December 2025 Upper South Caregiver News

Kia ora e te whānau  

As we approach the end of another year, I want to take a moment to celebrate the incredible dedication and love you’ve shown throughout 2025. December is a season of reflection, gratitude, and togetherness—and your commitment to providing safe, nurturing homes for children truly embodies the spirit of the holidays. It has been a privilege to share the journey and connect with you over the last 12 months, and I look forward to doing the same next year with events and support groups. 

This month, I invite you to pause and acknowledge the difference you’ve made in countless lives. Whether it’s creating joyful memories, offering comfort during challenging times, or simply being a steady presence, your efforts matter more than words can express. 

Holiday Tips  

• Keep routines where possible: The holidays can be overwhelming for children in care. Maintaining familiar routines helps provide stability. 

• Create inclusive traditions: Invite children to share their favourite holiday customs or foods. This helps them feel valued and connected. 

• Prepare for emotional triggers: Holidays can bring up memories of family separation. Offer reassurance and space for feelings. 

• Budget-friendly fun: Simple activities like baking cookies, making homemade decorations, or watching festive movies can create lasting memories without stress. In New Zealand we are fortunate to enjoy the summer over this period and being able to be in the outdoors gives both yourselves and the Tamariki space for relaxation and connection to the elements. 

• Plan for quiet time: Amid the excitement, ensure children have a calm space to relax and recharge. 

Thank you for being a beacon of hope and care. Wishing you and your family peace, joy, and warmth this holiday season. 

P.S I finish work on Thursday 18 December and return on Monday 19 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

I am making plans for Foster Care Awareness Week, March 2026, and will let you all know what events will be happening in the new year. 

Support

Please join our Facebook group if you haven’t already.

Thank you to all those that have attended support groups this year and for our volunteers who continue to help me in my role at events and groups. I appreciate you all, having others to share the load makes me feel as if I have a wider team around me.  

A special shout out to Amy, Cara and Bev and Molly who supported the Family Fun Days in my absence this year. 

I plan to be on the West Coast early next year so be on the lookout for some dates coming up. 

The final coffee groups for the year are: 

Nelson
Date: Monday 8 December
Time:10am
Venue: Tahunanui Community Hub, 55 Muritai Street. 

Blenheim
Date: Friday 12 December
Time: 10am
Venue: Runway Café, Woodbourne 

Hei konā rā, kia hari te Kirihimete me te Tau Hou!
Until next time, wishing you a joyful Christmas and a Happy New Year! 

Denise