The stoves and water boilers are delivered directly to families living behind the frontline. Photo / Kiwi K.A.R.E
A New Zealand humanitarian organisation is preparing its largest-ever aid response after receiving a formal request from a Ukrainian regional authority for thousands more heating units.
Kiwi Aid & Refugee Evacuation (Kiwi K.A.R.E.) has been asked to supply an additional 3500 stoves and water boilers to support communities living without power or running water amid ongoing attacks on critical infrastructure.
The request would take the total number of units delivered by the charity beyond 11,000, building on the more than 8000 already distributed to frontline regions.
“Due to ongoing military aggression and full-scale invasion of Ukraine ... Kharkiv Region continues to operate under constant security risk and critical infrastructure challenges,” reads the request sent to former Tauranga mayor and Kiwi K.A.R.E. founder Tenby Powell.
“Given the instability of centralised heating systems and electricity supply, many residents rely on alternative sources. In order to ensure basic living conditions and prevent humanitarian risks, the Blyzniuky Settlement Territorial Community kindly requests your charitable assistance in the form of 500 water heaters and 3000 solid fuel stoves.”
Powell said the scale of the request reflects both the ongoing humanitarian need in Ukraine and the trust the organisation has established through its work.
“Our work in Ukraine since May 2022 quickly evolved from delivering aid and conducting evacuations to what we now see as humanitarian diplomacy,” Powell said.
“Without any government funding, we have built relationships and delivered real results that strengthen New Zealand’s international reputation for compassion, ingenuity and reliability. This latest request is recognition of that trust.”
Kiwi K.A.R.E operates in Ukraine’s so-called “Red Zones” – areas behind the frontlines – where it delivers aid directly to families and medical facilities.
Its “Heat-for-Health” programme repurposes discarded hot water cylinders into wood-burning stoves and water boilers, providing essential heating, cooking and sanitation for civilians in harsh conditions.
Fabrication is carried out by small teams working from workshops in Kyiv and Kharkiv, with units distributed to those most in need.
Each stove carries a brass plaque etched with a map of New Zealand and the words “With love from New Zealand” – a gesture Powell said has become a powerful symbol of international support.
“Across Ukraine, they are known simply as the ‘With love from New Zealand’ stoves. While they deliver heat and hot water, they also carry a message that New Zealand stands with Ukraine in a very personal way,” he said.
The privately funded charity has delivered significant humanitarian support since launching operations in May 2022, backed by donations and in-kind contributions from New Zealand and international partners.
According to an article from the Kyiv Post, the organisation achieved a humanitarian impact valued at $60 million since launching operations in Ukraine in May 2022, with figures now exceeding $80m as operations continue to expand.
In 2023, Kiwi K.A.R.E shipped three containers of medical aid from New Zealand, including 1000 hospital beds and 400 generators. Powell said that as the charity’s logistics network developed, most aid is now sourced locally within Ukraine.
Powell said the model demonstrates how targeted, grassroots action can make a meaningful difference in conflict zones.
“We operate where larger organisations sometimes cannot, delivering support at scale while showcasing New Zealand’s can-do spirit and genuine care for those in need.”
The stoves are widely regarded by recipients as lifesaving, offering both practical assistance and a visible reminder of global solidarity during the war.
Key achievements by Kiwi K.A.R.E to date:
- More than $7.5m raised (combined monetary, in-kind donations, and donated relief aid).
- More than 800 missions completed.
- More than 7000 people evacuated.
- More than 8000 stoves and water boilers fabricated and distributed.
- 60 ambulances and support vehicles delivered from New Zealand, Australia and Europe.
- Three containers of medical aid shipped from New Zealand.
– More than 3000 beds delivered to hospitals.
– More than 500 generators distributed.
– Shipping containers dug-in behind frontlines for first-line surgical stabilisation facilities.