History of CIRC:

Cook Islands Red Cross Society (CIRC) is a not-for profit organization with the unique status of being an Auxiliary to the Government of the Cook Islands. 

 

This means that it has a supporting role to the government in providing services to all territory of the country.

 

CIRC was formed in 1989 by a team of representatives from Ministry of Health: Neti Tamarua, Frances Topa-Apera, Teremoana Taruia, Peia Ben, Ministry of Education: Gill Vaiimene, Airport Authority: Nga Jessie, Ina Tapurau. Margaret Lauder a staff member of NZRC came to the Cook Islands twice and met with these individuals and it was decided by the group that it would benefit the Cook Islands people if Cook Islands Red Cross was formed for activities needed that were not being provided by other organizations.

 

The formation of CIRC was to deliver:

1. First Aid Training in the community to prepare the people for emergencies

2. Disaster Preparedness Awareness raising amongst the community and storage of relief supplies

3. Recruit blood donors for the Ministry of Health

4. Dissemination of International Humanitarian Law

The volunteers provided the services until it all got too much and the first staff Annie Caffery was employed part time briefly and she moved on to Samoa. Niki Rattle a NZ Registered Nurse was employed in June 1993 who carried on with the above activities supported by the Federation and NZRC. Before long the activities were in more demand and more staff were hired with an increase in financial assistance. 

Legal Base:

In 2002 the Cook Islands Government through Parliament passed the Cook Islands Red Cross Act and the Geneva Conventions Act legalizing the organization in its Auxiliary position to the GCI. In doing this, the Government accepted the 7 Fundamental Principles of the Movement of Red Cross Red Crescent being Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Universality, Unity.

 

The CIRC Constitution was reviewed to meet the growth of the organization that includes the 11 Outer Islands Branches, Management and Governance, General Assembly Bi-Ennial bringing it in alignment with current activities.

 

179^th Member of International Federation of Red Cross Movement

A Joint Mission between the International Federation of Red Cross Red Crescent with International Committee of Red Cross visited the CIRC to carry out its assessment for admission to the Movement as every National Society has to meet criteria before qualifying for this status. 

Nga Jessie/President of CIRC, Gill Vaiimene Honorary Member and Niki Rattle Secretary General travelled to the 14^th General Assembly of the International Federation of RCRC to be admitted as 179^th Member of the Movement in Geneva.

It was a very proud moment for CIRC and the Regional Delegation/Suva, NZRC, Japanese RC and all Pacific National Societies.

Governance and Management

CIRC Governing Board of 10 members meet 6 times a year to oversee the business of CIRC, meet every 2 years for the highest governing body at the General Assembly that includes the Presidents or representatives from the outer islands branches. The elections are done 2 yearly at the General Assembly with members entitled to 2 terms.

General Assemblies usually have 98% attendance with Governing Board Meetings at 85%.

Secretary General is tasked with the management of the organization with full financial support for programme staff of 11 with 1 being in the island of Mangaia.

Secretary General is responsible for the overall daily implementation of activities, and ensuring that sufficient funds are available to cover all human resources and activities.

There is a well established working relationship and understanding of the role of both parties and the success of the organization has been largely due to people having the welfare of the people at heart.

Finance and Resources:

CIRC uses the MYOB and has a full time Finance and Administration staff who gives support to the programme officers in managing their finances and producing finance reports for donor reporting. Monthly report is presented to the Governing Board Meetings and the accounts are audited at end of each year which are then presented to the members at the AGM and BEM

The National Office is a long awaited home for CIRC and the light at the end of the tunnel is glittering and soon to be a dream come true.

CIRC acknowledges the assistance provided by NZAID, NZRC, Japanese RC, Spanish RC, and the support of the Government of Cook Islands.

 

 

Email Niki on secgen@redcross.org.ck