Register for an event near you!
Foster Care Awareness Week (2–8 March) is our annual celebration dedicated to recognising you—the incredible caregiver members who show up every day with compassion, resilience, and unwavering commitment to some of Aotearoa’s most vulnerable tamariki.
In 2026, we’ve celebrated with a series of inspiring events across the motu (country). While most events took place during Foster Care Awareness week, in some regions the best is yet to come! Check below for upcoming events for you to be acknowledged, pampered, and genuinely appreciated for the mahi you do.
UPPER NORTH
Your Upper North Regional Coordinator, Christine Frost, is planning two events in Whangārei and Auckland designed to support learning, connection, and celebration.
Whangārei – Water Safety & Water Fun Event
Dive into a day of awesome water fun on the Tutukaka coast with Moana Futures who will talk to us about water safety knowledge, followed by splash-worthy activities and a chance for all of us to get up close with the amazing local marine life*.
Plus — we’ll have a sausage sizzle to keep everyone fuelled and happy! You are also welcome to bring your own picnic.
*Mask and snorkels provided.
Date: Saturday 28 March
Time: 10.00am – 2.00pm
Venue: Tutukaka Coast, (exact location to be confirmed)
Auckland – Kai, connection, learning and self-care
We’re getting together for an uplifting session with a special guest speaker who’ll be sharing insights about FASD and we’ll have some self-care pampering activities. It’s a great chance to learn something new, connect, and feel supported.
We’ll also have yummy lunch provided, plus plenty of time for caregivers to chat, share, and connect with each other.
Date: Tuesday 3 March
Time: 10.00am – 2.00pm
Venue: CCS Disabilities, 14 Erson Avenue, Royal Oak
NORTH EAST
Your North East Regional Coordinator, Nyvonne Krause, has been thinking of you all — especially with the many weather events that have affected the region recently. With this in mind, she’s gently put together some low‑key caregiver connection opportunities.
There’s nothing you need to prepare or bring — just come along, enjoy a small treat and coffee on us, and spend some relaxed time in the company of other caregivers who understand the journey.
Whakatāne – in association with Zonta and Oranga Tamariki
- Wednesday 18 March
- 10.00am – 1.00pm
- The Boon, Level 1, 32 Boon Street, Whakatāne
These events are in collaboration with Zonta and Oranga Tamariki.
Tauranga
- Thursday 19 March
- 10.00am – 1.00pm
- Alimento Café, 74 First Ave, Tauranga
CENTRAL NORTH
Christie McGiven, your Central North Regional Coordinator, is excited to bring you a vibrant line‑up of self-care and creative activities designed to help you unwind, connect, and be inspired. Spaces are limited, so we encourage you to secure your spot early.
Hamilton
Unfortunately, due to very low registration numbers for the Art Makers Creative Morning, we’ve had to make the difficult decision to cancel this event. We’re really sorry for any disappointment or inconvenience this may cause.
If you would like support or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your Regional Coordinator, Christie McGiven – 027 501 0393.
Taupō
Unfortunately, due to very low registration numbers for both the Restorative Yoga session and the Caregiver Meet-up at the Garden Café, we’ve had to make the difficult decision to cancel these events. We’re really sorry for any disappointment or inconvenience this may cause.
If you would like support or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your Regional Coordinator, Christie McGiven – 027 501 0393.
Rotorua
Redwoods Forest Wander & lunch – enjoy soaking up the goodness of the Redwoods with a relaxed walk through the forest (an easy level walk that takes up to one hour), followed by a pizza lunch at Eastwood Café. Come for one, or both parts of the event.
- Wednesday 4 March
- 10:30am – 1:30pm, walk and lunch
- 12:00pm – 1:30pm, lunch
If joining for the Redwoods walk meet at the TreeWalk Information Centre/Shop, 1 Long Mile Road, Whakarewarewa, Rotorua at 10:30am.
If joining for lunch only, meet at the entrance of Eastwood Cafe located at the end of Titokorangi Drive / Long Mile Rd (access off Tarawera Road) at 12pm.
LOWER NORTH
Ebony Phillips, your Regional Coordinator, for the Lower North, (covering south of Turangi, out to south of Gisborne, out to Mokau on the West coast, then everything down to Wellington) has been working closely with your Regional Committees to bring together a special line‑up of events for Foster Care Awareness Week.
Napier – FULLY BOOKED
Cast and Connect: kick-start Foster Care Awareness Week and Children’s Day with a fun-filled trip to the Green Meadows Fishing Ponds! Tamariki will learn the joys of angler fishing, while caregivers relax outdoors, connect, and join in activities alongside their young ones, all coming together for a picnic.
Registrations are essential and limited. We’ll send you a downloadable guide with everything you need to know for the day, one week before the event.
- Sunday 1 March
- 9:30am – 2:30pm
- Fish & Game Park, 22a Burness Road, Jervoistown, Napier
Palmerston North
Brave Hearts Build Strong Futures – join us for Brave Hearts Build Strong Futures, a day designed to uplift foster and whānau caregivers through meaningful conversations, shared experiences, and practical wellbeing tools that strengthen you and your journey.
- Wednesday 18 March
- 9:30am – 2:30pm
- Kelvin Grove Community Centre, 68 Kaimanawa Street, Palmerston North
UPPER SOUTH
In the Upper South, your Regional Coordinator, Denise Green, is planning some relaxed, Appreciation Morning Teas and an art activity to reflect on your caregiving journey and connect with others in Westport, Greymouth and Nelson. There’s also a family-friendly BBQ with fun outdoor games for everyone to enjoy in Blenheim. Spaces are limited, so be sure to secure your spot early.
Westport
Appreciation Morning Tea
- Monday 2 March
- 10.00am – 12.00pm
- Donaldos Cafe, 23 Marine Parade, Carters Beach
Greymouth
Appreciation Morning Tea
- Tuesday 3 March
- 10:30am – 12:30pm
- Dash in Cafe – Tai Poutini Polytech, 73-87 Tainui Street Greymouth
Nelson
Appreciation Morning Tea
- Monday 9 March
- 10.00am-12.00pm
- 19th Cafe, Nelson Golf Club, 38 Bolt Road Tahunanui
Blenheim
Bring your Whānau for a BBQ in the Park and fun outdoor games.
- Saturday 14 March
- 11:30am-2.00pm
- Pollard Park, BBQ area
CANTERBURY
In Canterbury, Lisa Watson, your Regional Coordinator, has planned a range of special events to celebrate Foster Care Awareness Week. Join her for a calming yoga and guided meditation session, or try a hands‑on pottery experience led by talented local artist Katie Legg, or bring the whānau along to The Shearers Quarters. Whichever event you attend it’s a wonderful opportunity to connect with others in a supportive and uplifting space.
Christchurch
Unfortunately, due to very low registration numbers for the Restorative Lunch-Time Yoga, we’ve had to make the difficult decision to cancel this event. We’re really sorry for any disappointment or inconvenience this may cause.
Your Regional Coordinator Lisa would still love to connect with Christchurch members and hopes you can join her for an Appreciation light lunch. You must RSVP to Lisa on 027 501 0005.
- Wednesday 4 March
- 12.00pm-1.30pm
- Under the Red Verandah, 502 Worcester Street, Christchurch.
North Canterbury
Afternoon Tea and Art – please note we are fully booked. If you would like to go on the waiting list please email; canterbury@caringfamilies.org.nz
If you have ever wanted to experience pottery, love a creative challenge or simply want to come and have some fun, local potter Katie Legg will equip you with all you need to design, create and take home some pottery, while enjoying afternoon tea and a fun atmosphere!
- Sunday 8 March
- 1pm-4pm
- Waimakariri Pottery Group Studio, Loburn Reserve, 154 Loburn Whiterock Road
South Canterbury
Fun at The Shearers Quarters – FULLY BOOKED
Please email canterbury@caringfamilies.org.nz to join the waiting list.
An event for the whole family! Enjoy free entry to the farmyard animals, playground, mini golf, and maze. We have a private function room booked for afternoon tea and cake.
- Sunday 15 March
- 12:30pm-3:30pm
- The Shearers Quarters Café, 924 Seadown Road
LOWER SOUTH
Your Regional Coordinator, Stacey Penrose, is hosting two special and creative dinner events in Dunedin and Invercargill. Each gathering will highlight the “P” in PACE, encouraging caregivers to share fun and joyful moments they’ve experienced with their young people, and the chance to enjoy personalising a thank‑you card to gift to your young person.
Invercargill-FULLY BOOKED
Come and join Stacey for a delicious lunch, reflection and connection on:
- Wednesday 4 March
- 11:30am – 1:30pm
- Buster Crabb, 326 Dee Street.
Dunedin – FULLY BOOKED
Come and join Stacey for a delicious dinner, reflection and connection on:
- Wednesday 11 March
- 6.00pm – 8.00pm
- Ombrellos Kitchen and Bar, 10 Clarendon Street, Dunedin North.