June 2025 Canterbury Caregiver News

Kia ora Whānau,

I hope you are all keeping well and avoiding the coughs and colds that come with a change of season! Canterbury has certainly experienced all the weather elements recently, but it is a beautiful time of year when the cold mornings bring bluebird days.

This month we come together to celebrate Matariki.  The theme for Matariki this year is Matariki mā Puanga.  Matariki mā Puanga means ‘Matariki (Pleiades) and Puanga (Rigel)’ and this phrase acknowledges the relationship between these stars. Both Matariki and Puanga rise in the eastern sky before the sun during the winter period, however some iwi and regions of the country look to Puanga instead of Matariki as the main marker of the New Year. 

The theme will be centre at this year’s nationally broadcast hautapu ceremony hosted by Ngāti Rangi at the base of Ruapehu.  While the stars that mark the beginning of the Māori new year may vary in some regions, the themes that underpin the ceremony and celebration are the same; Remembrance, Celebrating the Present and Looking to the Future.

I really enjoyed connecting with the Christchurch West Support Group last month. I am grateful for their manaakitanga (hospitality) thoughtful kai and gifts they shared with the caregivers they support, thank you! If you would like me to come to a support group, please reach out. I have been enjoying being the group Liaison for the Whānau Kin Support Group who meet monthly. It is a privilege to spend time connecting and hearing their journey. We welcome any members caring for family not born to them to come join us!

Facebook Giveaway

Last month we had a fantastic event at the Southern Sensory Centre. It was so special to see the tamariki engaging and enjoying this space. If you haven’t been before I highly recommend checking out their website and booking a spot – click the button below.

The lovely team there have given me some passes for our caregiving whānau to enjoy this space and the pools which I will be giving away on our Facebook page this month. The winner will be drawn at random on Wednesday 18 June.

TRAINING

Explore our new self-directed training for caregivers!

Based on our DDP and PACE models, these bite-sized courses help you better understand the experiences of children in your care—especially those affected by trauma, attachment issues, loss, or separation.

Learn at your own pace – each course takes about an hour (except the more in-depth National Care Standards, which follow Oranga Tamariki regulations).

Last month, 62 people enrolled in What are Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)? and 58 in National Care Standards Part 3. More courses are on the way, with a new one launching in July. If you haven’t already completed the two courses, register now to start on 9 June!

If you would like some more information about our new training format, or you are unsure about how it works, please do get in touch! Also, let me know if you are interested in participating in a group to do the training, so we can explore how we can make this happen.

Once you have completed our new courses, let me know what you think – I’d love to hear your feedback!

events

I am looking forward to meeting with the Regional Committee and discussing some ideas for this year’s events.

I have recently meet with VOYCE Whakarongo Mai and we have some exciting collaboration event ideas in the pipeline, including their Matariki event which has always been a highlight for our caregivers. I also plan on getting back to Ashburton and reconnecting after our last fantastic events there for Foster Care Awareness Week.

SUPPORT

North Canterbury Caregivers Catch up
Please bring a plate to share for lunch. New members and children are all welcome!

Date: Tuesday 24 June
Time: 11.00am-1.00pm

Please contact Debbie for more information: debbiecurtis1965@gmail.com

Geraldine Support Group
Date: Friday 27 June
Time: 12.00pm
Venue: Drift Inn – There is a play area for the children!

Please contact Maureen for more information: coopermaureen@hotmail.com

Christchurch West Caregiver Support Group|
New members and children are welcome!

Meeting monthly, first Tuesday of each month. Next catchup:

Date: Tuesday 3 June
Time: 10.00-12pm

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

Whānau Kin Support Group
Plenty of parking, children are welcome! Regional Coordinator Lisa is the group liaison and we welcome all members who are caring for whānau to come and meet for a coffee!

Meeting monthly, second Thursday of each month. Next catchup:

Date: Thursday 12 June
Time: 10.00am
Venue: Cafe Jireh, 81 Bickerton Street, Wainoni

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

FACEBOOK SUPPORT GROUP

Also 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 8.30am – 4.30pm Tuesday to Friday

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

Or you can call our national office 0800 693 323.