June 2026 Canterbury Caregiver News

Kia ora koutou,

Your Regional Coordinator Lisa is still on leave but is due back the second week of June.

We hope you have been enjoying Lisa’s videos, created before she left, posted to the Canterbury Support Facebook Group. Lisa had been working hard in her garden, transforming her unloved garden boxes into nurturing boxes ready for planting, growing and harvesting vegetables for a Matariki feast with you later this month. To find out more about the Matariki feast, please read below in Events.

The photos below are the last stage of Lisa’s Matariki Garden when she started planting. I am sure she will update you when she is back, as to how things are growing.

TRAINING

Caregiving 101
“I wish I’d known this in the beginning!”

We’ve heard this statement a lot from caregivers over the years – and we’re delighted to say that our considered response – the development of new training that introduces the tools, techniques and resources to navigate a caregiving journey – is now complete.

Caregiving 101 is open for registration for the first time this month, alongside our online suite of foundational level training courses. There are two versions, one for Formal caregivers and one for Informal caregivers. Just like most of our training, each course will take about one hour to complete.

For ease of definition, the Formal course is for statutory caregivers (inside the state care system), who receive a board payment for a child in their care. The Informal course is for non-statutory caregivers (outside the state care system) who receive the Unsupported Child Benefit, the Orphan’s Benefit, or do not receive a board payment.

Both courses have tools, resources and advice to create a positive and nurturing environment for the tamariki and rangatahi in your care. They offer valuable insights into your unique role and responsibilities, and guidance to understand the challenges and rewards of caregiving.

Register before 5pm on Monday 8 June and you’ll receive access to begin your training on Tuesday 9 June.

Events

My Matariki Kai
Lisa would love for you to come and join her on Saturday 20 June for a pre-Matariki Kai celebration.

This Matariki we can all come together, (bring all the whānau), and work together to prepare, cook and share a Matariki feast, while also learning about the significance of the different stars, how this marks the Māori New Year, and the chance to reflect on those who have passed, think to the future, and be grateful for everything we have now.

There will be activities for the kids and a grazing table to help fuel our preparation before an early dinner.

• Saturday 20 June
• 10am-6pm
• Heathcote Valley Community Centre, 45 Bridle Path Road Christchurch.

Numbers are limited so please get in quick.  Register through the link below.

Orana Wildlife Park – caregiver member discount!
As a caregiving member of Caring Families Aotearoa, you can experience the ultimate animal adventure for less! Orana Wildlife Park in Christchurch has kindly partnered with us to offer our caregiver members a discounted admission rate. To apply for the discount, please click the button below to fill out the form, at least 3 days, before your intended visit. 

SUPPORT

Christchurch West Caregiver Support Group  
Meeting monthly, first Tuesday of each month. New members and children are welcome. Next catchup:

Date: Tuesday 2 June
Time: 10.00-12.00pm
Location: 1/1132 West Coast Road, West Melton
Please RSVP to Sytske sytskenz@gmail.com or Bonny bonbazstephens@gmail.com.

Whānau Kin Support Group
This support group is taking a pause while Lisa (Regional Coordinator) is on leave. 

North Canterbury – Rangiora Support Group
Date: Tuesday 9 June
Time: 10am
Location: Artisan Café. 18 High Street, Rangiora.
Please RSVP to Deb by phone or text to 027 389 4020

FACEBOOK SUPPORT GROUP

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;
M: 027 501 0005, E: canterbury@caringfamilies.org.nz, Or you can call our national office
on 0800 693 323.  My hours of work are now Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and
Friday 8.30-4.30pm.