September 2023 Caregiver News: East Coast Region

Kia ora everyone

I want to do a big THANK YOU to Ngati Porou Oranga/Whānau Care Service.  It was just a pleasure to meet you all recently.  Your generosity and how you embraced me and my colleague Nyvonne was humbling.  The day connecting with one another was inspiring, and I’m hoping the start of some great personal and professional journeying together in supporting whānau caregivers. 

I’ve been thinking about some of the situations I’ve been supporting lately and wanted to share with you some things to think about in welcoming a new member into your family.  It’s a significant step, filled with excitement, some anxiety and adjustment. If you’ve opened your hearts and home to someone new in our beautiful East Coast / Hawkes Bay region, here are some tips that could help make it a smoother and more supportive process. From building connections to embracing local customs, here are some ways you can create a warm and welcoming environment for your newest family member:

Embrace the Spirit of Whānau:

Whānau, or family, holds great importance in Māori culture and in many others. As you welcome a new member, emphasize the spirit of whānau by involving them in family gatherings, events, and decision-making processes. Encourage open communication and ensure they feel included in your collective whānau/family.

Share Local Traditions and Stories

The East Coast is rich in Māori traditions and history. Take the time to share local stories, myths, and legends with your new family member. Grab opportunities to visit marae (Māori meeting grounds) and try to experience traditional ceremonies and events, encouraging a deeper connection to your place.

Welcoming and introducing a new family member into the ways you do things as a whānau / family is a journey that requires care, understanding, and a commitment to building a strong bond.  What we have in our Hawkes Bay and East Coast areas is unique.  Embrace its cultural and natural offerings.  You’re laying the foundation for a warm, supportive, and enriching family experience for everyone. Remember, the key is to; create a home environment and atmosphere where everyone feels respected, cherished, and empowered to contribute their unique qualities to your whānau/family.

CONNECTING ON THE EAST COAST

Join Me for Coffee (and I’ll also bring the cake!) and some small family-friendly events.  I’m going to journey through the picturesque East Coast and organise dates to connect with you and your whānau.

I’m excited to invite you to join me for a coffee (or tea… or hot chocolate) and get your thoughts on what you’d like to see in our region.  I’m aiming for us to come together, I’ll listen to you, and together we can share memorable experiences for families in our community.

I’m keen to exchange ideas, learn some great tips from you and get your thoughts on how Caring Families Aotearoa can organise some small family-friendly events that would bring joy to our community.  I reckon that’s important right now.  I’d value your input.

LET’S DO THIS!

Pick a coffee session that suits you best and I’ll see you there – it will be relaxed.  Please CLICK HERE to RSVP.

WAIPAWA

• Date and Time: Monday 4th September, 9:00AM – 11:00AM
• Location: Mamma G’s Café and Bakehouse, Waipawa

WAIPUKURAU

• Date and Time: Monday 4th September, 12:00PM – 2:00PM
• Location: The Rookery Coffee House, Waipukurau

 HASTINGS

• Date and Time: Thursday 7th September, 9:00AM – 11:00AM
• Location: The Coffee Club Omahu Road, Hastings

 NAPIER

• Date and Time: Thursday 7th September, 12:00PM – 2:00PM
• Location: Columbus Coffee Mega 10, Napier

 WAIROA

• Date: Tuesday 12th September, 12:00PM – 2:00PM
• Location: Eastend Café and Bar, Wairoa

 GISBORNE

• Date: Wednesday 13th September, 12:00PM – 2:00PM
• Location: Verve Care and Bar, Gisborne

To help me book a space that’s comfortable for everyone, let me know you’re coming.  Spread the word! Share this event with any other Caregivers you know.  Our journey through the East Coast is more than just a trip – it’s an opportunity to get to know one another.  Your voice matters, and together, we can make a difference and have some fun along the way. I’ll also send email reminders about the dates in your area, or post on Facebook, so keep an eye out!

Training

I’ve just finished co-hosting two Face to Face trainings, with my colleague Nyvonne in Napier and Gisborne.  What a couple of awesome days meeting the 12 people in Napier and the 8 in Gisborne.  It was great to see the caregivers in Napier talk about how they could apply their new learning to their homes and to see the connections made with one another.  Phone numbers were swapped and the richness of sharing their journeys with one another, it was hard to get them out the door… No, seriously, this is what I’m here for… encouraging you all to connect with one another.  Our Gisborne training was just as fantastic.  It was wonderful to hear the attendees/Caregivers talk about how they could see the benefit of the material in their own lives but also how it would help out in their communities and schools.  Thank you to everyone who turned up.

Don’t forget we also have lots of online training options this month. To find out more click below.

support

Our Facebook page is a great place to read the latest news from me, find out about events happening in our region, or even ask a question to the private group. We are all in this together.

Noho Marino, Noho Hono / Stay Calm, Stay Connected

James