June 2025 Lower South Caregiver News

Mānawatia a Matariki koutou katoa,

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.

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.

In my whānau we had the loss of a significant family member so will be taking time to remember and celebrate the journey we took with him. As the Moana/Sea was an important aspect of his life journey as a fisherman we will be visiting our beach to say goodbye. We are also planning for the year ahead by preparing our new garden beds and ensuring we protect them from our chickens who like to help themselves to our bounty!

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

Dunedin Midwinter Dinner
Wednesday 25 June @ 6.30pm
The Black Sheep Restaurant and Bar
26 Factory Road, Mosgiel, Dunedin

This will be a lovely opportunity to meet and mingle with other caregivers and reflect on some of our caregiving wins and challenges. We will also discuss tools that help us to prioritise self-care at home, allowing us to look after ourselves so we can look after others.

Keep an eye out for the Facebook post to come for more details and join us!

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 email 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! Unfortunately there are no meetings scheduled for this month, but please check back in July.

In the meantime, if you need someone to talk to, feel free to connect with me, either by phone  027 501 0392, or email Lowersouth@caringfamilies.org.nz.

My hours of work are 9am – 2.30pm Monday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Or you can call our national office 0800 693 323.

Ngā mihi,
Stacey