Events & Initiatives

2025 Event Calendar

Mahi for Ukraine 2025 Event Calendar:

Mahi for Ukraine will continue to raise awareness and stand in solidarity with Ukraine throughout 2025. This is our calendar of major events for the year.

This list also includes key Ukrainian celebrations, commemorative dates, and some significant events we have planned. While it highlights some noteworthy dates, the list is not exhaustive.
We will also announce additional events and activities on an ad-hoc basis when appropriate as these get scheduled.

The weekly rallies, a cornerstone of our community gatherings since the beginning of russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, will continue to be held every week on Sundays, as they have for the past three years.

Please follow our Facebook page for updates on additional events, commemorations, and announcements.

Note: These events are specifically organised by Mahi for Ukraine in conjunction with the Ukrainian Community of Auckland. Other Ukrainian communities across New Zealand will also hold their own events throughout the year. While we share some of these on our social media, we encourage you to follow additional community pages to stay informed. #StandWithUkraine

Stand with Ukraine - Weekly Rally (Auckland)
The Ukrainian Community of Auckland has been Standing with Ukraine every Sunday, from the start of russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 at our weekly rally in Aotea Square.
Same place, same time, same message until Ukraine’s Victory!
Due to a number of large-scale protests and events happening some Sundays in Auckland, ocassionally the location or time of our rally chnages. There is a *recurring event on Facebook where we provide updates on location/time as well as the theme when applicable.
Please note:
We kindly ask participants in the rally to be mindful of the event’s purpose. These rallies are organised to express peaceful support for Ukraine under one simple message – “New Zealand Stands with Ukraine Against russian Agression.”
To ensure a consistent message, we request that attendees refrain from displaying symbols of russia or any other country, except for those representing Ukraine and New Zealand. Thank you for your cooperation in maintaining the focus on our shared message.
#NZStandsWithUkraine #StandWithUkraine

*Facebook event – RSVP here

Full-Scale Invasion Commemoration 2025: #StandWithUkraine
February 24, 2025, will mark three years since russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and over a decade of russian aggression against Ukraine.
Every year, we have commemorated this date by coming together to share stories, stand in solidarity with Ukraine, and shine a light on russia’s ongoing acts of aggression. This year is no different.
Mahi For Ukraine, in collaboration with the Ukrainian community in Auckland, is organising a peaceful rally on Sunday, 23 February.
ALL Ukrainians and Friends of Ukraine are welcome!
 
💡What to expect:
  • A moment of silence to pay tribute to the victims of this ongoing war.
  • Photo exhibition titled- “Ukraine: War in Europe”.
  • Speeches from local leaders, volunteers, members of the Ukrainian community, and representatives of the NZ Government.
  • Ukrainian national anthem as well as folk songs performed by the members of local community.
  • Opportunity to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Ukrainian community, meet likeminded individuals, reflect on the years of war, and find out how you can help + support reputable charitie
 
Ukrainian World Congress Global Campaign:
The Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) has launched the global #StandWithUkraine advocacy campaign to mark the third anniversary of russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
This campaign aims to remind the world of the ongoing war, now entering its third year, and the far-reaching consequences of Russia’s invasion. It calls on democratic governments to unite in supporting Ukraine and to increase pressure on Russia to end the conflict and restore Ukraine’s territorial integrity. The global rally is backed by the International Center For Ukraine Victory (ICUV) and the Communities Army of Ukraine (CAU).
 
The UWC is calling on the global political leaders to:
  • Deploy international peacekeeping forces for security.
  • Supply modern air defense, military equipment, and ammunition.
  • Provide lethal and non-lethal aid for defense.
  • Seize frozen russian assets.
  • Impose new sanctions on key individuals and sectors.
  • Condemn russia’s violations of POW rights.
  • Repatriate illegally deported Ukrainian children.
  • Recognise russia’s actions as genocide.
  • Designate russia a state sponsor of terrorism; investigate war crimes.
  • Expel russia from international organisations.
Holodomor Remembrance Day: Shine a Light Campaign
🌾 Remembering the Holodomor: Voices of the Past, Echoes of Today.
This Holodomor Remembrance Day, we honour the millions of Ukrainians who perished during the Soviet-orchestrated famine-genocide of 1932-33 – a deliberate act of starvation, suppression, and erasure.
As part of the commemoration initiative this year, we gathered personal stories from our community and shared them via the “Shine a Light or russia’s Genocide against Ukraine” campaign – testimonies that breathe life into the statistics, showing the resilience of those who endured and the unbreakable spirit of Ukraine. These accounts are harrowing yet vital. They remind us of what happens when the world looks away.
💡 We must not forget: the same tactics of genocide and destruction that claimed millions of lives then are being wielded again today by russia in its brutal invasion of Ukraine. Deporting children, targeting civilians, and attempting to erase our culture – this is a continuation of the same imperialist strategy.
✨ By sharing these stories, we shine a light on the truth and reaffirm our commitment to justice, remembrance, and human rights.
🕯 Join us in demanding that the world (including New Zealand) calls the #Holodomor what it was – genocide. Together, we honor the past and fight for a future without genocide. #WeRememberTerrorFamine  #StopRussianGenocide #ShineALight

In 1932-1933, the totalitarian communist regime committed genocide against the Ukrainian people. On Stalin’s orders, the Holodomor—death by starvation—killed millions in the Ukrainian SSR and Kuban, where most residents were Ukrainian. In the early 2000s, Ukraine legally recognised the Holodomor as genocide, and over 30 countries have since followed. New Zealand has yet to do so.

The Holodomor was a deliberate attempt to erase Ukraine. Millions perished, but Ukraine’s spirit endured. This was not an isolated atrocity—it is part of centuries of russian imperial oppression. Today, Putin’s regime continues this genocidal campaign, using mass murder, terror, and forced deportations to erase Ukrainian identity. Russia’s war on Ukraine did not start in 2022 or 2014—it is an unbroken pattern of aggression. Like Stalin, Putin resorts to genocide when other methods of subjugation fail. Stalin used food confiscation, blockades, and terror; Putin employs military invasion, bombings, and deportations, including the abduction of Ukrainian children. Then and now, russia counts on global indifference and fear.

As part of a global movement, we Shine a Light on russia’s genocide—past and present. In New Zealand, we honoured Holodomor victims with survivor stories, candlelight, and silence. We are deeply grateful to those standing with us, supporting Ukraine, and helping expose russia’s crimes—then and now.

Photos & Reflections from the day here.

1000 Days Rally
19/11/2024
 
1000 days.
1000 days of resilience.
1000 days of defiance against tyranny.
1000 days of enduring unimaginable horrors.
1000 days of fighting not just for survival, but for freedom, dignity, sovereignty and Ukraine’s rightful place in the free world.
1000 Days of Standing with Ukraine.
 
Yet this is but a chapter—1000 days out of 3925 of russia’s open aggression against a sovereign state. A chapter in centuries of Ukraine’s fight to exist, to resist subjugation, and to stand as a nation free from russian imperialism.
This fight is about more than one war, but it’s in the last 1000 days the free world finally learned the true face of russian terror.
Thank you, New Zealand, for standing with Ukraine. For 1000 days, your support has mattered. It still matters.
Let us continue to stand together, until Ukraine’s fight for freedom and just peace is won.
 
Ukraine Independence Day: Auckland Rally & Raise a Flag Campaign
Join us in commemorating Ukraine’s Independence Day, a powerful tribute to freedom, resilience, and national pride. 
How to get involved:
 
Stand with Ukraine – Auckland Rally
Where: Aotea Square, Auckland | When: Saturday 24 August, from 2 pm. 
Friends and supporters of Ukraine are encouraged to attend. 
Bring your Ukrainian flags and posters. Find and print poster options here: Ukrainian World Congress.  And find events in your city here.
 

In honor of Ukraine’s 33rd anniversary of independence, the Ukrainian World Congress, in partnership with Saint Javelin, has launched a global fundraising campaign to supply Ukrainian defenders with FPV drones. Donate today and make a tangible difference on the battlefield! 

Join our Online Capmaign. 

Stand with Ukraine: A Simple Act of Solidarity!

On August 24, Ukraine celebrates its Independence Day – a day that now carries an even deeper meaning as Ukrainians bravely fight for their right to exist.

The war in Ukraine continues, and while many Ukrainians are weary, their determination remains steadfast. Their spirit is unbroken, and they need to know they’re not standing alone.

This August 24, let’s show Ukraine that the world still stands firmly with them. Hang a Ukrainian flag from your window as a symbol of solidarity. Take a photo or video and share it on social media, tagging us Mahi For Ukraine (on Facebook or LinkedIn) and standwithukraine or send your photos directly to us via DM on Facebook. Remember to include your city and country!

We will compile and share all these posts with Ukrainian media, sending a powerful message: The world has not forgotten Ukraine. We stand together, no matter what!

It’s a small act, but in these times, it means so much!

Photos & Reflections from the day here.

StandWithUkraine ahiForUkraine #UkraineIndependence2024 newzealandstandswithukraine aucklandstandswithukraine

Stand with Ukraine" Global Rally - 10 Years of War
On 24th February 2024, we gathered in Auckland, united in purpose and solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Ukraine, as we marked the solemn occasion of the 2nd anniversary of the full-scale invasion and 10 years of relentless military aggression by russia against Ukraine. With this event, we kicked off the Ukrainian World Congress Global campaign #StandWithUkraine (under the local banner #DefendingDemocracy) which had 70 Countries participating with over 740 cities and a total of 1023 various events registered.
At our event, we also displayed an exhibition titled “Ukraine – The War in Europe”.

While we stand with Ukraine, we must also acknowledge the urgent need for action. The international community cannot afford to become silent or indifferent in the face of such blatant aggression and violation of international law, as this war persists. We must stand united in condemning these acts of aggression and demanding accountability for those responsible. 

Do not ask Ukraine when the war will end. Ask yourselves why Putin is still able to continue it.

As we stand in solidarity with Ukraine, let us reaffirm our commitment to justice and human dignity. Let us honor the memory of those who have lost their lives. And let us pledge to work tirelessly towards a future where every nation, regardless of size or power, can live in peace and prosperity, and the bully does not dare to use brutal force like what Russia is doing today.

Exhibition Info & Materials | Exhibit video post | Event Details

See event photos and reflections here | Media coverage here

Aroha for Ukraine Book Launch Event

Можливо, дехто з вас пам’ятає наш проект Ароха для України.

Ми раді нарешті оголосити презентацію нашої фізичної книги в Окленді 12 Серпня, та запросити всіх, хто зробив внесок у проект і надіслав нам свою АРОХА (любов), а також нашу українську громаду в Новій Зеландії та ново-прибульців з України.

Будь ласка, зверніть увагу, що реєстрація є обовʼязковою через обмежену кількість місць.

Ми плануємо роздати книги новоприбулим, промови і привітання від почесних гостей, страви, музичні українські виступи, а також ігри та дитячі заходи… Тож приєднуйтесь всією родиною.

Ласкаво просимо принести страву до спільного чаювання за бажанням.

REGISTER HERE

See event photos and reflections here.

Community Webinar - Ukraine Health Initiative

Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand and the Ministry of Health, alongside Mahi for Ukraine, invite you to attend a community webinar on the free health check available for all Special Ukraine Visa holders in New Zealand.

Presentation:
A short video presentation by Dr. Olga Dubnytska (a Ukrainian GP in Palmerston North) on the free health check will be delivered in Ukrainian,  and followed by a Q&A session with Dr. Olga.

Intended participants: All Special Ukraine Visa holders and their sponsors.

Date: Thursday 1 June, 2023

Time: 7.00 pm to 8:00 pm (NZ time)

Where: Online Zoom meeting

View Presentation here

Auckland Vyshyvanka Day 2023/2024
Vyshyvanka Day
Each third Thursday in May we celebrate World Vyshyvanka Day. 
In Auckland we commemorate the day of Ukrainian traditional embroidery by wearing it proudly, singing songs about vyshyvanka & taking some photos with our local community! If you have a Vyshyvanka – this is the day to flaunt it 👌🏻
VYSHYVANKA IN HISTORY
Archeological discoveries in Ukraine indicate that embroidery has existed there since prehistoric times, it dates back to the Neolithic–Eneolithic Trypillian culture. The elements of ornaments used by Trypillians, Sarmatians, and Scythians are found even in the modern national embroidery.
Among the earliest are the finds dated to the 6th century, found in Cherkassy Oblast, one of the silver plates depicts a man dressed in long, wide patterned shirt with embroidery on the chest. The Ukrainian peasants wore the same clothing just a century ago.
Cloth embroidery was first inspired by faith in the power of protective symbols and later by aesthetic motives.
In a country with a history marked by foreign invasions, embroidery has been “symbolically linked to national identity and unity,” said Dr. Oksana I. Grabowicz, an anthropologist and research associate at the Ukrainian Research Institute at Harvard University.
Vyshyvankas have been festal clothes for Ukrainians all over the world for a long time, nevertheless, Vyshyvanka Day emerged as a holiday not long ago.
The first Vyshyvanka Day was celebrated in 2006 in the city of Chernivtsi. Started by a local student.. “I have come up with the idea when I noticed that not I alone but also other students often wore vyshyvankas attending classes. But it never happen that we all did it together. So I suggested to everyone one day to gather at the university in embroidered shirts on the same day. For the first time several classes of students took part in the event,” explained Ukrainian poetess Lesya Voronyuk, who came up with the idea.
At first, Lesya’s initiative was picked up by several students and teachers, but during the next few years, the festival gained all-Ukrainian scale, the diaspora and supporters of Ukraine joined in as well. Today, in general, this initiative is supported in at least 60 countries around the world.
The World Vyshyvanka Day does not have a fixed date; it is celebrated annually on the third Thursday of May. Thursday was not chosen randomly. Its founders insisted that the holiday fall on a working day, instead of the day off.
The purpose of the holiday is to preserve and popularise folk traditions of creating and wearing embroidered Ukrainian clothes. It does not have any obligatory requirements, except for putting on the vyshyvanka.
However, annually the number of events timed to this day is growing; there are concerts, parades, competitions, events and fairs on the initiative of students, professors, public and cultural groups or figures.
Today as russia continues to wage its war on Ukraine, Vyshyvanka Day has become a symbol of the resilience of Ukrainian culture and Ukrainian pride and beauty and antiquity of its traditions.
More photos from the Auckland 2023’s Vyshyvanka Day are here and 2024’s here. 
Our Auckland event photos have made it into other publications as well, e.g. here, here and here.
💙💛     Happy Vyshyvanka Day Ukraine! Слава Україні!     🇺🇦
Light Will Win Over Darkness - '365 Days'
Auckland vigil
February 24th marks a year since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in a war that has persisted for nine years. The Kremlin orchestrates hostilities, violating all possible norms of international law. The brave Ukrainian people are defending themselves and the whole world at the cost of their lives. Ukrainians hold back an insane aggressor who threatens to turn the planet into nuclear waste. 
 

We call on Ukrainians and friends of Ukraine in Auckland to jointly support Ukraine and our #LightWillWinOverDarkness candlelight vigil dedicated to the 365 days of full-scale Russian invasion and nine years of Russian war against Ukraine.

                                                  🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦
 

LET’S UNITE WITH UKRAINE AND FOR UKRAINE ON 24/02!

                     WHERE: Wynyard Steps at Karanga Plaza                       (by Wynyard Crossing)

WHEN: Friday 24 Feb, 2023, from 6 pm

WHAT: The event format will be a vigil. Please wear black clothing and bring a candle as well as Ukrainian flags.

See event photos & reflections here

Advocacy Survey (archived)
If you are a Ukrainian living in New Zealand or a Kiwi with a connection to Ukraine – we need your help!
 
  As a community, we are working closely with the NZ Government and continue to advocate for help to Ukraine and its people in these unprecedented times.
  This is our second survey aimed to assist with our advocacy for the Special Ukraine Visa Policy changes.
 
  Please complete this survey regardless of whether you have already applied for the Ukraine Special Visa/ whether you are eligible to apply or not/ and whether your family has arrived in NZ or not, or even if you are not planning to apply. 
  The survey will take approximately 4 minutes to complete. Once completed please share it with your Ukrainian friends. 
 
Thank you!
Xmas Gift Donations for Refugees 2022 (archived)

With the silly season fast approaching, Mahi for Ukraine is organising a Xmas Picnic for the Ukrainian newcomers in Auckland with gift-giving, food, and some good old Kiwi Xmas summer vibes.

As most of our friends & supporters know, these newcomers (even though are called “refugees”) are not technically considered refugees and as such do not receiv government support. This will be their first Christmas away from home, and we imagine that gift-giving is the last thing on their and their families’ minds. So we wanted to show them some Aroha, and bring at least some normality back into their lives. 

If you or your organisation would like to support this event and donate some gifts towards it, please contact us before Friday 16 December to coordinate this. Thank you for your generosity this holiday season!

And if you are a Ukrainian who would like to attend this event, please DM us on Facebook for event details (time and location).

See event photos & reflections here

Ambassador of Ukraine meeting with
Auckland Business Community (archived)

His Excellency Vasyl Myroshnychenko meeting with Auckland Business Community.

Presented by Mahi for Ukraine and hosted by Simpson Grierson.

His Excellency Mr. Vasyl Myroshnychenko, recently appointed Ambassador to Australia and New Zealand, makes one of his first public appearances in this country to meet with Auckland’s business community on Wednesday 17th August, after presenting his credentials to Her Excellency The Rt Hon Dame Cindy Kiro.

The Ambassador will provide the Ukraine Government’s latest appraisal of the war and the international community’s response, along with the views on what the New Zealand Government and the broader public can do to help. He will also discuss Ukraine’s bilateral relations with Australia and New Zealand, including military cooperation, trade, investment, culture, education, and the role of New Zealand’s business in it, over tea/coffee light refreshments and networking.

Who should attend: the leaders and senior representatives of NZ businesses & chambers of commerce.

 Register here 

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