December 2025 Lower North Caregiver News
Tēna Koutou Katoa,
Christmas can be a joyful time, but for children in care, it often brings challenges. Busy schedules, family absence, and emotional stress can lead to big feelings and behaviours that caregivers must manage—while handling their own emotions.
This is where your DDP and PACE training matters. PACE, Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, Empathy – helps children feel safe and understood, building trust and emotional connection. For children with trauma, safety is essential. Using PACE consistently reduces conflict and helps us see strengths beneath challenging behaviours.
Christmas doesn’t have to be negative. Expect some fallout, prepare, and respond with understanding. Focus on positive moments, connect in ways that work for your child, and trust yourself—you know their inner world better than anyone.
You are doing incredible work. Reward yourself this Christmas and take the wins. If no one has told you lately: You deserve a wonderful Christmas. Thank you for all you do.
Ngā mihi
Ebony
P.S I finish work on Tuesday 23 December and return on Monday 12 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 new 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!
We know the holidays can feel like a juggling act—kids, teens, and all the festive chaos! But you showed up, and that means laughter, fun, and memories that stick. Thanks for bringing the joy to Family Fun Days.
🎉 Foster Care Awareness Week is almost here!
I’m excited to be part of the celebrations in Napier on 27 February and Palmerston North on 19 March. These events are a great chance to connect, share stories, and celebrate the amazing mahi in foster care.
📅 Pop these dates in your calendar and stay tuned—more details coming in February!
SUPPORT
Most of our Support Groups have wrapped up for the year. Please keep an eye on updates for dates and times for 2026.
Palmerston North Support Group
Date & Time: Monday 8 December, 10am
Venue: Viv’s Cafe, State Highway 1, Sanson
RSVP to: Bev McKay, email bev.mckay@orcon.net.nz
A heartfelt thank you to our incredible support group liaisons and regional committee volunteers!
Your dedication is what makes this role possible. You’ve generously given your time to connect with caregivers and collaborate with me, and that effort has made a real difference in the world of caregiving.
Even with the challenges this year has brought, you’ve continued to show up, create meaningful engagement, and provide connection for caregivers. I know the work can sometimes feel demanding and go unnoticed, but please know—you are making a positive impact every single day.
Wishing you a joyful Christmas and a refreshing New Year break! I’m excited to reconnect with you in February when support groups start back up.
Our Wonderful Support Group Liaisons:
- Tori and Natalie from the Wellington Family and Foster Care Association
- Rebecca Bedell from the Kapiti Foster Care Support Group
- Jan Ladhams from the Levin PACE Support Group
- Bev McKay from the Palmerston North Support Group
- Nigel Christie from the Taranaki Support Group
- Rob Surtees who has been operating the Wairarapa Support Group
- Noeline Smith from the Whanganui Foster Care Association
Our Wonderful Regional Committee Members:
- Lisa Opie from Hawkes Bay
- Natalie Joyce from Lower Hutt
- Lucky Sullivan from Lower Hutt
- Nikki Duru from Central Wellington
- Rebecca Bedell from Kapiti Coast
- Fleur Deavin from the Horowhenua/Manawatu
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:
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- You love connecting with people.
- You have caregiving experience.
- You find volunteer work rewarding.
Your commitment:
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- 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:
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- 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.
FACEBOOK SUPPORT GROUPS
For the Lower North Region, I update and administer the following three Caring Families Aotearoa Support Facebook Groups. Please click the buttons below to join, if you haven’t already!