At the start of World War One, Red Cross groups began collecting money and medical supplies for New Zealand troops overseas. Governor General Lord Liverpool arranged a meeting to officially coordinate these groups. On 10 November 1915, the New Zealand Branch of the British Red Cross was formed.
During both world wars, New Zealand Red Cross groups worked with the Order of St John as a joint council. Red Cross also provided relief during the 1918 influenza pandemic, the Hawke's Bay earthquake and the Tangiwai disaster. In 1930, members in Wellington decided New Zealand needed its own national society. During the next few years, they worked hard to pull together all Red Cross groups across the country.
On 3 June 1932, a government proclamation officially recognised the New Zealand Red Cross national society. This was soon followed by recognition from the International Committee of the Red Cross. Written by norm
