February 2026 Canterbury Caregiver News

Kia ora whānau

It’s great to welcome you back and share some of the exciting events we have planned for 2026!

With Christmas festivities and holidays feeling like a distant memory, most of you will be in full swing getting back into the school year. It can be exciting starting a new year with lots of energy around, but it can also feel daunting with changes and adjustments to routine. If you notice yourself amid challenging behavior, or unsure of strategies to support your young person, make sure to reach out to myself or join one of the many support groups we have in Canterbury. Sometimes a listening ear with someone who gets it might be just what you need!

I was fortunate to have a lovely break and change of scenery over the New Year period. As much as camping is a hectic experience with children, it was full of wholesome fun and quality time with family. I forgot how magical toasting marshmallows are over a campfire, even in the drizzling rain!

I hope whether you stayed home, or went elsewhere, you were able to enjoy spending time with the people you love and doing the things you enjoy!

I am looking forward to a new year as your Canterbury Regional Coordinator, and supporting you in your journey.

Ngā mihi,
Lisa

TRAINING

Want to kick start 2026 with a new self-directed online learning course for caregivers?

Attachment 101 is a course that will empower you to nurture a healthy relationship with the child or young person in your care. We explore attachment styles and how to foster secure attachments with children who have experienced trauma or adversity.

Registrations are open now for this, or any other course in our caregiver training suite. The current intake closes on Wednesday 4 February, so be quick!

Events

I am really excited to share the Canterbury Foster Care Awareness events with you all. I hope the range of events meets the wide range of interests and needs of our members and you can set aside some time to attend. It is a really great opportunity to connect with other caregivers and allow us to show our appreciation!

Get in quick as registration numbers are limited.

🧘🏼‍♂️ Restorative Yoga session
Date: Wednesday 4 March
Time: 12-1.30pm
Venue: Piko Wholefoods (upstairs studio), 229 Kilmore Street, Christchurch

A pick me up Restorative Yoga session with instructor Rebecca from Christchurch Yoga. Before you shy away, this guided session is designed for all abilities and will focus on slow, relaxing stretches and movements. No Lycra or sweat towels required!

⚱️ Afternoon Tea and Art
Date: Sunday 8 March
Time:  1-4pm
Venue: Waimakariri Pottery, 154 Loburn Whiterock Road, located at the Ashley Rugby Grounds in Loburn.

If you have ever wanted to experience pottery, love a creative challenge or simply want to come and have some fun, local potter Katie Legg will equip you with all you need to design, create and take home some pottery, while enjoying afternoon tea and a fun atmosphere!

🐏 Fun at The Shearers Quarters
Date: Sunday 15 March
Time: 12.30-3.30pm
Venue: The Shearers Quarters Cafe, 924 Seadown Road, Temuka 7973

An event the whole family will enjoy! Whether you are a local to The Shearers Quarters Cafe and activity park, or have always wanted to visit, come and enjoy free entry to the farmyard animals, playground, mini golf, and maze along with afternoon tea in the private function room!

After Foster Care Awareness Week, join me and the Team at VOYCE for –

👽 Sensory Space Exploration!
Date: Thursday 19 March
Time: 12-1pm
Venue: The Sensory Centre, Upstairs at Pioneer Recreation and Sport Centre, 75 Lyttelton Street, Christchurch

Join myself and Luke from VOYCE Whakarongo Mai as we head back to the Sensory Space for another fun afternoon of exploration. This event is hosted by our friends at VOYCE and RSVP or for more information contact Luke Penrose 021605956.

We also have lots of generous giveaways which we will be sharing on our Canterbury Facebook page. If you are not a member, but you’d like to join this online community, click here.

🌟 Let’s Get Our Hands Dirty for Matariki!

This Matariki, we’re celebrating new beginnings, growing together, and filling both our puku and our hearts.

Join me, Lisa Watson, your Regional Coordinator — as I take on a special Matariki challenge: growing my own kai from seed to plate! Every fortnight I’ll be posting updates on our regional Facebook page, sharing the triumphs, the “oops” moments, and all the muddy fun in between:
👉 Caring Families Aotearoa Canterbury | Facebook

My garden adventure will lead up to something truly special: 🌱✨ a shared Matariki meal with our region, made with kai grown with aroha.

And I’d love for you and your whānau to join me in June – more details to come!

I encourage you to also grow a few veges, snap a pic now and then, and share your journey with our Facebook whānau. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just giving it a go, we’ll learn — and laugh — together.

If you’re keen to take part, reach out to me here: canterbury@caringfamilies.org.nz

Let’s plant, grow, and celebrate Matariki as one community.

SUPPORT

Not all support groups are meeting this month but will be up and running again from February 2026. Please contact me if you are interested in joining a support group and are needing some support in the interim.

Christchurch West Caregiver Support Group (West Melton)
Meeting monthly, first Tuesday of each month. Next catchup:
Date: Tuesday 3 February 2026
Time: 10.00-12pm
New members and children are welcome!

Please contact Sytske or Bonny for more information sytskenz@gmail.com | bonbazstephens@gmail.com

Whānau Kin Support Group
Meeting monthly, second Thursday of each month. Next catchup:
Date: Thursday 12 February 2026
Time: 10.00am
Place: Cafe Jireh, 81 Bickerton Street, Wainoni

Plenty of parking, children are welcome! Regional Coordinator Lisa is the group liaison, and we welcome all members who are caring for a family member to come and meet other whānau kin caregivers for a coffee!

Please contact Lisa for more information canterbury@caringfamilies.co.nz | 0275010005

Eastside Whānau & Foster Care Support Group
Date: Thursday 19 February 2026
Time: 11am
Place: Pauline’s house in Bromley, Christchurch

Please contact Pauline for more information: denis.pauline@xtra.co.nz

Keeping Memories Support Group
New group meeting on the last Tuesday of the month. Next catchup:
Date: Tuesday 24 February 2026
Time: 7.30pm-9pm
Place: Whareora Community House, 8 Athelstan Street, Barrington, Christchurch

Please contact Sam for more information: sam@theflourishcollectives.com

FACEBOOK SUPPORT GROUP

Keep an eye on our Canterbury Support Facebook page for information from me and our Support Group meet ups!

If you need someone to talk to feel free to connect with me, your Regional Coordinator. My hours of work are 9.00am – 3.00pm Monday to Friday.

Phone: 027 501 0005
Email: canterbury@caringfamilies.org.nz

Or you can call our National Office 0800 693 323.