Tauranga, New Zealand – A major
humanitarian shipment recently departed the Port of Tauranga
bound for Ukraine, delivering critical lifesaving aid to
civilians under fire.
In a powerful partnership
between Kiwi K.A.R.E, Hato Hone St John, and the Ukrainian
Association of New Zealand, seven containers loaded with
ambulances, medical equipment, and wheelchairs have set
sail.
Vasyl Myroshnychenko, Ambassador of Ukraine to
Australia and New Zealand says, “Kiwi K.A.R.E’s
extraordinary commitment to Ukraine is a powerful example of
the solidarity New Zealanders have shown with the Ukrainian
people since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale
invasion. These ambulances and medical supplies are not
simply vehicles and equipment – they are helping save
lives every day”.
“I am particularly grateful for
the close partnership between Tenby Powell, Kiwi K.A.R.E and
the Ukrainian community in New Zealand, whose joint efforts
continue to deliver vital assistance to those who need it
most in Ukraine.”
This latest consignment brings the
total number of Kiwi K.A.R.E ambulances operating on
Ukraine’s frontlines to 68, supported by seven additional
vehicles including a truck.
The aid will enable
emergency medical evacuations, mobile health clinics, and
civilian care in some of the most dangerous regions of
eastern and southern Ukraine.
“Every ambulance we
deliver saves lives and delivers hope to Ukrainian families
living under constant attack,” said Tenby Powell, Founder
of Kiwi K.A.R.E.
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“This shipment reflects the
incredible generosity of New Zealanders and the strength of
our partnership with the Ukrainian community here. Together,
we are making a tangible difference where it matters
most.”
Vladimir Rodnyanskyi of the Ukrainian
Association of New Zealand added: “The Ukrainian diaspora
across New Zealand has worked hand-in-hand with Kiwi K.A.R.E
to fill these containers. This enduring partnership shows
the depth of support New Zealanders have given Ukraine in
our darkest days. We are deeply grateful.”
Since its
founding in 2022, Kiwi K.A.R.E has delivered significant
humanitarian impact through three core programmes:
Road-of-Life (frontline evacuations
and patient transfers),
Heat-for-Health (stoves and water
boilers fabricated from recycled hot water cylinders), and
Lifeline Logistics (shipping vital
humanitarian and medical aid, including
ambulances).
Hato Hone St John Chief Executive Peter
Bradley said the organisation was proud to support Kiwi
K.A.R.E’s “remarkable humanitarian efforts” through
enabling retired ambulances to continue serving communities
in need.
“While these decommissioned vehicles have
completed their service in New Zealand, they still have an
important role to play in Ukraine”.
Kiwi K.A.R.E is
run entirely by volunteers and relies on private donor
funding, with no New Zealand government
support.
Keeping it in the family, the ambulances were
driven from Hamilton to the Port of Tauranga by Powell’s
Father-in-Law, 87-year-old Frank Hunter and four of his
mates. Powell and wife Sharon Hunter drove the remaining two
ambulances.
Mr Hunter says, “While many would say we
are over the hill, we were thrilled to be asked to drive the
ambulances over-the-hill (the Kaimai Range) from Hamilton to
support Kiwi K.A.R.E and Ukrainian’s living under the
siege of a full-scale war”.
“This latest shipment
further strengthens the growing humanitarian and cultural
bonds between New Zealand and
Ukraine”.
