June 2025 Central North Caregiver News

Kia ora e hoa mā, hello friends,

Last month I had the pleasure of taking a road trip around some of the region to meet our wonderful caregiver members in Hamilton, Morrinsville, Tokoroa and Taupō. It is always great to hear your feedback and your whakaaro on what’s happening for you in your local area, and how Caring Families Aotearoa can help you on your caregiving journey.

This month we celebrate Matariki. The theme this year is Matariki mā Puanga, Matariki (Pleiades) and Puanga (Rigel) both rise during winter in the east, however some iwi and parts of the country look to Puanga instead of Matariki as the main indicator of the new year. Matariki mā Puanga is all about inclusion, embracing diversity and celebrating Matariki together. It is a time for us to learn about the different ways Matariki is celebrated around Aotearoa.*

How will you be celebrating Matariki mā Puanga this year? If you are near to Auckland, I’d love to invite you to come along to our upcoming event in Papatoetoe on Saturday 14 June, you can learn more in our Events section.

*Information sourced from https://www.matariki.com

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, 63 people enrolled in “What are Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)?”, and 61 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 Monday 9 June!

Self-directed Online Learning – Caring Families

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

Once you have completed these trainings let me know what you think – I’d love to hear your feedback!

EVENTS

If you would like to learn more about Matariki, connect with other caregviers, and share some kai (food). Please join Christine Frost, Upper North Regional Coordinator, and Christie McGiven, Central North Coordinator for an evening of learning and connection.

There will be a guest speaker panel, discussing, ‘Implementing Matariki at home’, as well as general discussion about how to celebrate, encourage Matariki practrices with your whānau. We will also touch on acknowledging loved ones who have passed.

Date: Saturday 14th June

Venue: Dingwall Trust Hall, 8 Dingwall Place, Papatoetoe

Time: 5.30 – 8.30pm

Please note this is a caregiver only event. No children please.

Please register below for a fun and knowledgeable night.

Other free community events celebrating Matariki

• Manurewa – Matariki Festival Day at the Auckland Botanic Gardens: Te Hui Ahurei o Matariki – Matariki Festival Day – Matariki
• Pukekohe – Matariki ki te Maunga, welcome Matariki rising in the sky: Matariki ki te Maunga – Matariki
• Waikato – Matariki ki Waikato Festival are about to release information about events happening across the region, keep an eye out on their website (https://matarikiwaikato.nz/) for details about events coming to an area near you.
• Rotorua – Celebrate Matariki Whānau Day at Te Puia: Matariki 2025 – Whānau Day
• Taupō – Check out the Taupō District Council and Museum websites for news of upcoming Matariki activities for the family: Taupō Museum – Taupō District Council

support

We have the following support groups around the region;

Hamilton Support Group

Next meeting dates – Wednesday 4 June then Wednesday 2 July, 10am

Meeting at Punnet Café (in the Garden Shed outdoor meeting room), 337 Newell Road Tamahere 3283

RSVP to Vanessa on 022 641 7763

Franklin Foster Carers Association (meets in Pukekohe)

Please join us for a lovely get together.

It will be held on Wednesday 11 June 2025 at 10am at The Caterpillar Café in the library building on Massey Ave, Pukekohe.

There is parking at the back of the building. All caregivers and children are welcome. Looking forward to seeing you there.

If this is your first time joining – contact Annelie on 021 112 2434.

Morrinsville, Tokoroa, Rotorua, Taupō

If you’d like to see a caregiver group in Morrinsville, Rotorua or Taupō, please contact Christie to share your thoughts on what might work for you and other caregivers (think times, days, locations and learning topics). Christie’s contact details are below.

Details will be coming soon for a first meeting in Tokoroa.

I am monitoring and updating the following Caring Families Aotearoa Facebook Support Pages; Auckland South Support and Central North Support.

Please note that if you live in Tauranga and along the Coast of the Bay of Plenty you will need to remove yourself from Central North and ask to join the North East Support group. This will mean everyone can continue to receive information, resources and support relevant to their region.

If you need someone to talk to feel free to connect with me, you can call/text me on 027 501 0393 or reach out via email to centralnorth@caringfamilies.org.nz

My hours of work are 9am – 5pm (Monday to Thursday) and 9am-2:30pm (Friday)

I look forward to either seeing you or hearing from you.

Tiaki i a koutou anō, look after yourselves!

Christie