Tēnā koutou katoa-I hurihia e ahau toku ingoa! Ko RuruHana ahau. / Greetings Everyone, I’ve changed my name! I’m RuruHana. It marks a significant personal milestone (turning 60!) and to mark Matariki being acknowledged by the wider community, although celebrated in te āo Māori for centuries in various forms. The name is taken from my two grandmothers Ruru Henderson nee Macpherson and Hannah Pitman (nee Pitman!).
How did you mark the first Mataariki public holiday? I’d love to see a picture on our Private group FB page. Whangārei CGs braved the elements (18 degrees by noon) at Pūtahi Park…thanks for making it such a fun time…see photos below-thanks to Molly and Princess for your tautoko/support.
RuruHana (Leanne)
Brownie
Upper North Regional Coordinator
09 283 9483 or 027 566 0294
My mokopuna and Molly cheering them on!
Nani and Moko enjoying nga mirumiru (bubbles)
These colder, wetter months may mean more indoor activities but why not grab the raincoat and gumboots for an outdoor adventure! Plenty of puddles around at the moment. Practice the ‘P’ (Play) in PACE – the DDP way of being with our tamariki who have suffered trauma – it’s a great way to be with yourself and others too.
If respite is what you need please take a look at this link KidzaCoolAdventures – Stand for Children the Whangārei site is taking referrals for these holidays but be quick.
SUPPORT
We’re starting up a Caregiver Support Group in Kaikohe in the third term so contact Karen Browne at Te Pū o Te Wheke Art Gallery, 118 Broadway, Kaikohe, (M: 022 409 9645) and let her know you’re keen to join in. More details later.
Whangārei has it’s first Caregiver Coffee Catchup at the Bank Street McDonalds, 10.30-12noon, Thursday 14 July, led by Molly Rapana. We’ll see you there.
TRAINING
This coming term we will be introducing a new training, available online and in-person, called Family Dynamics – Torn Loyalties. We’ll be exploring the range of emotions and possible tensions experienced by tamariki (children) coming into a care family and how together with their caregiver/s they can navigate their connection with their biological family and any challenges that come with this experience. Click Register for Training for more information or to register.
Our Ako Ngātahi/Learning Together monthly online series are continuing, with this month’s focus on Behavioural Support. Click below for more information or to register.
Keeping PACE – National Conference
21-22 September
Have you had a look at our website about our national conference yet? It’s a fantastic two days of learning, meeting and connecting with other Caregivers and enjoying a fabulous gala dinner. Conference is being hosted in Te Awakairangi (Lower Hutt) this year, contact me if you’d like to consider going, you’ll get so much out of it. More details can be found here.
Have you joined our closed Facebook Group?
As a member of Caring Families Aotearoa you have exclusive access to our CLOSED Facebook groups. These are only open to caregivers that are members of Caring Families Aotearoa. This allows our members a platform to seek support, information and resources.
Click the link below to join!
Upper North Support Closed Facebook Group
Stay warm, in heart and body, as you care for the taonga in your home. Don’t forget to take care of you as well.
Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou katoa/Big greetings to you all
Noho ora noho haumaru/Stay well, stay safe