JUNE 2026 Caregiver News: Upper North Region

Kia ora koutou,

Here we are in June already! I am aware there is a lot of sickness going around with the weather changes as winter sets in.

So here are some tips on the safest and most effective winter remedies for children, to provide natural comfort, hydration, and gentle symptom relief. Many adult remedies can be unsafe for little ones, treatments must be carefully tailored to their age.

Natural Cough & Sore Throat Relief

• Honey (Ages 1+ Only): Give 1 teaspoon of dark honey to soothe a cough. Never give honey to infants under 12 months due to infant botulism risk.

• Warm Fluids: Offer warm water, clear apple juice, or caffeine-free chamomile tea. This thins mucus and relaxes the airways. 

• Cold Treats: Give fruit popsicles or ice chips to numb a sore, scratchy throat.

Matariki 

This year, Matariki falls in July (10 July), in the school holidays. Matariki is the star cluster commonly known across the world as Pleiades. This cluster is part of a larger constellation of stars called Taurus. It is one of the earliest recorded groups of stars in human history, with a record that dates back some 17,000 years. 

For many cultures, these stars are connected to celebration, planting, harvesting, weather, and life. For Māori, the rising of Matariki signals te Mātahi o te Tau, the Māori New Year. The appearance of Matariki in the morning sky is a sign for people to gather, to honour the dead, celebrate the present, and plan for the future. 

I wonder how you may invite a celebration of some sort in your home or community?  This year I will be celebrating Matariki while on holiday with my whānau so haven’t figured out what I will be doing on the day of Matariki yet, but how cool will it be to celebrate differently!  

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

Unfortunately, due to weather we had to cancel our Water Safety Event in Whangārei. Although I felt disappointed, safety is always our priority and will be the final decision maker at the end of the day. However, there is good news – our provider for the Water Safety event is happy to deliver it in summer. So, please keep that in mind 😊  

Support

I am very pleased to announce that we have a new Support Group Liaison for our North Shore Support Group. Please join me in welcoming Gail Jones to our team of liaisons across the country. Gail comes with extensive knowledge and personal experience in the caregiver sector, has shown her willingness to support others and is passionate about caregivers getting the support they need. 

Here are the details of the first meeting. Come along with others who may share a similar journey and have a free coffee on us 😊  

North Shore Support Group 

• Date: 5th of June
• Time: 10am – 12pm
• Venue: Columbus Coffee Mitre 10 MEGA, 35 Colin Chester Drive, Silverdale 
• RSVP: Gail on 021 071 6840

We are still looking for liaisons for West Auckland and Central Auckland.  If you would like to find out what is involved in becoming a liaison, please contact me on 027 538 9691.

If you need someone to talk to feel free to connect with me, your Regional Coordinator, using the contact details below.
M: 027 538 9691
E: uppernorth@caringfamilies.org.nz

My hours of work are 8.00am – 4.00pm Monday through to Thursday
Or you can call our national office on 0800 693 323.

Tiaki i a koutou anō, look after yourselves!

Chris