This morning, Dame Cindy attended and spoke at the New Zealand Red Cross Rīpeka Whero Aotearoa National Council Meeting at the Brentwood Hotel in Wellington. The Red Cross is a highly-respected, international humanitarian organisation whose work in Aotearoa spans refugee resettlement services, to disaster and emergency response – and it played a significant role in supporting communities following Cyclone Gabrielle. New Zealand Red Cross also sends delegates overseas to assist in areas where humanitarian assistance is needed, and to build capability within the wider Pacific region.
In her speech to those gathered, Dame Cindy acknowledged the importance of the work of this remarkable organisation: 'On behalf of all New Zealanders, I thank you for your commitment to caring for others and upholding their mana when they need it most.'
You can find Dame Cindy's speech from the event via Her Excellency's speech for the New Zealand Red Cross National Council Meeting and find more images via the New Zealand Red Cross National Council Meeting image gallery.