CEO Message November 2026
Kia ora koutou,
Here we are in November – which seems to mark the unofficial start of Christmas! At Caring Families Aotearoa, one particularly enthusiastic Christmas elf is delighted and will no doubt have the decorations up soon.
I hope you enjoyed Labour Weekend and found a little time to relax. When you’re so often putting others first, it’s important to look after yourself too.
Taking time for your own wellbeing helps you continue the important care and support you provide for tamariki.
It was lovely to see some of you online at our recent Annual General Meeting. We shared highlights from 2025–26, including 4,995 interactions with caregivers, 1,165 training participations and 156 cases supported by our Critical Support team. We also reflected on milestones from our 50-year history. I encourage you to explore our Commemorative Annual Report for a fuller picture of our work and the moments that have shaped us.
I’m pleased to inform you that we’ve received over 25 nominations for the 2027 Excellence in Foster & Whanau Care Awards. Our selection panel, with representatives from across the care sector, will meet at the end of November for the difficult task of shortlisting. Successful nominees will be informed in early December.
Noho ora mai – stay well, and look after yourselves and one another.
Chief Executive, Caring Families Aotearoa