Kiwi Founder Back From Ukraine: Aid & Rescue Mission 🇺🇦

Tenby Powell has returned to New Zealand after six months in Ukraine supporting locals near the front line of the war with Russia. The work was part of his fourth visit to the country with Kiwi K.A.R.E., a charity he founded in May 2022 following the Russian invasion.

Kiwi K.A.R.E. Provides Aid to Ukrainians

Powell told 1News he felt compelled to act after witnessing Ukrainians fleeing the conflict. Since its inception, Kiwi K.A.R.E. has distributed 7,000 stoves and water boilers, evacuated 6,000 people or transported them to medical care, and delivered humanitarian and medical aid.

Approximately $7 million has been raised for the charity, which estimates its humanitarian impact at $60.1 million. A second workshop has opened in Kharkiv, Ukraine, to meet the demand for repurposed electric water cylinders used as stoves and boilers.

“They have been regarded as lifesaving by many of the families who have received them in the very harsh Ukrainian winter,” Powell said. “This is borne out of the fact that there is a continual attack on water and power infrastructure by Russia, so often they just don’t have any way of heating or cooking or getting access to boiling water.”

Changing Warfare and Drone Proliferation

Powell noted a significant increase in drone usage during his most recent visit, compared to seven months prior. He described the situation as “claustrophobic” but “a little bit protected” when traveling under protective nets, but exposed in areas like Kramatorsk and Kherson.

The charity has begun investing in technology to track drones, recognizing the need for self-protection for aid workers. “This comes at a huge cost and where we want to put the money directly into aid or evacuations or the transportation of ambulances and the fabrication of stoves and water boilers, now we’re also having to spend money on self-protection, which is a critical part of being a humanitarian aid worker today,” Powell said.

Two ambulances operated by the charity were struck by drones, with one, named ‘Aroha’ (love in Te Reo Māori), damaged in Kyiv alongside destroyed Russian military vehicles and a Shahed drone. A sign on the ambulance reads, “It stands as a reminder of the cost of rescue missions and the courage of volunteers who risk their lives in the service of Ukraine.” The ‘Kaha’ (strength in Te Reo Māori) ambulance has been repaired and is back in service.

Recognition and Hope for a Just Peace

Powell’s efforts were recognized by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in January with the Order of Merit. He was also made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the New Year Honours for services to business, governance and humanitarian work.

Powell expressed hope for a “just peace for Ukraine” as negotiations continue with Russia, and the United States acting as an intermediary. He believes ceding territory in the Donbas region is “inconceivable,” warning that it would create a staging post for future Russian activity.

“Everybody that I talk to knows this. All the European leaders would know this, as would the Americans and the Canadians and anyone else,” Powell said. He believes the world is “in a very tricky position right now” and anticipates further conflicts.