December 2025 Caregiver News: Upper North Region

Kia ora koutou,

Here we are in December already, what a year 2025 has been! I’ve spent a large part of the year adjusting to my new region. While it’s been challenging navigating a new area, meeting and engaging with many members of the community and our membership has been a privilege and honour. Establishing many new relationships in the care sector has also been a real privilege.  I am looking forward to what 2026 has to offer and have a few awesome events in the pipeline.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported me in the region – including our caregiving members and others doing amazing mahi in the Upper North communities.  Furthermore, I would like to say a huge thank you and acknowledge all of you who provide love and support to the tamariki and rangatahi in your homes – it isn’t always easy as we know, and it takes special people like yourselves to provide healing homes.   

Christmas is knocking at the door – for many of us it is a joyful time; spending time with loved ones, eating delicious kai, having lots of fun and enjoying whānau.  However, for some of us, including our tamariki and rangatahi, it can be difficult. Sometimes it feels like something is missing, or the financial burden and stress can be overwhelming. Please remember to be kind to yourself and others, take a break when you can and try not to put too much expectation on yourself. Below are some holiday tips that my colleague has shared 😊 Thanks Denise!

Holiday Tips  

• Keep routines where possible: The holidays can be overwhelming for children in care. Maintaining familiar routines helps provide stability. 

• Create inclusive traditions: Invite children to share their favourite holiday customs or foods. This helps them feel valued and connected. 

• Prepare for emotional triggers: Holidays can bring up memories of family separation. Offer reassurance and space for feelings. 

• Budget-friendly fun: Simple activities like baking cookies, making homemade decorations, or watching festive movies can create lasting memories without stress. In New Zealand we are fortunate to enjoy the summer over this period and being able to be in the outdoors gives both yourselves and the tamariki space for relaxation and connection to the elements. 

• Plan for quiet time: Amid the excitement, ensure children have a calm space to relax and recharge. 

Thank you for being a beacon of hope and care. Wishing you and your family peace, joy, and warmth this holiday season. 

Chris

P.S. I finish work on Tuesday 23 December and return on Monday 19 January. 

Training

Have you signed up for one of our Caring Families Aotearoa Self-Directed Online Courses? Learn at your own pace, from the comfort of your home, and gain valuable skills to support the tamariki in your care. 

For this December registration, you will have 6 weeks to work through the training at a time that suits you. Flexible, practical, and designed to fit around your busy life. 

• Registrations close: 10 December 

• Training opens: 15 December – modules will be ready for you to dive in! 

• Complete by: 27 January 2026 

Our course this month; Understanding Wellbeing from a Cultural Lens, is a reminder for us all to take some time to consider our wellbeing. This course will show you how to use a cultural model to develop a holistic view of your own well-being and that of others. It is a gentle learning experience giving you the time to explore how connection and balance contribute towards overall well-being.  

👉 To find out more about this course, (and view our other 5 courses and the National Care Standards) please click and register below.

EVENTS

Family Fun Days are in full swing – Our regions are as follows, for further information and details, click the button below to go to our website and register.

• Auckland Central 13th December, Lagoon Pool & Leisure Centre, Panmure
• West Auckland 20th December, Pins Lincoln Road, Henderson
• North Shore 21st December, Takapuna Pool & Leisure Centre, Takapuna 
• Whangarei 13th December, Whangarei Aquatic Centre, Whangarei
• Northland 14th December, Kawakawa Swimming Pool, Kerikeri

Foster Care Awareness Week 2026
We are busy planning some celebration events for next year, keep an eye out on your emails and our closed Facebook groups for ‘Save the Dates’ and more information. 

If you are an OT Caregiver
Please contact your site and enquire about the Caregiver lunch that is happening on the 5th of December in Albany. 

Support

All Support Groups have wrapped up for the year. Please keep an eye on updates for dates and times for 2026.

Want to do something meaningful in the New Year?

Become a Volunteer with Caring Families Aotearoa!  

We’re looking for passionate individuals to join us as Support Group Liaisons and Regional Committee Members – two roles that make a real difference for caregivers in your community. 

Support Group Liaison
Help create a safe, welcoming space where caregivers can connect, share experiences, and find support. You’ll play a key role in fostering friendship, self-care, and guidance for those navigating therapeutic parenting. 

What we’re looking for:

• • You love connecting with people. 
  • You have caregiving experience. 
  • You find volunteer work rewarding.

Your commitment:

• • 1 hour per month for admin tasks.
  • 2 hours per month for group connection. 
  • No weekends and no school holidays required. 

We’ll provide everything you need to succeed—resources, financial support for coffee meetups, and ongoing guidance every step of the way. 

Regional Committee Member
Help me plan engaging and meaningful events for caregivers that create connection, friendship, and provide an informative space for therapeutic parenting and self-care. Regional Committee Members will work with me to help manage, plan, and deliver events around the region. 

Your role includes:

• • Meeting once a month for 1 hour to discuss upcoming event plans. 
  • Helping host and participate in events near you. 
  • Assisting in managing the event budget. 
  • Providing your knowledge and expertise in running events. 
  • This role is for a 2-year period, and as your Regional Coordinator, I will provide oversight and support every step of the way. 

Ready to make a difference?
Get in touch today and start your journey toward creating stronger, more connected communities for caregivers. Contact details below.

If you need someone to talk to feel free to connect with me, your Regional Coordinator, using the contact details below.
M: 027 538 9691
E: uppernorth@caringfamilies.org.nz

My hours of work are 8.00am – 4.00pm Monday through to Thursday
Or you can call our national office on 0800 693 323.