April 2026 Caregiver News: Upper North Region

Kia ora koutou,

April is going to be a busy one for my whānau with Easter coming up, ANZAC Dawn Ceremony and School Holidays. As a caregiver too, I know that this time of year can be challenging. If you are at home with your tamariki, consider what you can do at little to no cost to keep them entertained. Will you have an arts day? Maybe cook some muffins? How about a day in the garden, planting veges or even pulling weeds? When we think about activities that involve using what we already have in and around our home, often they’re more holistic (and cheaper!) than going out. Remember, Google is your friend!

Here’s an activity that my whānau like to do during the school holidays. We have a set of questions that we discuss and display in any form that best suits us individually. I have added in some examples of what my tamariki have planned – maybe you could encourage your tamariki to do something similar?

Whānau Goals for Next Term!

1. What is one school goal that I want to work towards? e.g. Improve my reading time. Ask for help when I need it. Improve in Maths. Not talk while the teacher is talking.
2. What is one personal goal that I want to work towards? e.g. Try and eat all my vegetables.  Keep my room clean by picking up my clothes and putting them in the washing basket.  Continue to stay committed to my training.
3. What is one whānau goal that I would love for us to achieve? e.g. Play board games more often, at least once a week. Cook together to make a big dinner.  Help Aunty out more with the house chores.

Sometimes when we give our tamariki the opportunity to think about what they can do better, or work towards, they can surprise us! Here’s another fun activity! This recipe for Edmonds ANZAC biscuits has always been a winner in my house 😊

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 2 April, so be quick!

EVENTS

🎉Foster Care Awareness Week Recap

Last month we had a lovely DIY Pamper Day to celebrate Foster Care Awareness Week (FCAW) in Auckland.  This included DIY Pamper stations, kai and a presentation about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. We received great feedback from those who came along – it was awesome to hear how relaxing you found it and how you appreciated the connection and learning.

I want to acknowledge our Regional Committee Members Sally, Pam and Joe who helped put this together for our members. Including the amazing solo singing performance from Joe! Thank you team 😊

Our Whangārei FCAW event was postponed due to the severe weather warnings, and the new proposed date is the 9th of May 2026.

Support

We are looking for interested members who would like to become Support Group Liaisons in Central Auckland, West Auckland and the Northshore. We are also looking for Support Group Liaisons for Whangarei and Kaikohe.

We will offer full support to help you in this role – resources, financial support for coffee meetups, and ongoing guidance every step of the way. We’ll make sure everything is in place for you before the first support group meeting.

You can find out more about this role here.

Please get in touch if this interests you – I’d love the opportunity to chat to you about it! Phone 027 538 9691 or email uppernorth@caringfamilies.org.nz

Expressions of interest in an Online Support Group

I would also like to understand if there is an interest for an online support group, there is a possibility for both a day session and an evening session. I know for some of our far upper north communities it is hard to meet in person, so I wondered if an online group would be of value.

If you would like to be part of an online support group, please get in touch!

Don’t forget you can also access support through our Private Facebook Groups. 

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.

Tiaki i a koutou anō, look after yourselves!

Chris