Ad hoc activity on behalf of the Red Cross began in New Zealand in 1914, at the outbreak of World War I.
[2] Red Cross raised money and organised medical supplies, clothing and food parcels for sick and wounded soldiers overseas and once they returned home.
One notable New Zealand Red Cross nurse is Louisa Akavi, who has been held hostage by Islamic State militants since her kidnapping in October 2013.
[12] Since then hundreds of international delegates have been sent overseas to help in conflicts and disasters in roles such as communications, emergency telecommunications, health and first aid, security, organisational preparedness and water and sanitation.
[13] Following the September 2010 and February 2011 earthquakes, New Zealand Red Cross has been committed to helping the recovery efforts in Canterbury.
Programmes range from repairing quake-damaged homes, such as the "Let's Find and Fix" campaign, to Winter Warmer Packs and Supporting Schools.
[14] The Meals On Wheels programme was started in June 1951 by the North Canterbury Red Cross Centre during a gas, coal and electricity shortage when the volunteers decided to make soup for people in need.
They also sell injury specific first aid kits, AED (automated external defibrillator) products and training equipment.
These teams take part in disaster simulation exercises throughout New Zealand, such as earthquake or cyclone scenarios, to ensure they are prepared.
The shops sell second hand goods and all the money raised is used to fund New Zealand Red Cross operations.
A new programme called Pathways to Employment was started by New Zealand Red Cross in 2014 to help people with refugee backgrounds find work and reach their career goals.
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