June 2026 Caregiver News: North East Region
Nyvonne Krause
Kaitakawaenga (Cultural Advisor) & North East Regional Coordinator
M: 027 501 0395
E: northeast@caringfamilies.org.nz
Kia ora e hoa mā,
Finding different ways to restore some calm or inject some happiness into our daily lives can do wonders for our mental, spiritual and physical wellbeing.
My happy place of late has been my humble garden. The grandchildren and I had big plans to plant a Matariki garden ready for harvest at the end of June so we could cook ourselves a little feast to acknowledge the stars. Unfortunately, the weather had other ideas, and we endured a couple of storms and a cyclone. This proved difficult to manage alongside life and we’ve had to admit defeat.
It has been a time of learning for the grandchildren that even the best laid plans can go awry. When we accepted we couldn’t do anything about it, it opened the door for new ideas and a new plan! We had a bit of a tidy up and put in a couple of new garden boxes. We are adding compost to the soil and getting it all nice and healthy for some plants to go in for a summer harvest. Ka pāpouri koe ki te hē koe, ki te kore koe e whakamātau, he mate nui te utu. You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don’t try. In other words, it is better to risk failure than regret not trying.
Before
After
TRAINING
Caregiving 101
“I wish I’d known this in the beginning!”
We’ve heard this statement a lot from caregivers over the years – and we’re delighted to say that our considered response – the development of new training that introduces the tools, techniques and resources to navigate a caregiving journey – is now complete.
Caregiving 101 is open for registration for the first time this month, alongside our online suite of foundational level training courses. There are two versions, one for Formal caregivers and one for Informal caregivers. Just like most of our training, each course will take about one hour to complete.
For ease of definition, the Formal course is for statutory caregivers (inside the state care system), who receive a board payment for a child in their care. The Informal course is for non-statutory caregivers (outside the state care system) who receive the Unsupported Child Benefit, the Orphan’s Benefit, or do not receive a board payment.
Both courses have tools, resources and advice to create a positive and nurturing environment for the tamariki and rangatahi in your care. They offer valuable insights into your unique role and responsibilities, and guidance to understand the challenges and rewards of caregiving.
Register before 5pm on Monday 8 June and you’ll receive access to begin your training on Tuesday 9 June.
EVENTS
My Matariki Kai
I would love for you to come and join me on Saturday 27 June for a pre-Matariki Kai celebration. This Matariki we can all come together, (bring all the whānau), and we can work together to prepare, cook and share a Matariki feast, while also learning about the significance of the different stars, how this marks the Māori New Year, and the chance to reflect on those who have passed, think to the future, and be grateful for everything we have now.
There will be activities for the kids and a grazing table to help fuel our preparation before the late lunch at 2.30pm.
- When: Saturday 27 June, 9am-3pm
- Where: Waihi Community Resource Centre, 4 Mueller Street, Waihi
Numbers are limited so please get in quick. Register through the link below.
SUPPORT
The Tauranga North Support Group liaison is Carol Lashlie-Davies. Their next meeting is:
Date: Friday 19 June
Time: 10.30am-12.30pm
Location: Zest Café, 187 Chadwick Road, Greerton, Tauranga.
Please RSVP Carol on carol.lashlie@gmail.com or phone, 021 638 191.
If you are a caregiver and would like to host a coffee group in your area, get in touch with me and I can help you organise this.
Don’t forget you can call me for support or if you need someone to talk to – 027 501 0392 or email northeast@caringfamilies.org.nz My hours of work are 8.30am – 4.30pm Monday to Thursday.
Or you can call our national office 0800 693 323.
Click below to join our private Facebook group for caregiver members in our region, if you haven’t already. It’s a great way to stay in touch with events, training, My Matariki Garden progress and, of course, connect with others on a similar journey to you.