August 2026 Auckland South/ Waikato Caregiver News
Kia ora e hoa mā,
I hope you and the kids had an enjoyable Matariki. I spent the day at a family potluck, sharing stories (and laughs) from the past year.
Thanks to everyone who came along to the Hamilton Support Group last month. If you’re not sure if a support group is your cup of tea, but the timing suits, please just come along for a chat – it’s really casual and you can bring the kids if you want!
I’m getting stuck into planning events for the next year (1 July 2026 –30 June 2027). If you’d like to connect with other caregivers in your local area and have an idea for an event, please share your ideas: christiem@caringfamilies.org.nz
TRAINING
Our latest online self-directed course, What is Blocked Trust?, offers some guidance for supporting tamariki who might resist comfort or connection even in the most caring homes.
Blocked trust can develop when tamariki have experienced early trauma, neglect, or disrupted attachment, making it difficult for them to feel safe, trust others, or form secure relationships. As a result, they may appear withdrawn, defensive, highly independent, or reluctant to accept support.
This course will help you understand how blocked trust develops, recognise its signs, and respond with practical, compassionate strategies grounded in Dyadic Developmental Practice (DDP).
Registrations for this course intake close on Friday 7 August. Click below to register, or to find out more about our caregiver training.
EVENTS
As mentioned previously, this year we are excited to be celebrating 50 years of standing alongside caregivers. We have already been sharing inspiring stories from some of the people whose dedication and vision have helped shape Caring Families Aotearoa over the past 50 years, as well as some of the presentations from the wonderful speakers we have had at our conferences. We’ve also launched our 50th Anniversary video, which tells the story of our growth and milestones over the years.
We would now like to share with you that we are planning 50th Celebration Catch-Ups with our Support Groups around the motu, plus we have an exciting monthly competition for you to win one of five luxury gift bags and you can also register to receive a little thank you gift in the post.
Please look out for communications about the 50th Birthday Celebrations or click here for more.
SUPPORT
Hamilton Support Group
Date: Wednesday 5th August, then Wednesday 2nd September
Time: 10am
Location: Punnet Cafe, 337 Newell Road, Tamahere
Please RSVP to Christie (027 538 9691)
Pukekohe/Franklin
Date: Friday 28th August (we meet the last Friday of the month)
Time: 10am
Location: TBC – we’ll be having a mid-winter get together so the venue is likely to change as a one off.
Please RSVP to Joy (027 290 0618)
Don’t forget, you can call me for support or if you need someone to talk to – 027 538 9691 or email christiem@caringfamilies.org.nz
My hours of work are 8am-4pm Monday to Friday.
Or you can call our national office 0800 693 323.
Tiaki i a koutou anō, look after yourselves!
Christie