June 2025 Upper 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.

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.

In my whānau we have just been blessed with a beautiful new Grandson, so reflecting on our loved ones that have passed and looking towards the future is already a part of our family conversation at present. We will undoubtedly be coming together over this time around kai!

I have also had a reminder that parenting/caregiving never really ends, even as our rangitahi/young people enter adulthood. There are ages and stages but being Mum/Dad in whatever form it looks like as a caregiver never ends. My role as their strongest advocate and voice is still as much needed today as when they were young. I find it an honour to be called on during times when my young adults need me most. I also find it extremely frustrating that my young adults need me to advocate so strongly in “systems”. They have spent a lifetime in a system and have earnt the right to have their voices heard now they are adults. A work still in progress for us but I am chipping away at that step by step.

I am looking forward to my Grandson and my daughters 21st this month! It’s been 21 years between grandsons for me, lol! I am also looking forward to offering more support for Blenheim and to introduce a new service there to support those living with FASD.

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

Our Keeping Memories/Life Story work was well received, so this month we will be doing a follow up and introducing our FASD navigator, Jacqui Mikkelson to our Blenheim caregivers.

There will be some scrapbooking tools for those who would like to make some progress on their child’s Life Story Books.

Marlborough Support & Coffee Morning
Date: Friday 13 June
Time: 10am-1.30pm
Venue: St Ninian’s Hall, 1 Riley Crescent, Blenheim

Click below to join us!

Support

We have the following Support/Coffee groups happening this month.

Nelson
Come and enjoy a chat, coffee/tea and biscuits.

Date & time: Monday 9 June 2025, 10am
Venue: Tahunanui Community Hub, 55 Muritai Street, Nelson

Blenheim
Come for a cuppa, scrapbook if you want to and meet Jacqui a FASD coordinator. Morning tea and lunch/Kai will be provided.

Date: Friday 13 June 2025
Time: 10am – 1.30pm
Venue: St Ninians Hall, 1 Riley Crescent, Blenheim

Please RSVP for catering (above), or a text to Denise is also fine: 0273693333.

FACEBOOK SUPPORT GROUP

Keep an eye on our Upper South 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 – phone 027 369 3333 or email uppersouth@caringfamilies.org.nz

My hours of work are 8.30am – 4.30pm Monday to Thursday.

Or you can call our national office 0800 693 323.

Ngā mihi,
Denise