CEO Message November 2025
Kia ora
My thoughts are with those of you who are faced with a massive clear up after the severe weather over Labour Weekend, followed by the cold snap last week – particularly Southland, Clutha and Kaikōura. For many of us, it wasn’t the relaxing few days we had in mind! I hope your communities are rallying around you and you have plenty of support.
As many of you will know, Wednesday 12 November is National Day of Reflection, a chance to reflect on abuse in care and survivors of abuse. There will be over 60 remembrance events held around the country, many of which are private for specific groups. For information on events open to the public, please click here.
At Caring Families Aotearoa, our whole team will be gathered for group training, but we’ll take a quiet pause — a moment of stillness and reflection. We will stand together in a minute’s silence, followed by a waiata, to reflect on the meaning and weight of this day. A time to acknowledge and hold space for those who did not get to have a voice, and those who came forward and bravely shared their stories of abuse.
If this day causes you any distress, please reach out to us on 0800 693 323 or check the links here for other support options: Support available | Crown response to the Abuse in Care Inquiry.
In the training space, we have been working behind the scenes with the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) to have our new online self-directed training accredited. I’m delighted to share that NZQA has determined our training is equivalent to 22 credits at Level 3 of the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework. We will announce more details in the new year, but this is an exciting opportunity for caregivers to receive formal recognition for their learning.
Noho ora mai (stay well, look after yourselves)
