June 2026 Central North Caregiver News

Kia ora e hoa mā, hello friends

I hope you are keeping warm and well as we head into the winter months. Autumn has been a full few months for me and a great opportunity for me to connect again with a range of networks including Age Concern, Community Law Waikato, PCSS, permanency social workers, Caregiver Recruitment Social Worker teams and Stand Tū Maia Midlands. 

As we head into June, I look forward to continuing my learning about Matariki. I’ve found this website helpful for growing my understanding of the different stars of Matariki – the videos are short and easy to watch in between the different parts of my day: MATARIKI WEB SERIES – Living by the Stars  

Will you and the kids be doing anything for Matariki this year? If so, what will it look like? 

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

On Thursday 21 May, a group of 20 caregivers from across the Waikato got together to hear from Brooke Trenwith from Potential to Performance at the ‘Beyond Behaviour’ event.

Brooke talked us through neurodivergence, answered our questions and helped us get our heads around where neurodivergence and trauma connect (and sometimes collide) and how we can respond with connection and understanding. 

It was great meeting others who are also navigating similar things and being able to talk with, and learn from, each other.  

Here’s some feedback we received from one of the attendees:

Amazing workshop!…It was engaging, exciting and knowledgeable. On a scale of 1-5 I was at a 2 before I walked in the room in terms of what I understood about neurodivergence and trauma. I walked out at a 5 with my kete also being open to further learnings as this space is forever evolving, changing & advancing with more learnings & teachings to come.” 

If you’d like to see an event in your area, I’d love to hear your ideas. You can contact me via centralnorth@caringfamilies.org.nz or 027 501 0393. 

Support

Hamilton Support Group
Date: Wednesday 3 June, then Wednesday 1 July
Time: 10am
Location: Punnet Café, 337 Newell Road, Tamahere, Hamilton.
Come along for a relaxed chat and catch up (each member covers their own food and drink), for more information, contact Christie – centralnorth@caringfamilies.org.nz

Rotorua Support Group
Date: Wednesday 17 June
Time: 10am-12pm
Location: Family Focus meeting room, 21 Sala Street, Rotorua
Please RSVP to Lena (027 253 0115)

Pukekohe/Franklin
Date: Friday 26 June
Time: 10am-12pm
Location: The Hidden Café, 994 Paerātā Road, Pukekohe.
Please RSVP to Joy (027 290 0618)

Manukau/South Auckland – TBC
We are working on the next meeting date and venue. If you have any ideas on where would work best for meeting or would like to join the next catch up, please reach out to Christie (027 501 0393).

Don’t forget, you can call me for support or if you need someone to talk to – 027 501 0393 or email centralnorth@caringfamilies.org.nz

My hours of work are 9am-5pm Monday to Thursday and 9am-2:30pm Friday.

Or you can call our national office 0800 693 323.

Tiaki i a koutou anō, look after yourselves!