on Wheels, blankets on shoulders, supporting former refugees, or teaching someone CPR to save someone’s life.”

“Humanity is a big word, but it’s about helping one another – friends, family, or a stranger.”

She has seen a global perspective, too, having travelled in her role. Most recently she was one of four Kiwi representatives at the four-yearly International Conference of Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies and the 196 countries and states which are signatories to the Geneva Conventions.

It was a chance to reconnect with her Asia Pacific Red Cross family, be proud of New Zealand’s contribution to the Movement, and reflect on the global cause she has been a part of for over a decade.

Having stepped down, Sarita is looking forward to engaging with Red Cross on a local level for a while. As a disaster welfare and support volunteer, probably picking up some Saturday shifts in the Balclutha Red Cross Shop, and reconnecting with the Dunedin Red Cross choir.

She might not be ‘youth’ any longer, but her passion and connections to Red Cross will continue.