September 06, 2023
Ambulances to Ukraine with Māori blessing
Injured combatants in Ukraine will have the blessings of a Taurangamoana iwi as they are carrid to safety in a fleet of reconditioned ambulances.
The seven decommissioned New Zealand ambulances are now in Kyiv after a major fundraising and logistics exercise by the charity Kiwi K.A.R.E, standing for Kiwi Aid & Refugee Evacuation.
Chair Tenby Powell says there were donated by Hato Hōhepa St John’s Ambulance and taken to Europe by shipping company, Wallenius Wilhelmsen after being named and blessed by Ngai Te Rangi.
Iwi chief executive Paora Stanley says Ngāi Te Rangi was honoured to be able to bless the lifesaving vehicles and those who will travel within them.
Each ambulance will carry a name reflecting the seven key principles of Māori worldview: Rangatira; Manaaki; Kotahi; Whānau; Kaitiaki; Wairua; and Tūpuna.