Area Council elections: Nominations now open
We’re looking for Red Cross people to join our local leadership groups (Area Councils), to help guide our Red Cross people to achieve our Strategy 2030 goals.
***Nominations have now closed, as of 5pm Sunday 31 March 2024.***
The role is a chance to lead, and to grow. It is a chance to give back and may even set you on a development path that includes work for the Movement on the global stage, as it did for our National President and National Youth Representative.
National President Kerry Nickels began her work with us as part of an Area Council. For her, it was the beginning of a journey that now includes work on the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Governing Board as the New Zealand Red Cross representative from the Asia Pacific Region.
Secretary General Sarah (Norm) Stuart-Black (left) and National President Kerry Nickels (right)
"Area Councils are essential to making Red Cross a power in our communities. They bring our people, and our work together and set local visions for how we can make a difference. They’re also a chance to meet wonderful, like mindedlike-minded people, learn from others and can be the start of a much wider role in the humanitarian space."
National President Kerry Nickels
National Youth Representative Sarita Love has held many New Zealand Red Cross roles, from a Disaster Welfare Support Team member to Branch member to Area Council member. For her, the Area Council was a way to drive forward the mission of the Red Cross.
“My time on the Area Council really opened my eyes to the opportunities, and challenges ahead of us. Volunteering, and people power, are at the centre of our work – both here and overseas – and the Area Council is where that feels most true. Hearing the voices round the table, setting plans and goals for local impact and bringing different skills and strengths together to make a difference.”
National Youth Representative Sarita Love
Eligibility and role requirements
All Red Cross members are eligible to join Councils, and to vote – whether you are part of Meals on Wheels, retail or migration services or our community programmes. We’re looking for positive people with the confidence to take initiative who can help us:
- make the most difference locally
- grow our youth members to 30 percent of total membership
- strengthen relationships with Māori and local communities
- become more impactful, diverse and engaging
- achieve our Strategy 2030 goals.
We need people with a range of backgrounds, skills and experience, from leadership or governance, to lived experience of humanitarian work.
We also strongly encourage young people members (those under 30) with an interest in leadership to get involved. This year, every Area Council must have at least one youth member. You don’t need to have governance experience and your governance development will be supported.
Our Area Councils lead, coordinate and nurture our organisation, our people and our humanitarian activities across areas of Aotearoa New Zealand.
This role requires a commitment of around six to eight hours a month and occasional travel. The term of office is three years.
You must be able to attend monthly Area Council meetings (which are often online) and be active in supporting activities in your Area.
Opportunities available in each area
Learn more and nominate someone
Find out more about the process, including how to nominate someone