Caregiver awards: Meet Cindy Thom
Cindy Thom from Blenheim was 1 of 10 caregivers awarded at the Excellence in Foster Care event on Friday 7 March 2025. Open to any New Zealander caring for a child not born to them, awards were given to 7 Oranga Tamariki caregivers.
A safe short-term home for those in need
Cindy has provided more than 300 nights of respite and emergency care for children and young people in need for the past 4 years.
“You need to be ready in all aspects to embrace the children that are coming through your door,” said Cindy.
When the children arrive, it’s not just Cindy and her partner who they are greeted by.
Charlie, Gypsy, Cooper and Gus; two springer spaniels, a miniature schnauzer and a poodle are ready to warmly welcome those needing short-term care.
“I want to give them some reprieve from where they’ve come from. I can provide them with a nice place to stay, good company and unconditional loving animals that want to say hello and welcome them in.”
Cindy's foster care journey
Cindy says she was honoured to receive the Excellence in Foster Care award and said being able to provide for as many children as she can is what fulfils her life.
Sadly, in 1999, Cindy lost her own son at birth and was then unable to have children.
“And that's one of the reasons why I became a caregiver,” she said.
“I had so much love to give, and I never got the chance to give it to my own kids. It was an absolute given, if I can’t have my own, then why not love and look after kids out there who need it?”
Cindy said she hopes to continue as a respite and emergency carer for as long as she can.
“I absolutely expect to be doing this until I can’t.”
More about Oranga Tamariki caregivers
Those interested in becoming a caregiver can find out what’s involved, learning opportunities and our fund assistance in our caregivers' section.
Caregivers can access free counselling and support for life events through our Caregiver Assistance Programme. They also have opportunities for training such as our Prepare to Care programme and trauma-informed learning through other providers.
The Excellence in Foster Care Awards are proudly sponsored by Caring Families Aotearoa corporate partners: Barnardos, Grandparents Raising Grandchildren and Kia Puāwai.
Published: March 10, 2025