December 2025 Central North Caregiver News

Kia ora e hoa mā, hello friends

One of the real highlights over the past couple of months was getting the chance to attend the Neuroscience and Trauma-Informed Network Aotearoa (NATINA) Conference. It was amazing to hear from speakers who are so passionate about understanding the needs of neurodiverse young people and creating trauma-informed spaces where kids can truly thrive – whether that’s at school, at home, or in their communities. 

I’m also really looking forward to catching up with many of our Hamilton members at the Te Rapa Pools Family Fun Day on 7th December. If you spot me in my bright orange t-shirt, come over and say Hi – I’d love to see you! 

Meri Kirihimete,
Christie 

P.S I finish work on Friday 19 December and return on Monday 12 January. 

Training

Have you signed up for one of our Caring Families Aotearoa Self-Directed Online Courses. Learn at your own pace, from the comfort of your home, and gain valuable skills to support the tamariki in your care. 

For this December registration, you will have 6 weeks to work through the training at a time that suits you. Flexible, practical, and designed to fit around your busy life. 

• Registrations close: 10 December 

• Training opens: 15 December – modules will be ready for you to dive in! 

• Complete by: 27 January 2026 

Our new course this month, Understanding Wellbeing from a Cultural Lens, is a reminder for us all to take some time to consider our wellbeing. This course will show you how to use a cultural model to develop a holistic view of your own well-being and that of others. It is a gentle learning experience giving you the time to explore how connection and balance contribute towards overall well-being.  

👉 To find out more about this course, (and view our other 5 courses and the National Care Standards) please click and register below.

EVENTS

• Family Fun Days are in full swing – I look forward to catching up with you if you’re attending the Hamilton pool party. If you’re heading to the Rotorua pool party (6th Dec) or the Papakura/South Auckland pool party (20th Dec), be sure to say hi to our awesome Regional Committee members, Lena and Phil (Rotorua) and Robyn (Papakura) who are representing Caring Families Aotearoa at these events.  

• Save the Date – Tuesday 17 February 2026, South Auckland: Brooke Trenwith, from ‘Potential to Performance’ will be sharing her perspective on supporting the neurodiverse needs of children and rangatahi at school and at home. 

• Foster Care Awareness Week 2026 – We are busy planning some celebration events for next year, keep an eye out on your emails and our closed Facebook groups for ‘Save the Dates’ and more information. 

support

Final Caregiver catchups are fast approaching: 

• This week in Hamilton – Wednesday 3 December, 10am-12pm at Punnett Café, 337 Newell Road, Tamahere. RSVP to Vanessa (available via text on 022 641 7763) 
• Next week in Rotorua – Wednesday 10 December, 10am-12pm at 21 Sala Street, Rotorua. RSVP to Lena (027 253 0115) 

A big thank you to our Support Group Liaison’s for hosting caregiver groups across the region, I so appreciate the time and energy you have given this year to help connect other caregivers. A special thanks to Vanessa and Annelie who are finishing up in their liaison roles this year – thank you!  

INDICATIONS OF INTEREST
I’m keen to hear from anyone who is interested in being part of our Regional Committee team in 2026. This is a volunteer role for up to 2 years at a time and I’m on the lookout for volunteers living in South Auckland (Anywhere between Manukau to Te Kauwhata) and the Waikato.  

It’s a great opportunity to meet a range of people caregiving in your local area and support the work of Caring Families Aotearoa in helping caregivers feel less alone in their caregiving journey, and more appreciated and connected through caregiver events during the year. 

If you can give a couple of hours each month (maybe a few more leading up to an event) and are keen to bring your positive energy and awesome ideas to the committee’s event planning and event hosting, I’d love to hear from you to chat more about this role. 

Get in touch to learn more: 027 501 0393 or centralnorth@caringfamilies.org.nz