Kia ora koutou katoa, nga mihi mahana ki a koutou i tēnei taima Matariki.

This year is passing by very quickly and offically winter has started. This is the season of the year where we spend more time inside, where it is warm and cosy.

For some, that can be a great opportunity to read some books with the kids. A few months ago, due to a question from a Caregiver, I asked in our Facebook group for some picture book recommendations for children to help talk about their birthparents, why they are in care etc. Thank you so much for all your suggestions! Here is the list that you recommended:

• “The day the sea went out and never came back” by Margot Sunderland
• “Finding the right spot: when kids can’t live with their parents” by Janice Levy
• “Every family is different” by Maureen Eppen
• “Aroha’s Way” by Craig Phillips
• “The invisible string” by Patrice Karst
• “Foster Care: One Dog’s Story of Change” by Julia Cook

I am very happy to see all the different support groups starting up at different times of the day and in different directions around Canterbury. In June two of our evening groups started, the Christchurch North Coffee Group and Caregiver Catch up in Rangiora. Our first meetings were great, with a mix of Carers, new to the role and some more experienced ones. These groups are new and we’re excited to meet up with other new members.

Is there a better way to start the school holidays off, than with a movie night?

I was so excited to meet so many of you with your families in joining me to watch the movie “Elemental” at Regent Cinema in Ashburton. Yay, what a great night.  I’m keen to do some more of these.

– Caroline

A word from Jared

I am very excited to see who has registered for our Matariki Tūhono 2023; I am still asked what Matariki is and what I can do.

Matariki is a star cluster in the sky and its arrival has a wonderful meaning, a time to spend with whānau (family) and friends, to reflect on the past year, to look to new beginnings. Traditionally, families gathered to commemorate Matariki and remember their ancestors. They built ritual fires, ate together, told stories, sang songs, and played music.

This is still the case. Matariki is a wonderful time to gather with family and friends and wish for a prosperous future, hoping for a full kete (basket). It is also an excellent time to discuss and teach about culture and history.

There are many Matariki events in Canterbury, but if you are unable to attend any, here are four ideas for celebrating Matariki at home.

• Enjoying a mid-winter feast with family or a neighbourhood pot-luck event.
• Light a candle to reflect on the past year or to remember loved ones.
• Try stargazing, enjoy looking at the stars with friends and family – can you spot Matariki?
• Plant a tree or prepare your veggie garden for a new planting.

training and learning opportunity

I’m excited to announce some face to face trainings coming up in August in Ashburton and Timaru.

More information about training opportunities can be found through our training calendar below.

Events

On the 4th July Tayla and Mahalia from VOYCE -Whakarongo Mai will be at the Christchurch West Support Group Meeting. Please come along for catch-up, a cuppa and to learn more about VOYCE. I am looking forward to seeing you all there.

Our Matariki Tūhono is on the 11th of July. Our Regional Coordinators and the VOYCE teams have planned an evening filled with fun activities, guest speakers, and a soak in the hot pools. Thank you to everyone who has reserved a spot. We were overwhelmed by the response and will choose a larger venue next year. If you have reserved and can no longer attend, please notify Jared by emailing him HERE.

Support

We have a closed Facebook group for our wonderful Canterbury Caregiver Members to keep updated and connect with each other virtually, you can find it below.

We also have some great community connections F2F, please find below our groups contact details.

Christchurch North Coffee Group

Group contact: Susie

Next Meeting: Tuesday 11 July, 7.30pm-9.00pm at NorthLink Coffee Culture

RSVP to Susie: mrandmrs.bell@hotmail.com.  If you’re new to caregiving, we welcome you to join our group we are young, enthusiastic and new to caregiving and love to meet newbies.

North Canterbury Support Group

Group contact: Deb

Next Meeting: Wednesday 26 July, for a shared lunch 11.00am – 1.00pm at 3 Ferguson Ave, Waipara

RSVP to Deb: debbiecurtis1965@gmail.com

Permanency/Home for Life Support Group

Group contact: Jared

Next Meeting:  Enjoy the school holidays, our next meeting won’t be till August. We will let you know via Snippets or Facebook.

Tiaki i a koutou anō, look after yourselves!  

Caroline & Jared