APRIL 2026 Lower North Caregiver News
Tēnā koutou katoa
By the time you read my Snippets we will all be preparing for the school holidays! So much has happened in what I feel has been a short time; we have wrapped up another successful year of Foster Care Awareness Week, in which I finally got to visit the Hawkes Bay and Wairarapa while wrapping up my last event in Palmerston North.
As we get more into the autumn season, now is a good time to pull out that slow cooker and bread maker and start that comfort food making.
Here is a recipe to make Pumpkin Soup by Delish
https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/a45025736/pumpkin-soup-recipe/
Ngā mihi,
Ebony
Training
How Trauma impacts the Child’s Brain
Have you ever wondered why children who have experienced trauma may react in ways that seem puzzling or overwhelming? In our new training How Trauma impacts the Child’s Brain, you will learn how children’s brains develop and how trauma can disrupt this process. Understanding these changes can help you respond with empathy and provide the right support children need to heal and grow.
To find out more about this course and register please click below. Registrations close at 5pm on Thursday 2nd April, so be quick!
EVENTS
Foster Care Awareness Week Recap
I want to thank all those who came out to celebrate Foster Care Awareness Week 2026!
Hawkes Bay Cast and Connect Fishing Day
What an amazing experience to share with care whānau, there was so much joy and excitement. I was so happy to be with you in person and share this wonderful occasion with you. I know for many of you, watching your child catch their first fish was a memorable experience! What a great way to start the celebrations while also combining it with Children’s Day.
A huge thank you to our collaborators:
- Fish and Game Hawkes Bay
Check them out here to learn more about their educational programs and learn how to fish opportunities: Hawke’s Bay – Fish & Game - Tautoko Aroha, Support with Compassion thanks to CEO and support worker James Uri for his support on the day and providing sausages. Connect with him here: Tautoko Aroha Facebook Page
- Merv and Nadia Sullivan for being volunteers for the day, and finally, Lucky Sullivan and Lisa Opie, our regional committee members for their volunteer support.
Palmerston North Brave Hearts Build Strong Futures
It was such a pleasure to be hosting this event with our caregivers in the Horowhenua/Manawatu. I thoroughly enjoyed listening and being a part of your journey and experiences. It was an honour to hear you as you reflected on what it means to be a caregiver and the importance of your role in a child’s life. I hope that you all walked away feeling refreshed, appreciated and most of all, ready for what the year has in store for you.
A huge thank you to our collaborators:
- Think Hauora for teaching us how to take better care of ourselves and sharing your support services. If you want to connect with them, please click here: THINK Hauora – Our Service
- Kelvin Grove Community Hall for their wonderful premise and supporting charity organisations. If you want a hall to hire for special occasions, click here: Kelvingrove
- Finally our Regional Committee Members Fleur Devin and Lucky Sullivan for their amazing volunteer work.
Wairarapa Regional Coordinator
Kia ora,
It’s been a wee while since I last connected with caregivers in the Wairarapa, but I’m pleased to officially share that I have temporarily taken on the role of Regional Coordinator for the Wairarapa. This sits alongside my current role as Therapist with Caring Families Aotearoa. As a Wairarapa born and bred local, I’m proud to be part of this community and have a deep love for the region, so it feels like a natural fit.
Rob Surtees
Wairarapa Regional Coordinator & Caring Families Aotearoa Therapist
First off, I’m planning to restart the caregiver support groups after the Easter Holidays. If you have any ideas or suggestions about suitable locations, I’d really appreciate hearing from you.
I’m here to support you in your role as caregivers — a role that can be both rewarding and challenging at times. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if I can help in any way, whether by phone or email.
I look forward to catching up with you soon.
Ngā mihi,
Rob Surtees
M: 027 777 2219
Email: robs@caringfamilies.org.nz
SUPPORT
You can contact me between 8:30am – 4:30pm Monday – Wednesday, and Friday.
M: 027 501 0394 E: lowernorth@caringfamilies.org.nz or call our National Office on 0800 693 323.
My hours are 8:30am – 4:30pm Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.
Upcoming support group meetings
Palmerston North Support Group
Join us for caregiver connection and conversation. I look forward to seeing you all.
Date: Thursday 23 April
Time: 10am
Location: Local Café
Details: 240 Broadway Avenue, Palmerston North Central, Palmerston North 4414
RSVP: Yes to bev.mckay@orcon.net.nz
Taranaki Support Group
Date: Thursday 23 April
Time: 10am
Location: TBC – Nigel will let you know via text
RSVP and contact Nigel Christie on 021 595956
Please confirm attendance to Nigel, he will notify you of the location.
Wellington Family and Foster Care Association
Date: Friday 17 April
Time: 10am
Location: Wainuiomata Mitre 10 (Columbus Café)
Details: We will pay for drinks
RSVP: Tori 027 425 4709
Kapiti Support Group
Date: Monday 20 April
Time: 10am
Location: Plunge Café, Coastlands Aquatic Centre, 10 Brett Ambler Way, Paraparaumu.
Join us for a coffee and caregiver connection.
could you be our next support group liaison?
I am on the lookout for a Support Group Liaison in the Wairarapa to take over from Rob Surtees. If this sounds like you, then check out the role below 👇🏼
Would you like to create a safe, welcoming space where caregivers can connect, share experiences, and find support? As a Support Group Liaison, 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.
If you would like to find out more about this voluntary role please click here.
Or drop me an email on lowernorth@caringfamilies.org.nz
FACEBOOK SUPPORT GROUPS
For the Lower North Region, I update and administer the following three private Caring Families Aotearoa Support Facebook Groups. Please click the buttons below to join, if you haven’t already!