But who's counting? We are well into week two and hopefully all well and still sane...

Kia ora whānau! I hope you are all keeping well and busy during this unusual time. 

I decided to update once a week - if your inbox is anything like mine, these Covid emails can get overwhelming - everyone and their dog is trying to tell you what they are doing to help fight the virus, and whilst this is significant and not to be overlooked, it can get a bit much. So once a week it is!

I have been ringing around the whānau, just checking in and seeing if there is anything we can do to help out. I'm halfway through, so if you haven't heard from me yet, you will soon. 🙂

Nōku Te Ao has been assigned another navigator by Te Pūtahitanga specifically to help out Māori communities through this pandemic. The Manaaki 20 Navigator is available to help whānau sort finances, navigate MSD or IRD or housing issues, help with any domestic violence issues - lend an ear to listen - find support for any mental health issues and so on. If you or your whānau are struggling in any area and need help please contact us - 0273293936 or dy@nokuteao.maori.nz and we will try to help.

The Ministry of Education has been regularly updating their website with tips and links for resources of things to do with your tamariki - they have some excellent sites and some very practical ideas. Go have a look on www.minedu.govt.nz - or you can sign up for their Covid 19 updates (today's one is attached below)

He mihi nunui ki ngā kaiako o Nōku te Ao - I have said it before and I will continue to say it - you guys are amazing! I am grateful to you all for your dedication and whakawhanaungatanga to me and to all of our whānau. If you haven't already, go have a look on our Facebook page:- https://www.facebook.com/noku.teao the team have been putting up daily things to do at home with your tamariki. We are trying to make these things as fun and easy to do at home, with what we have available to us. 

And lastly but most definitely not least - Rā whānau ki a Whaea Naenae! Happy Birthday to Whaea Renee whose birthday is today, much love and all the best wishes in the world to you xxxx

Kia haumaru whānau - ngā mihi.