Bellbird

14/08/2026

This week was spent at Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers conference, the theme being Kotahitanga - Stand Together. Whether a social worker, whānau worker, community practitioner, whatever the ‘role’, how we work together, be a community of practitioners, support each other during these tough times, is key to continuing the heart work we do. It’s good to spend time with people that fill your cup and fire your gut to keep doing the mahi. We appreciate all of you 💕

01/08/2026

Acknowledging Dr Claire Achmad, the outgoing Children’s Commissioner, with her final message, highlighting the importance of self-advocacy and keeping the voices of mokopuna at the forefront of decision making. Ngā mihi Claire for your contributions over the last three years. Mana Mokopuna - Children's Commissioner

15/07/2026

Taiohi Tūrama have a few spaces left for the accredited Youth Mental Health First Aid Workshop.

The workshop is 2 full days (9 am to 4 pm) on Tuesday and Wednesday next week (21 and 22 July).

This workshop is open to anyone over the age of 18 who lives with, works with, or supports young people.

Get in contact with Chloe [email protected]

10/07/2026

Matariki reminds us that a new year doesn’t have to begin with big goals. Sometimes it begins with a question. When was the last time you asked yourself:

How do I want to feel in my work?

Not what do I want to achieve. Not what role do I want next. But how do I want to feel?

Valued. Connected. Safe. Creative. Trusted. Challenged. Joyful. Purposeful.

And perhaps the harder question…

Do I feel that way now?

Matariki invites us to pause, reflect on the year that has passed, honour where we’ve come from, and set intentions for where we are heading. If we believe that what our minds can imagine, we can create, then imagining how we want our work and our lives to feel is a powerful place to begin.

Maybe this Matariki is an opportunity to reflect on these intentions.

Not just for what we want to do, but for who we want to be, how we want to feel, and the spaces we choose to belong in.

Mānawatia a Matariki. 🌟

05/06/2026

🤔To conference or not to conference... that is the question.

Before we start booking venues, dreaming up keynote speakers and ordering far too much coffee, we want to know what our community actually wants.

Take a few seconds to let us know whether you'd be interested in a Bellbird end-of-year event and what format you'd love to see ⬇️⬇️

We've been having a few conversations behind the scenes and are wondering... should we bring back a Bellbird conference this year? Whether you're keen for a conference, a symposium, something smaller or something completely different, we'd love to hear what would be most valuable for you. This quick...

28/05/2026

What an amazing opportunity with a fantastic facilitator! Tina is wonderful and this is a great free training available in Rotorua. Would thoroughly recommend!

A mental health workshop to learn how to support someone experiencing mental health challenges, and maintain your own wellbeing.