February 2026 Upper South Caregiver News

Kia ora whānau  

Welcome to 2026. I really hope you got to enjoy the holidays and the mixed bag of weather that our region has had.  I had a lovely few weeks off, with not much planned this year, so it was nice to do some stuff around home and have family visit off and on.

I did manage to spend a couple of days in Blenheim and visit the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre – it was the first time for me, and I really enjoyed the experience. I will have to do the Classic Car Museum next time as it was closed on that day.

I’m looking forward to supporting and catching up with our awesome caregivers in 2026 and welcome any ideas as to how you would like this to happen. Look for the events for Foster Care Awareness Week, when I’ll be in Nelson, Blenheim, Westport and Greymouth. I would love to see you.

Training

Want to kick start 2026 with a new self-directed online learning course for caregivers?

Attachment 101 is a course that will empower you to nurture a healthy relationship with the child or young person in your care. We explore attachment styles and how to foster secure attachments with children who have experienced trauma or adversity.

Registrations are open now for this, or any other course in our caregiver training suite. The current intake closes on Wednesday 4 February, so be quick!

Events

I am really excited and looking forward to our 2026 Foster Care Awareness events. We have some Appreciation Morning Teas in Westport, Greymouth and Nelson to celebrate you and support your journey through reflection and connection, as well as a picnic in the park in Blenheim for the whole family.

Get in quick as registration numbers are limited!

💕 Westport Appreciation Morning Tea
Date: Monday 2 March
Time: 10.30am
Venue: Donaldos cafe, 23 Marine Parade, Carters Beach

I would love to see you to acknowledge Bev and Raymond and their commitment to caregivers in the Buller region. Also to connect and acknowledge the wonderful work you do as caregivers. RSVP to Denise 0273693333 via txt or click on the button below and complete the online form.

💕 Greymouth Appreciation Morning Tea
Date: Tuesday 3 March
Time: 10.30 am
Venue: Dash In Cafe, Tai Poutini Polytech, 73-87 Tainui Street Greymouth

I would love to connect and acknowledge the wonderful work you do as caregivers. RSVP to Denise 0273693333 via txt or click on the button below and complete the online form.

🧺 Blenheim Picnic in the Park
Date: Saturday 14 March
Time: 11.30am
Venue: Pollard Park – at the BBQ area

Bring the family for a lunchtime sausage sizzle and some easy games in the park. I will endeavour to find the giant bubble recipe!

💕 Nelson Appreciation Morning Tea
Date: Monday 9 March
Time: 10.30 am
Venue: Nelson Golf Club Café, 38 Bolt Road, Tahunanui

In appreciation of all the wonderful support and work you do as caregivers!

Support

Nelson Coffee Group
Date: Monday 9 February
Time:10am
Venue: Tahunanui Community Hub, 55 Muritai Street. 

Online support
Please join our private Facebook group if you haven’t already.

If you need someone to talk to feel free to connect with me, your Regional Coordinator; M: 027 369 3333 | E: uppersouth@caringfamilies.org.nz. Or you can call our national office on 0800 693 323.

My hours of work are 8.30am – 4.30pm Monday through to Thursday.

Ngā mihi nui,
Denise