25 August 2026
For whānau of intellectually disabled and neurodivergent tamariki.
Coping with burnout: Tracey is a nan living Kerikeri with four children aged 10-16 with autism and FASD. She shares her reflections on managing burnout. (Read time: 5 mins)
What can leave?: Karina McHardy
shares how a family nature walk showed her the importance of subtracting things from the family routine. (Read time: 8 mins)
How FASD changed my parenting: Karena Findlay says parenting a child with FASD made her rethink what she knew about raising children. (Read time: 4 mins)
Book giveaway! 📖
Karina McHardy has generously donated two copies of her book All In to two lucky Awhi Ngā Mātua readers. All In is Karina's story of how her life has changed since her son was diagnosed with autism, and her experience navigating the New Zealand healthcare system.
To go in the draw, simply email hello@awhingamatua.org.nz with one sentence about what motherhood or parenthood means to you. Entries close 31 August.
Carer stories: add your voice
A group of Auckland mums (Samia, Divina, Judith, Yvette, pictured here) are writing a book about carers of children with disabilities and neurodivergence. They want to hear from more amazing carers about your experiences. They’ll arrange a 90-minute interview at a time and place of your choosing, which will then be written up for the book. You’ll have a chance to review this before publication and can even appear anonymously if you prefer. To learn more, email samiabuchan@gmail.com
Advice or encouragement for other parents?
Sharing your voice and experience helps others feel less alone. Whether it's getting a diagnosis, applying for funding, managing anxiety, or any other topic, please share your thoughts: hello@awhingamatua.org.nz
