Tenby Powell at the wheel of one of the ambulances. Photo: Supplied / Kiwi K.A.R.E.
Seven ambulances formerly part of St John's fleet in Christchurch are being donated to Ukraine to aid victims of the war.
They are being transported more than 30,000km from Aotearoa thanks to the group Kiwi Aid & Refugee Evacuation.
Kiwi K.A.R.E said it has been working with St John to contribute ambulances that would otherwise have been scrapped.
Founder Tenby Powell said there was an enormous need for evacuation and care vehicles, after hundreds of hospitals were targeted by Russian forces.
The World Health Organisation has recorded more than 700 attacks on hospitals and medical facilities in Ukraine from February to December 2022. Of those, 150 hospitals, including children's hospitals and specialist cancer centres, have been destroyed.
Powell said five of the ambulances would be donated to frontline medical staff, and two would be staffed by Kiwi K.A.R.E themselves.
"We are fortunate to have some highly qualified doctors and nurses as part of the wider Kiwi K.A.R.E team."
Tenby Powell with daughter Charlotte, who assisted in bringing the ambulances from Christchurch to Auckland in preparation for their transportation to Ukraine. Photo: Supplied / Kiwi K.A.R.E.
Powell said being able to deploy the ambulances into Ukraine would significantly enhance the organisation's humanitarian work there.
"Being able to run mobile health clinics in previously occupied areas, where people haven't seen a health professional for years, in some cases, will make a significant contribution to their wellbeing."
Hundreds of New Zealanders were supporting Kiwi K.A.R.E's work, he said.
"The ambulances are a tangible symbol of the aroha the people of Aotearoa New Zealand are sending to those living under siege in war-torn Ukraine."
As well as St John, KiwiRail, shipping company Wallenius Wilhelmsen and freight forwarders Nautica Shipping and Logistics have played a part in the logistics of getting the ambulances to Europe, Powell said.
