Tena koutou katoa,

I hope that you’re all keeping well and healthy over these winter months.

Thank you everyone who attended the Caregiver Dinners in Rangiora and Lincoln at the end of June. It was great to see you all so happy, chatting along with old and new friends and enjoying the lovely dinner. I’ve included a few pics from both dinners below. 

I wanted to let you know that I am leaving my position as Canterbury’s Regional Coordinator at Caring Families Aotearoa and my last day is Thursday 1st  August.

It’s been so great getting to know you all through trainings, in-person meetings, phone calls and events. You are doing an amazing job which is so valuable, not only to your young person in care, but also to the whole community. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart.

While I’m excited for the new opportunity ahead of me, working with children (where my passion lies), it is bittersweet to leave Caring Families Aotearoa and the great working relationships I’ve made.

I’m wishing you all the best moving forward. Thanks again for being a part of making my time here so great!

Warmly,
Caroline

Could you be our next Regional Co-ordinator?

As we sadly farewell Caroline, and wish her well on her next adventure, we are also beginning our search for an equally amazing person to step into Caroline’s role.

Have you got the skill set we are looking for? You will offer individual support, advocacy and encouragement to our caregiver members. Our Regional Co-ordinator works 25-30 hours a week, based in our office on Colombo Street in Christchurch.

Interested? Click here to learn more about the role and send your application.

Applications close Tuesday 20 August 2024.

Training

Please take a look at our Training Calendar below – there are lots of great training opportunities in the region this month!

EVENTS

National Conference “Picking Up the PACE”, Christchurch, 24–25 September

We’re thrilled to be bringing our national conference to your neighbourhood this year!

Hosted at The Rydges Latimer, with a line-up of knowledgeable speakers from around the world, Picking Up the PACE is bound to be an enriching and insightful experience for all those who attend. Click here for more information and registration.

L’Oréal for Youth (formerly, Face Your Future), 9 & 10 October

An inspiring two-day camp for care-experienced rangatahi (young people) aged 16-18 years. There is still time to nominate your young person, find out more here.

Excellence in Foster Care Awards

We have also opened nominations for our Excellence in Foster Care Awards. Do you know an extraordinary caregiver in your community that deserves to be recognised for their incredible mahi (work)? These awards are a highlight on our calendar, recognising those amazing caregivers out there, and they are hosted in collaboration with Barnardos, Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, Open Home Foundation and Kia Puāwai.

To nominate a caregiver today and find out more about the awards please click below.