CEO Message May 2026
I hope you and your whānau had a lovely long ANZAC weekend. In Wellington, we were lucky to enjoy a sunny spell, which came as a welcome relief after the torrential rain that impacted so many households here.
Talking of weather, as April draws to a close, we naturally begin to feel the shift towards the cooler, darker months ahead. Shorter days and colder weather can take a toll on mood, motivation, and energy, so during this seasonal transition why not try some of these tips to help look after your wellbeing – both physically and mentally:
Maximise daylight where possible: Spend time outdoors during daylight hours, even if it’s just a short walk, or sit near a window to soak up natural light.
Nurture yourself: Small acts of self-care—reading, listening to music, warm baths, creative hobbies, or mindfulness practices—can make a big difference.
Be kind to yourself: Lower energy is common at this time of year, so setting realistic expectations and practising self-compassion is important.
Stay socially connected: Make time for meaningful interactions – catching up with friends, family, or colleagues can be a powerful mood lifter.
Next weekend we celebrate Mother’s Day. I want to thank all the amazing foster care and whānau care mothers out there who navigate the ups and downs of caregiving everyday. I know this day can be tricky for our tamariki, and for those of us who may no longer have our mothers with us. Whatever this day brings for you, I hope you are surrounded by loved ones and totally spoilt.
Noho ora mai
(Stay well, look after yourself, goodbye)
Chief Executive, Caring Families Aotearoa