June 2025 Lower North Caregiver News
Mānawatia a Matariki (Happy Mātariki)
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.
Like many of you I am on the learning journey of discovery, of what Mātariki means to me as a Māori Wahine (Māori Woman), Kairaitiana (Christian), hoa wahine (wife), and māmā (mum). I continue to be enlightened by the stories of my tīpuna (ancestors) and learn to apply them to my way of being.
That would be my encouragement to you all, is to not undermine your journey of learning because we all start somewhere, and what is small to others could be the biggest step into the unknown for you. So be kind to yourself and give that activity or that event a go.
Dyadic Developmental Practice (DDP) is about healing through relationship and connection (whakawhanaungatanga), in our training we have discussed the importance of acknowledging generational trauma from a cultural perspective. Mātariki provides the opportunity to start that healing journey for your tāmariki and yourself.
I want to provide you with some links to help start your journey of Mātariki and Puanga:
https://www.tepapa.govt.nz/discover-collections/read-watch-play/matariki-maori-new-year
Nga mihi o te tau,
Ebony
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!
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 holding a Matariki event in Whanganui at the end of June. If you are in the area I would love to see you!
Matariki ki Puanga Whanganui
Date: Friday 27 June
Time: 9.15am – 2.30pm
Venue: 249 Victoria Avenue, Whanganui, 4500
Please join me to celebrate Puanga, and the principle of Manako nui, (looking to the future). We will be sharing a video of Māori expert Che Wilson who will take us on a jouney to learn about Puanga, followed by a shared discussion and understanding as a group.
We have a delicious hangi or kai (food) to indulge in. Plus we have a fun activity planned, a chance to try your hand at whetu (star) weaving with flax.
Click below to register!
SUPPORT
My working hours have changed
You can now reach me between 8.30am and 4.30pm, Monday to Friday.
North West I am coming through!
If you would like to connect with me while I will be attending the support groups, event, training or just want to book in a time to catch up with me face to face, then get in touch with me via my contact details at the top. Here is my travel schedule below:
- Palmerston North 11 and 12 June
- New Plymouth 25 and 26 June
- Hawera 26 June
- Whanganui 27 June
SUPPORT GROUPS
Wairarapa Caregiver Connection Support Group
Please join Rob Surtees, Caring Families Aotearoa Therapist and Jonathan Hooker, Wairarapa Coordinator for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, who will be there to offer support and guidance and help you connect with others in the caregiving community.
There will be some fun giveaways and we will provide tea/coffee and kai (food).
Date: Thursday 19 June
Time and Venue TBC
RSVP: robs@caringfamilies.org.nz
Kapiti Support Group
Join Rob Surtees, Caring Families Aotearoa Therapist, who will be in attendance to connect and provide insight into our therapeutic parenting. Members who attend will be treated to a free coffee.
Date: Tuesday 10 June
Time: 10am – 12pm
Venue: Sunday Cantina, 31 Poplar Avenue, Raumati South
RSVP: Rebecca Beedell 0220103406
Palmerston North Support Group
Come along to join me and your Support Group Liaison for a casual get together where you can start making new connections and building friendships. You are welcome to bring your babies; caregivers must provide/pay for their own coffee and kai.
Date: Wednesday 11 June
Time: 10.00am
Venue: All Sorts Cafe, 515 Main Street, Palmerston North Central
RSVP: Bev McKay 0274577626
Wellington Foster Care Association
Join us for caregiver connection and support!
Date: Thursday 19 June
Time: 10.30am
Venue: Naenae Bowling Club, 25 Vogel Street
RSVP: Tori Morris 027 425 4709
Levin PACE Support Group
Join us as we discuss the Shield against Shame and the “ACE” in PACE. Tea and Coffee will be provided.
Date: Wednesday 18 June
Time: 10am – 12pm
Venue: 11 Durham Street (Meet in the front room next to main doors. Parking is available.)
RSVP: Jan Ladhams 021 089 70272
Taranaki Support Group
Join us at the Coffee Club Fitzroy and bring your questions and curiosity as we will have an open discussion with our Regional Coordinator, Ebony who will be joining us for our support group this month. Each member will be treated to a regular hot drink. (Caregivers can purchase their own kai).
Date: Monday 26 June
Time: 10am – 12pm
Location: The Coffee Club Fitzroy, 544 Devon Street East, Fitzroy, New Plymouth 4312 (Please meet in the side room with no door)
RSVP: Nigel Christie: 021 595 956
FACEBOOK SUPPORT GROUPS
For the Lower North Region, I will update and administer the following three Caring Families Aotearoa Support Facebook Groups. Please click the buttons below to join, if you haven’t already!
If you need someone to talk to feel free to connect with me, your regional coordinator – 027 501 03941
My hours of work are 8.30am-4.30pm, Monday to Friday.
lowernorth@caringfamilies.org.nz
Or you can call our national office 0800 693 323.
Ngā mihi,
Ebony