February 2026 Lower South Caregiver News
Kia ora koutou
I hope you all had a restful holiday season and managed to enjoy some lovely warm weather.
After a quiet Christmas, my whānau decided to go on a camping trip in Central Otago. We visited a few spectacular spots including the famous Blue Pools, Wilsons Chasm, a day trip to Jackson Bay and had a visit from some local dolphins. After a week of fishing, swimming and wandering about it was back home and attempting to get back into some sort of routine… and we all know that can be a challenge sometimes!
The Dunedin Whānau Fun Day was held on 21 January and the weather decided to challenge us at Forrester Park as we headed out there to set up. The amazing caregivers here in Dunedin still turned up, even in the drab weather and everyone had a great time. We were lucky enough to have a coffee shouted by Gavin from Grid Coffee Roasters (in Mornington) and Foster Hope provided the tamariki with some treats to start the year off right. I’ve included a few pics from this event below.
Last weekend it was lovely to see everyone at the Invercargill Whānau Fun Day at Anderson Park (photos not quite ready in time for this edition of Snippets). Much fun was had by all, and new connections made too!
Keep an eye out for our Facebook posts on more events we have planned in the next few months. Central Otago is next for the Whānau Fun Day and we have our Foster Care Awareness events popping up in March.
The holidays are all at an end now and the return to school can be stressful for both tamariki and adults. Make sure you use your supports and take some time out where you can. I am also here as the Otago/Southland Regional Coordinator and happy to support you in your caregiving journey.
Ngā mihi,
Stacey
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. Our current intake closes on Wednesday 4 February, so be quick!
EVENTS
😎 Lowburn Whānau Fun Day
If you’re caregiving in Central Otago, come and join us for our Community/Whānau Fun Day!
It’s a chance to catch up with the team from Caring Families Aotearoa and VOYCE Whakarongo Mai and join in a range of fun activities, grab a sausage sizzle and an ice-cream on us.
Date: Friday 20 February
Time: 4.30pm – 6.30pm
Where: Lowburn Hall Reserve, 58 Lowburn Valley Road, Lowburn
⭐ Foster Care Awareness Week events
I would love for you to join me during Foster Care Awareness Week to connect with other caregivers and allow me to show our appreciation for all that you do, every day!
We will enjoy a meal together and celebrate the joy in your relationships with your tamariki by exploring the “P” in PACE.
Check the details below and get in quick as registration numbers are limited!
🌟 Southland Lunch
Date: Wednesday 4 March
Time: 11.30am
Where: Buster Crabb, 326 Dee Steet, Invercargill
🌟 Otago Dinner
Date: Wednesday 11 March – Dunedin
Time: 6.00pm
Where: Ombrellos Kitchen and Bar, 10 Clarendon St, Dunedin
SUPPORT
Otago/Southland has a variety of support/coffee groups that are always keen to welcome new caregivers. If you would like to connect with a group or haven’t attended for a while, make sure to check our Lower South Facebook page or contact me lowersouth@caringfamilies.org.nz for more information.
These groups are a great way to engage with others in your community who are on their caregiving journey!
Dunedin Support Group
Group Contact: Andrea, email faulksfamily@xtra.co.nz
Next Meeting: Thursday 12 February
Time: 10.30am
Place: The Grange Cafe, 19 Clachan Grange Road, Mosgiel
Southland Coffee & Cake
Group Contact: Rose, email jeffnroserhind@gmail.com
Next Meeting: Wednesday 18 February
Time: 11.30am
Place: Buster Crabs, 326 Dee Street, Invercargill
If you need someone to talk to, feel free to connect with me, your Regional Coordinator; M: 027 501 0392
Email: lowersouth@caringfamilies.org.nz
My hours of work are 9.00am – 2.30pm Monday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Or you can call our National Office on 0800 693 323.