Kia ora

I am writing this column on my return from Ōtautahi Christchurch after a very busy, but hugely successful Caring Families Aotearoa national conference. We hosted over 160 caregivers and professionals over two days, creating opportunities for new and meaningful connections and the sharing of knowledge within our caregiving community.

Thank you to those of you who were able to join us, I sincerely hope you enjoyed the experience and found it worthwhile. Being able to catch up with you in person and hear your stories, connect with you about your caregiving journeys and hear your wins as well as your struggles, reinforces for me and my team why we do what we do.

I have heard praise for our keynote speakers, for the variety of workshops and for the additional time for connection amongst caregivers that was woven into the two days. I hope you all learnt something new and that these learnings will reinforce to you what amazing mahi you do every day.

I would like to thank all our incredible speakers, our funding partners, the Rydges hotel and my incredible Caring Families Aotearoa team for an inspiring two days.

As the Hon Ron Mark, (our MC), said, the child you care for is better off, loved, and supported by being with you, and even though they might not realise it at the time, as an adult reflecting back they will know the sacrifices you have made and the aroha you showed them.

I hope the rest of the school holidays go well for you and your whānau.

Mā te wā (Bye for now, see you later)