Foster Care Awareness week, (3-9 March) is an annual celebration held every March. It’s a special week that is all about celebrating YOU; our wonderful caregiver members who put in the mahi every day to care for some of Aotearoa’s most vulnerable children.
In 2025 we are extending the week into March with events staggered throughout March. We will show our appreciation of all that our caregiver members do by hosting amazing events in different locations around the motu (country), and giving you the opportunity to be pampered and recognised.
For an event near you, find your region below.
UPPER NORTH
Your Upper North Regional Coordinator, Christine Frost, is settling into her new region and is busy planning some events for later in the year. Keep an eye on the Upper North Support Facebook page for what’s coming up.
CENTRAL NORTH
Christie McGiven, your Central North Regional Coordinator, is still getting a feel for her new area and is crafting ideas for some events later in the year. We will keep you posted, keep an eye on the Central North Regional Facebook page for what’s coming up.
NORTH EAST
Your North East Regional Coordinator, Nyvone Krause, is busy planning to get out and about in her region with some exciting events. Keep an eye on the Caring Families Aotearoa North East Support Facebook page for what’s coming up.
LOWER NORTH
Your Regional Coordinator Ebony Phillips, has been busy working with your Regional Committee’s to plan Foster Care Awareness Week Appreciation Morning Tea’s. A chance for you to come together with your local Regional Committee for connection, a fun activity, and kai (food). Numbers are limited so get in quick. We are holding Morning Tea’s in;
Manawatu Foster Care Association
- Monday 3rd March
- 10:45am
- To be held in Feilding and address will be confirmed on registration
Wellington Family and Foster Care Association
- Tuesday 4th March
- 10am-12pm
- Caring Families Aotearoa National Office, Level 4, 45 Knights Road, Lower Hutt
Taranaki Support Group
- Thursday 27th March
- 10am – 12pm
- Linkin Kin, 85 Molesworth Street, New Plymouth
In the Wairarapa, the Support Group are holding a family get together in the park. More details are to come.
Wairarapa Family Get Together
- Saturday 1st March
- 3pm – 5pm
- Carrington Park and Playground, 67 High Street, Carterton.
UPPER SOUTH
In the Upper South, your Regional Coordinator, Denise Green, will host a training on Keeping Memories/Life Stories, followed by a high tea luncheon. Relax with full bellies in the afternoon to make some progress on your child’s Life Story book.
For each event please note the timings and when you RSVP, select if you would like to attend the Training or Craft & Afternoon Tea, or both.
NELSON
Monday 10th March, Tahunanui Community Hub, 55-61 Muritai Street, Nelson.
- 9.30am-11.30am Training
- 11.30am-2.30pm Craft & High Tea
GREYMOUTH
Friday 14th March, St John’s Rooms, 112 Waterwalk Road, Greymouth.
- 9.30am-11.30am Training
- 11.30am-2.30pm Craft & High Tea
WESTPORT
Monday 17th March, Westport Bridge Club, 12A Lyndhurst Street, Westport.
- 9.30am-11.30am Training
- 11.30am-2.30pm Craft & High Tea
BLENHEIM
Tuesday 25th March, Wesley Centre, 3 Henry Street, Blenheim.
- 9.30am-11.30am Training
- 11.30am-2.30pm Craft & High Tea
CANTERBURY
Your Regional Coordinator, Lisa Watson, has already celebrated some of our caregiver members with a Hot Pools evening. In March she is saying thank you for all you do with some events in the Canterbury Region. A Christchurch Keeping Memories Creative Workshop & Dessert Evening to tantalise your tastebuds and inspire your creativity, and two Ashburton events.
Christchurch
Keeping Memories Creative Workshop & Dessert Evening
We will provide the desserts and Tea & Coffee, all the crafty bits, but please feel free to bring any mementos you would like to weave into your keeping memory workshop.
Numbers are limited so if you are keen sign up now;
Date: Tuesday 7th March
Time:7.00pm – 9.00pm
Venue: 250 Colombo Street, Salvation Army Building.
Ashburton
Please note these events are for caregivers in the Ashburton & Timaru district.
Appreciation Morning Tea
Join Lisa and some of the Ashburton Regional Committee for a drink and morning tea on us;
Appreciation Morning Tea
Date: Friday 14th March
Time: 11.00am-1.00pm
Venue: Black & White Coffee Cartel, 22 Kermode Street, Ashburton
Ashburton Whānau Picnic & Fun Day
Join Lisa and VOYCE Whakarongo Mai for a BBQ picnic and face painting, a chance for the kids to have fun and the caregivers to catch up.
Date: Friday 14th March
Time: 3.30pm-5.30pm
Venue: Ashburton Domain, 58 Phillip Street, Ashburton.
LOWER SOUTH
Your Regional Coordinator, Stacey Penrose, is holding two events in Dunedin & Invercargill. Both events will start with a Keeping Memories Training, followed by an opportunity to get crafty with a Keeping Memories Craft Session with shared kai (food).
For each event please note the timings and when you RSVP, select if you would like to attend the Training or Craft & Afternoon Tea, or both.
Numbers are limited so get in quick;
Dunedin
Keeping Memories Training, Craft Workshop & Kai
Tuesday 17th March, Mornington Presbyterian Church, 16 Maryhill Terrace, Dunedin.
- 10.30am-12.30pm Training
- 12.30pm-2.30pm Craft & Afternoon Tea
Invercargill
Keeping Memories Training, Craft Workshop & Kai
Monday 24th March, Invercargill Library Training Room, 50 Dee Street, Invercargill.
- 10.30am-12.30pm Training
- 12.30pm–2.30pm Craft & Afternoon Tea