August 2026 Lower North Caregiver News

Caring Families Aotearoa is an organisation that I deeply appreciate and wholeheartedly believe in. The amazing work that continues to be done to support caregivers across Aotearoa makes a real difference, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have been part of that mission. 

To our amazing volunteers who have stood alongside me since day one, thank you. Your generosity, commitment, and passion have made such a positive impact on the lives of so many families, and it has been an absolute privilege to work alongside you. 

To the incredible team at Caring Families Aotearoa, thank you for your unwavering support, encouragement, and friendship. I can honestly say that I would not be the Regional Coordinator I am today without all of you. 

A special thank you to Linda Surtees and the management team at National Office for giving me this wonderful opportunity. It has truly been a blessing to work in this role, and I will always be grateful for the trust, guidance, and support I have received throughout my time here. 

While my role may be coming to an end, this is certainly not goodbye. I will continue to stay connected with Caring Families Aotearoa through support groups, events, and caregiver connections whenever I can. 

Thank you all for being part of such an important chapter in my life. I leave with a full heart, countless memories, and immense gratitude for each of you. My last day with Caring Families Aotearoa will be Wednesday 12 August. 

Ngā mihi nui,

Ebony Phillips

News on the Lower North Regional Coordinator role

We are in the process of recruiting for a new Lower North Regional Coordinator. If you know of someone that would be interested in finding out more about the role, please contact jenniferh@caringfamilies.org.nz

Until we have someone on the team, our Therapist at National Office, Rob Surtees, will be supporting my area. Rob has a wealth of experience both as a therapist and a former caregiver himself. Rob is also the Regional Coordinator for the Wairarapa, and many of you will know of his passion in supporting caregivers, to ensure they can navigate the day-to-day of caregiving through a therapeutic lens.  

You can contact Rob from Thursday 12 August – please call 0800 693 323 or email lowernorth@caringfamilies.org.nz

Rob’s hours are – Mon-Thurs 7.30am-5.00pm.  

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 7th August. Click below to register and for more information about our courses.

EVENTS

As mentioned previously, this year we are excited to commemorate 50 years of standing alongside caregivers and celebrate your dedication and aroha to tamariki in care. 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. This month we also launch 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 to read more.

SUPPORT

Taranaki Support Group  
Date: Thursday 27th August  
Time: 10am  
Location:  Café Botannix, 680 Devon Road, Waiwhakaiho, Enter Palmers Store 
Please RSVP to Nigel Christie on 021 595956   

Wellington Family and Foster Care Association  
Date:  Friday 21st August  
Time: 10am 
Location: Faith and Co, 313 Jackson Street, Petone 
Please RSVP to Tori 027 425 4709 

Kapiti Support Group  
Date: Monday 24th August  
Time: 10am 
Location:  Truffle Café, 9 Milne Street, Paraparaumu 
Please RSVP to Rebecca Bedell 022 010 3406  

Manawatu Foster Care Association  
Date: Friday 21st August  
Time: 10am  
Location: No knead to book, 64 Stafford Sreet, enter Feilding library 
Please RSVP to Judy Williams 027 758 3624 

Levin Support Group  
Date: Wednesday 19th August  
Time: 10am  
Location: Salvation Army, 11 Durham Street, Levin 
Please RSVP to Jan Ladhams 021 089 70272 

Please contact our national office between the hours of 8:30am and 5pm Monday to Friday on 0800 693 323 or email enquires@caringfamilies.org.nz and one of our team will assist you.  

Or if you need Critical Support, please call 0800 693 278.

FACEBOOK SUPPORT GROUPS

Have you joined our private Facebook group for caregivers?  

Wairarapa region

Wairarapa Support Group
Date:  Thursday 20th August
Time: 10am – 12pm
Location: Open Home Foundation, 81 Lincoln Road, Masterton
Please RSVP to Rob Surtees, using the email address above.