News Release
15 October 2009

Red Cross Pacific Leaders Gather In Auckland For Inaugural Planning Meeting

Red Cross leaders from 13 Pacific National Societies will gather in Auckland next week (19-23 October) to collectively discuss, plan and prepare prior to attending global Red Cross Red Crescent Movement meetings later this year

Hosted by New Zealand Red Cross, the meeting is the first time Red Cross Pacific National Societies have come together to collectively prepare for the international meetings, recognising the regions desire to play a significant role in building stronger more resilient communities and helping vulnerable people.

“This meeting will help Pacific National Societies, New Zealand and Australia included, to present a strong united voice on the international stage,” says Andrew McKie, New Zealand Red Cross International Operations Manager.

The four day meeting will also be an opportunity to share ideas and there will be sessions specifically for Secretaries General to look at issues such as volunteers, organisational development, health in the Pacific and fundraising.

In the wake of the earthquake and subsequent tsunami that affected Samoa and Tonga last month, the meeting will also include presentations from Tautala (Tala) Nivaga Mauala, Secretary General of Samoa Red Cross Society and Sione Tenisoni Taumoefolau, Secretary General of Tonga Red Cross Society as they reflect on the response to the disaster and the way forward with rebuilding and reconstruction programmes.

ing the week Secretaries General and representatives from Red Cross Societies in Australia, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, New Zealand, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu will be available to speak with the media.

ENDS