From the Frontline: David and Rosie

Rosie’s journey into caregiving began in education before extending to life on the family farm.

Together, Rosie and her husband David have spent many years supporting children and families, including the past decade outside of Invercargill.

“At the moment, we are respite caregivers, giving the long-term caregivers a break to do something with their family or visit somewhere else,” Rosie explained.

David said caregiving has always been central to their lives.

“Caregiving has been very much in our thoughts and in our actions in the many years we have done it,” he said.

The couple estimates they’ve had close to 100 placements over the years, providing care and support to dozens of children.

One of the unique features of the property is its collection of animals, which play an important role in helping children to settle in and build confidence.

The family cares for an alpaca, 3 donkeys, numerous breeds of chickens, several varieties of geese, an emu, and more recently, guinea pigs.

Rosie said the animals provide opportunities for children to learn responsibility while enjoying hands-on experiences.

“That’s because we have the children coming in. They are here so that the children have something to enjoy and look after,” she said.

Children can help feed the animals, brush the donkeys and interact with a variety of birds around the property. One recent placement particularly enjoyed creating a play area for the family's guinea pigs.

The couple also shares their passion for animals with the wider community through local Agricultural and Pastoral (A&P) shows. Rosie often arranges for chicks to hatch ahead of the event, giving children the chance to hold and interact with them.

“We love the children to have experiences with our chickens,” she said.

Rosie and David believe one of the most important things people can remember is that every child arrives with their own unique experiences, challenges and strengths.

“They are kids. They have fears. They have delights,” Rosie said. “They have come from somewhere that is totally different to what is here.”

The couple jokingly acknowledge the contrast between their rural lifestyle and the background that many of the children come from, describing themselves as a “different vintage”.

For the couple, the rewards continue to outweigh the challenges. Surrounded by animals, open spaces and a welcoming family environment, their rural home has become a place where children can feel safe, valued and free to simply be kids.