A New Zealander delivering aid in Ukraine is looking for volunteers, saying it is clear the war there isn't going to end any time soon and years of aid may be needed.
Tenby Powell is the former Mayor of Tauranga and founder of the charity Kiwi K.A.R.E. Photo: Tenby Powell
Tenby Powell, the former mayor of Tauranga and founder of the charity Kiwi K.A.R.E., told First Up volunteers need to have an understanding of the dynamics of delivering humanitarian aid in a war zone.
He said Kiwi K.A.R.E. (Kiwi Aid and Refugee Evacuation) was looking for 20 qualified volunteers.
"I'm in the final stages of negotiating what will be effectively a forward-operating base in Ukraine," Powell told First Up.
Last week, New Zealand Defence Force member Corporal Dominic Abelen died fighting in Ukraine while on unpaid leave.
The government is advising people not to travel to Ukraine, as its ability to help any who do is very limited.
Powell said that only underscored the importance of the need for help and safe operations by experienced people.
"Security is key ... it's very clear to me now that we need at least a one-year operation and most likely two years because this is clearly not going away in a hurry, this war."
Kiwi K.A.R.E. volunteers will assist with humanitarian aid into Ukraine, mostly from Poland, helping hospitals with medical equipment, and preparing for the harsh Ukrainian winter.
"Clearly the winter isn't here yet but it is coming."
Powell said that his group was looking for people experienced with stressful situations.
"There are a lot of rookies here which is why I've asked people with operations experience.
Tenby Powell is working in Ukraine with the charity Kiwi K.A.R.E. Photo: Supplied / GiveaLittle
"People that understand an uncomfortable environment and are comfortable in that environment, and at the same time, they don't take stupid risks.
"They've got cool heads, they understand the ever-changing dynamics of a war of this sort and they're comfortable to get in and deliver that aid."
Among Powell's wish list are ex-service people, police and ambulance and fire service workers, and registered nurses and doctors.
Dozens of NZDF personnel are being deployed strictly for training missions, although it is uncertain how many may also be involved in fighting.
The Defence Force said it had contacted a "significant number" of its staff on unpaid leave, but won't say how many.
It began getting in touch with 94 personnel on leave without pay after Corporal Abelen died while fighting in Ukraine last week.
The force said none of those it has so far heard back from said they were in Ukraine or intend to travel there.
It is also investigating how many so-called "non-active" personnel may be in Ukraine.
Powell praised New Zealand's military.
"This new group of soldiers - and they are magnificently trained and magnificent men and women - feel that they can make an effort here to support the Ukrainians in what is very much a war of colonialism and now a fight for freedom and democracy.
"We don't have a big defence force but we have a highly trained, very capable defence force.
"We are seeing the wanton death of women and children, civilians all of them.
"The amount of civilian deaths here, that I don't think either has been reported at all or it has been grossly underreported, is just mind-boggling."
Powell has set up a Givealittle page for Kiwi K.A.R.E.'s work] that hopes to raise $250,000.
"I'm determined to raise funds to have an operation for two years because it's needed here."
Watch Tenby Powell discuss his work in Ukraine:
