August 2026 Central North Caregiver News

Kia ora koutou,

For those of you who don’t know, I have relocated back into the Central North region as of 1 July 2026. I am looking forward to walking alongside our caregiver members in Rotorua and surrounds, and supporting you wherever I can.

I had the privilege of putting on our Matariki  event in my first week back – and what an amazing turn out! I hope everyone had fun, it was great to connect with you again and to see some familiar faces.

I would like to acknowledge FASD-CAN, Te Ohomauri Innovations, Toi Mauri Rongoa, Voyce Whakarongo Mai, Manu-nui-Ariki Charitable Trust and Waka Experience Aotearoa for supporting us and making it possible to hold such a fabulous Matariki event. 

Over 100 caregivers and tamariki enjoyed the day’s activities, including miri miri, shared kai and a special chance to get out on the water in authentic waka. Click here to see a short video of the event.

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 As a result, they may appear withdrawn, defensive, highly independent, or reluctant to accept support.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 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 50thAnniversary Celebrations or click here for more details.

Support

Rotorua Support Group
Date:  Wednesday 19 August 2026
Time:  10am – 12pm
Location: Family Focus meeting room, 21 Sala Street, Rotorua
Please RSVP to Lena (027 253 0115) 

If you need support, or just need someone to talk to, feel free to contact me, your Regional Coordinator on M: 027 501 0393 or E: christinef@caringfamilies.org.nz  

My hours of work are 8.00am – 4.00pm Monday through Thursday, or you can call our national office on 0800 693 323. 

Tiaki i a koutou anō, look after yourselves!   

Chris