February 2026 Lower North Caregiver News
Tēnā koutou katoa
Give yourself a pat on the back and treat yourself to something special! Why? You survived the school holidays and successfully got your children back to school or their courses.
However, I know that trauma has a lasting impact and some of our children won’t be returning to school or courses this year. So, what can you do if you find yourself in this situation? Here are some tips that you can start with to help you through:
- Find time for self-care to recharge your batteries – talk to someone you trust and who will understand what you are going through.
- Be understanding and help them to process their shame.
- When you are feeling triggered, try your best to avoid blaming them and re-shaming them for their “failures”.
- Where there is a rupture, you can always repair it. Try your Parenting in the Moment
- Utilise your resources, these could be social workers, counsellors, family members to assist and support.
- Work with your child in all the planning and organising to develop a new routine that they can achieve and you can support.
It is a roller coaster ride with our children who have experienced trauma, it burns us out and we feel like giving up. This year, I encourage you to find a way to break through those feelings and find your courage to not give up and keep pushing forward. Our children need a hero, and you can continue to be that hero in their lives.
But heroes need support too, they need their own justice league to turn to when things get tough. So, make this start to the year a time to join a support group, attend one of our events or refresh yourself with our online training.
Ngā mihi,
Ebony
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!
IN-PERSON TRAINING IN DANNEVIRKE & HAVELOCK NORTH
If you’re caregiving in Dannevirke or Havelock North, I’d love to invite you to an in-person session to guide you through our online training!
Navigate, learn, thrive
Join me for a face‑to‑face learning session designed to build your confidence with our online training platform and explore one of our most powerful learning topics.
That’s right — although the course we’ll be exploring is delivered online, this session will be delivered in person, giving you hands-on support, real‑time guidance, and the chance to learn alongside others in a relaxed, supportive environment.
What we’ll do together (in person!)
During our time together, I will walk you through:
- How to register for our online training portal
- How to navigate the platform with confidence
- How to choose, access, and complete courses that support your role as a therapeutic caregiver.
Once we’re feeling fluent with the online tools, we’ll work through one of our specialised online modules together: Understanding ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences).
A supportive, face-to-face space to learn
Bring your questions, curiosity, and openness to learn. We’ll explore the online platform together, step-by-step, with plenty of time for discussion and support.
My goal is simple: to help you feel confident using our online training and confident in directing your own learning journey. You don’t have to navigate any of it alone — let’s learn together, in person.
📍 Venue 1: Havelock North Library, 30 Te Mata Road, meet in the Rongokako Room
Date: Friday 27 February
Time: 1pm – 2.30pm
📍 Venue 2: Tararua REAP, 15 Gordon Street, Dannevirke
Date: Tuesday 3rd March
Time: 9:30am – 12:30pm
Registrations are essential – keep an eye on your Inbox, we’ll be in touch as soon as they open, but Save the Dates in your diary for now.
EVENTS
Foster Care Awareness Week events are coming up! I’ve planned some fun, inspiring and relaxing activities in Napier and Palmerston North for you to connect, find your inner creative, or let the kids try a spot of fishing.
Get in quick as registration numbers are limited! More details below.
🎉 Cast and Connect in Napier
Date: Sunday 1 March
Time: 8.30am – 4pm
Where: Fish and Game Park, 22a Burness Road, Jerviostown, Napier
Kick-start Foster Care Awareness Week and Children’s Day with a fun-filled trip to the Green Meadows Fishing Ponds! Tamariki will learn the joys of angler fishing, while caregivers relax outdoors, connect, and join in activities alongside their young ones.
Registrations are essential and limited. We’ll send you a downloadable guide with everything you need to know for the day, one week before the event.
🎉 Brave Hearts Build Strong Futures, Palmerston North
Date: Wednesday 18 March
Time: 9.30am – 2.30pm
Location: Kelvin Grove Hall, 687 Kaimanawa Street, Kelvin Grove, Palmerston North
This full-day event will celebrate you and support your caregiving journey through reflection, connection, and holistic wellbeing.
We’ll engage in meaningful discussion through a Conversation Café, explore personal insights with a Caregiver Reflection Journey, and strengthen relationships with others who share similar experiences.
There will also be a guided self‑care and holistic wellbeing session to restore energy, build resilience, and support hauora. The day will conclude with an informative session on the range of support available to caregivers, framed through the holistic lens of Te Whare Tapa Whā, so you leave feeling valued, informed, and empowered.
SUPPORT
You can contact me on 027 501 0394, by emailing lowernorth@caringfamilies.org.nz or call our National Office on 0800 693 323. If you need Critical Support, you can contact our specialised team on 0800 693 278.
My hours are 8:30am – 4:30pm Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.
Upcoming support group meeting
Palmerston North Support Group
Date & Time: Tuesday 3 February, 10am
Venue: Cactus Creme Cafe, 227 Broadway Ave, Palmerston North
RSVP to: Bev McKay, email bev.mckay@orcon.net.nz
Join us as we start the new year with caregiver connection and support – Bev.
could you be our next support group liaison?
I am on the lookout for a Support Group Liaison in the Wairarapa to take over from Rob Surtees. If this sounds like you, then check out the role below 👇🏼
Would you like to create a safe, welcoming space where caregivers can connect, share experiences, and find support? As a Support Group Liaison, you’ll play a key role in fostering friendship, self-care, and guidance for those navigating therapeutic parenting.
What we’re looking for:
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- You love connecting with people.
- You have caregiving experience.
- You find volunteer work rewarding.
Your commitment:
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- 1 hour per month for admin tasks.
- 2 hours per month for group connection.
- No weekends and no school holidays required.
We’ll provide everything you need to succeed—resources, financial support for coffee meetups, and ongoing guidance every step of the way.
Interested? Please get in touch! Drop me an email on lowernorth@caringfamilies.org.nz
FACEBOOK SUPPORT GROUPS
For the Lower North Region, I update and administer the following three private Caring Families Aotearoa Support Facebook Groups. Please click the buttons below to join, if you haven’t already!