On the second anniversary of Cyclone Gabrielle, we’re proud to share how the generosity of New Zealanders has made a lasting impact in Hastings District. The support provided through the New Zealand Disaster Fund has not only helped communities recover but has helped them prepare for the next disaster.

When Wairoa flooded for the second year in a row last month, our Disaster Welfare Support Teams were soon there to help.

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.