“The hardest part is when you see them return or go back to the parent or move somewhere else because you become attached to them like your own children,” say Verna and George Kite as they sit in their Bethlehem home. George smiles while Verna reminisces. The couple — recently recognised by the Governor-General for their selfless and tireless five decades of fostering children — are talking to Weekend Sun reporter Ayla Yeoman.
Last week, the Sun covered how the octogenarians’ outstanding accomplishments and 56 years contributing to New Zealand’s foster care system led to them receiving an Honouring Excellence award at 2024′s Excellence in Foster Care Awards in March. This week, part two of their story allows them to share their experiences with children they fostered over the years, while not identifying the individuals. “I’ve been heartbroken so many times over children and you sort of think, ‘I’m not gonna do this again’, but then the next one comes up so you do it,” says Verna, who has forgotten how many children she and husband George have cared for in their life.
The couple, who are 85 and 80, would love to continue to foster children even at their age, but, unfortunately, George’s health isn’t up to it. Every story they tell the Sun , they tell with the same amount of enthusiasm — sharing memories of the good and the bad, the times they laughed and the times they cried. The ‘professional thief’ “We got short-term children from Hamil.