Regional Events
Regional Events are a wonderful way for caregivers to relax, have fun and meet others who are walking the same path.
They are run by our wonderful Regional Coordinators with the help of our Regional Committee volunteers, who organise events such as coffee mornings, movie screenings, and Matariki celebrations, to name a few.
Please see below to find out about our upcoming regional events.
Wairarapa Caregiver Connection
Friday 19 June 2025, Masterton, 10am-12.30pm
Please join Rob Surtees, Caring Families Aotearoa Therapist and Jonathan Hooker, Wairarapa Coordinator for Grandparents Raising Children, for a support and connection event near you.
This is a wonderful opportunity for caregivers in the Wairarapa region to come together and interact with both organisations in person. There will even be some amazing spot prizes!
Click below to register.
Lower South Mid-Winter Celebration & Reflection
Wednesday 25 June 2025, Dunedin, 6.30pm-9.30pm
Come together with other caregivers in the Lower South for a relaxed evening at a Dunedin restaurant.
Catch up with Stacey, our Lower South Regional Coordinator and other like-minded caregivers for a meal (or dessert!) to celebrate your mahi and support each other.
There will be time for reflection on the importance of self care, and an opportunity to share some ideas about self-care with the group if you wish. Click below to register!
Please note registrations have now closed.
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.
We have two wonderful events to celebrate Matariki 2024, in Auckland and Whanganui. Click below for more details.
Foster Care Awareness Week
Foster Care Awareness Week is an annual celebration dedicated to recognising our wonderful caregiver members and the selfless work they do. Foster Care Awareness Week 2025 ran from Monday 3rd – Sunday 9th March.
Our wonderful Regional Coordinators planned a range of events during the week and throughout the month of March, including interactive workshops, craft sessions and appreciation morning teas.
Family Fun Days
Each year, from the end of November until mid-December we hold exciting events around New Zealand called Family Fun Days. From pool parties and movie screenings to ten-pin bowling, these events are always popular with our caregiving families.
Family Fun Days are local community events funded by local businesses.
Click below for more information.
Share your Feedback
Did you recently attend one of our regional events and want to share your feedback? We would love to hear from you!
Fill in our quick feedback form below. Your voice helps to shape future caregiver events.
Join a Regional Committee
In each region there is a Regional Committee/Panel made up of caregiver members from the region, National Office team as required, and the Regional Coordinator. The Regional Committee will approve event proposals from the Support Groups and offer assistance where necessary. They may plan/organise events for all members in their region and promote events on Facebook.