November 2023 Caregiver News: Auckland South Region

Talofa Koutou (Tuvalu), Ni Sa Bula Vinaka (Fiji), Fakaalofa lahi atu (Niue), Mālo Ni (Tokelau), warm greetings everyone, in the Polynesian languages celebrated during the month of October 2023.

The weather is getting warmer throughout Auckland South and Waikato regions as we prepare to close the chapter on 2023 and begin anew for 2024. The focus for myself and my tamariki is connection, connection, connection, and as I am reflecting on this, many disconnects come to mind.

The challenge for myself as a whānau/kin carer and other caregivers I talk with is to keep that space of Acceptance and Empathy not just for our tamariki but for ourselves. Injecting Playfulness and Curiosity have enabled me to communicate better to re-connect, and recently at our dinner conversations (with our differing age and ethnic diverse household), it has been enlightening, entertaining and educational, listening to the various perceptions of what “Being Happy” is.  The sharing and listening have been through the individual lenses of experience vs culture vs age…. fun times ahead?

Regional Hui Feedback

I would like to express my gratitude to those caregivers who attended our Auckland South Regional Hui at the Franklin Centre Pukekohe in October.  I am looking forward to building relationships with you all in the new year.  Special acknowledgement to our speakers who gave of their precious time to share their insight, experience and understanding to help our caregivers navigate the family court and legal process.  It was great to get their knowledge and experience in their different fields:

• Navigators Link Family Court Kaiārahi
• PCSS Social Worker Rachel Wood https://ohf.org.nz/ (Open Home Foundation)
• Ombudsman Office.

Call it spiritual or being present (you had to be there), Tuihana Ohia, Founder of Woo Wellbeing, was our last speaker of the day with an inspiring reminder of how to take care of self through the unsettling family court processes and our day to day lives as caregivers.  Tuihana provided a calming presence to help us refill and reflect on our wellbeing.   

Special Thanks to our Kaitakawaenga (Cultural Advisor) & Coromandel Regional Coordinator, Nyvonne Krause, for her experience and guidance and Auckland Regional Coordinator, Christie McGiven, for her mega MC skills and holding my hand.

Mark your Calendars 2023/2024

(these may be useful to those Caregivers receiving  the Unsupported Child Benefit – UCB)

*Be sure to include family and school events into your calendar.

events

I look forward to meeting caregivers who’ve already locked in our upcoming events in December.

Family Fun Days

• Hamilton 2 December 2023 @ 10am – 4pm Waterworld, Garnett Ave. Limited spots remaining, get in quick registrations close Thursday 16 November 2023.

• Pukekohe & Manukau 9 December 2023 @ 12pm – 4pm Massey Park Aquatic Centre, 2 Ron Keat Drive, Papakura Registrations Full
• Thames, 6 December 2023, 10.am-2.pm, Centennial Pools, McKay St, Thames.

If you have any thoughts or suggestions for events closer to your neighbourhood please send me an email aucklandsouth@caringfamilies.org.nz and lets talk 😊

SUPPORT

Polynesian Caregivers Group (for caregivers of Polynesian descent, or those caring for a child of Polynesian descent).

• Thursday 16 November (final for the year), 10:00AM – 12:00PM. Join me and the lovely Auckland Regional Coordinator Christie McGiven in the Tutakina room at Clover Park Community House, 16A Israel Avenue. 
• Evening Catch Up – For those located further south and more available in the evening, I’ll be hosting a catch up at McDonalds Takanini for anyone who would like to join for a cuppa and chat at 7:30PM, Thursday 16 November, 226 Great South Road, Takanini 2112. You can let me know if you’d like to join here.

THANK YOU TO OUR VOLUNTEERS

Here’s a reminder of our fantastic Regional Committee Members for Auckland South/Waikato.

• Robyn Maihi,
• Susan Williams,
• Theresa Pollock
• Vanessa West

TRAINING

Register for our last face to face training of the year!

• Family Dynamics – Torn Loyalties: Thursday 9 November, 10:00 am -1:30pm at Western Community Centre, 46 Hyde Ave, Hamilton, Waikato, 3200. REGISTER HERE.

Impossible to attend our face to face? Check out our scheduled online training below.

Faamanuia

Blessings

Nu’umoe