A Legacy of Care and Connection

This month, we acknowledge and celebrate Rose Scott as she retires after many years of dedicated service with Anglican FamilyCare (AFC).

Rose’s journey with AFC spans more than two decades of commitment to social work and to the well-being of whānau and tamariki across Otago. Beginning as a social work student on placement, she joined the organisation in 2004, stepping into her role with both excitement and uncertainty.

She recalls those early days clearly. Starting out as a newly qualified social worker later in life brought its own challenges, yet she found strength in the people around her and the sharedsense of purpose that defines the mahi at AFC.

“My first week was exciting and scary all at the same time, but the wonderful people I had the privilege of working alongside made it easier.”

After her initial years with AFC, Rose spent the next 12 years at Oranga Tamariki, initially as asocial worker in the Care team. She eventually became the Supervisor of the Care and Adoption Team for around eight years until she returned to AFC in 2020, bringing with her a depth of experience and a continued commitment to walking alongside whānau.  A moment she describes simply but powerfully as feeling like coming home.

Throughout her career, Rose has worked across both Care and Home-based Family Support, bringing a consistent, values-led approach to each space. While she found deep purpose in walking alongside whānau in their homes, it was within Care that her passion truly grew, particularly in supporting systems that enable tamariki to be nurtured and sustained through the generosity of others.

Her reflections highlight an understanding that meaningful change comes through empowerment, partnership, and advocacy.

“The best work we can do with whānau and tamariki is to empower them to make the changes they identify they need.”

In the Care space, Rose has been a strong and consistent advocate for caregivers. Through recruiting, supporting, and championing those who open their homes to tamariki, she has ensured caregivers feel valued, understood, and backed in their role.

“If you are a caregiver, she has had your back,” Team Leader Tash said.

Rose speaks with humility about the difference made, placing the emphasis firmly on those caregivers themselves.

“It has been amazing to hear what a difference respite care has made.  This has been everything to do with the amazing people who open their hearts and their homes to these tamariki.”

More recently, this commitment extended into her role as the face of A Minute With Rose, a Facebook Reels series launched in March 2025. Designed to put a face to a name and encourage others to consider becoming volunteer caregivers, the series saw Rose step outside her comfort zone with generosity and courage. In doing so, she helped strengthen connections with the wider community and share the heart of the Care programme with authenticity and warmth.

Feedback from whānau over the years paints a clear picture of the impact Rose has had. Again and again, people have shared that with Rose they felt heard, seen, and supported. Her approach has been one of guidance rather than judgement, creating a space where whānau could be open about what they were finding difficult.

Tash shares “People felt heard. Seen. Supported and guided, not judged.”

Rose’s warmth and sense of humour have been central to that connection, helping whānau feel at ease from the beginning. She brings her full self to her mahi, and that authenticity has meant people have always known where they stand with her.

Her impact extends beyond relationship building to lasting change. Rose has supported whānau to recognise their own value, find their voice within complex systems, and grow in confidence as parents. She has helped people understand their tamariki more deeply, seeing behaviour as communication and responding with greater connection and care.

“She has helped people see their own value and find their voice.”

Alongside her direct work, Rose has been a natural connector of people. Whether through shared kai, fundraising, moments of celebration, or simply creating space for others to belong, she has strengthened connections within the AFC whānau.

Those who have worked alongside her describe a leader in practice and in people. Her influence has never depended on title, but on the way she brings others together and looks out for those around her.

Reflecting on her time, Rose speaks honestly about both the achievements and the realities of the work, taking pride in theeffort, persistence, and collaboration behind every initiative.

“I’m proud of the initiatives that we’ve tried with the support of others.”

At the heart of her journey is a strong sense of knowing who she is and what she stands for.

“Being true to myself, my values and beliefs is the most important thing I can do.”
“Be authentic… being you is important.”

Throughout her time with Anglican Family Care, Rose has embodied the values that sit at the heart of our organisation. Her work reflects whanaungataka through the relationships she has nurtured, manaakitaka in the care and respect she has shown, and mahi tahi in the way she has worked alongside both whānau and colleagues.

Her work has been grounded in care, consistency, and a deep commitment to walking alongside whānau. She has brought steadiness, kindness, and a thoughtful presence to her role, always holding the well-being and mana of others at the centre of her practice.

We are grateful for the knowledge, relationships, and compassion Rose has contributed over time. She leaves a legacy of care that reflects the very heart of Anglican Family Care.

While Rose may be stepping away from her formal role, her impact will continue to be felt in the lives of the whānau she has walked alongside, the caregivers she has championed, and the colleagues she has supported. She will always have a place within the Anglican Family Care whānau.

We wish Rose all the very best for what comes next and thank her sincerely for all she has given.

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