Five Northland mums on life, love and what Mother’s Day means for them
Pippa Mentor with kids Boston, Maddy and Willow Mae.
Happy Mother’s Day to all the Northland mums out there.
Jodi Bryant speaks to a teen solo mum, a mother expecting her second, a young solo ‘Glamma’ whose children are flying the nest, a Scottish nana who divides her time between her homeland and Whangārei, and a first-time mum.
Here, they reflect on their upbringing and how it impacts the way they raise their own children, and what Mother’s Day means to them.
‘Don’t sweat the small stuff’
Name: Pippa Mentor
Age: 43
Children: Maddy, 19, Boston, 17 and Willow Mae, 11.
Occupation: Adventure tourism tutor at QRC
Current situation: Solo mum to Willow Mae, two teenagers who have flown the coop, and “Glamma” to Deliliah.
What does Mother’s Day mean to you? It’s time to stop and think about the sacrifices and unconditional love a mother gives to her children. The selfless journey and just celebrating it a little. Saying thank you and that it was seen.
What do you love doing with your kids the most? I’ve always loved getting them all out into nature and opening their eyes to appreciate the beauty this country offers; walks, hikes, beach days and adventures. As they have grown into teens, I find joy in just talking with them and listening to their lives and who they are becoming, how they feel about things. Those moments are precious.
How would you describe your mum in three words? Loving, wise and fun.
What’s something your mum taught you that’s stuck with you? That I can do everything ... just not all at once!
What’s your favourite memory with your mum? When I’d moved out of home and was studying in Christchurch, Mum came and visited. She paid for a motel for us, and we walked Hagley Park and punted down the Avon. I remember appreciating having my mum around again in a place that I was starting to call a new home as a young adult. When I became a mum myself too, the special moments in the very early days, having her around as I navigated a newborn, and starting the journey of motherhood myself.
What’s one thing you wish you could say to your mum today? Let’s just pop out to lunch for an hour.
What do you appreciate more about your mum now than you did growing up? All the sacrifices she has made and how much love she has given out to us. The raw, messy, deep, all-encompassing, soul-touching love only a mother can provide. Especially in the hard times of life, just being there.
What’s your mum’s signature dish? I love her pomegranate salad that used to come out at Christmas. And anything else that she makes. Mum’s cooking is always the best, especially when you don’t get it very often. Casserole in winter brings back yummy memories, with mashed potato.
What is something you remember your mum saying or doing that you find yourself repeating now? Worrying too much...
What is something funny or embarrassing either your mum has done to you or you have done to your kids? I’ve always told them all separately that they are my favourite child ... Then I bought them all “You’re my fave” mugs for Christmas.
Describe what it’s like when your children begin flying the nest: When you have raised your children and the days seem long and repetitive at the time, all of a sudden you look back and realise how quick and precious that season was. Time you can’t get back. It’s a different chapter having adult kids, just as special, but another “new” as parenthood is always evolving – with just as much love anchoring them, from a bit further away sometimes. You move into a very proud era, I think. And it’s wonderful enjoying grandchildren and getting to have a glimpse into that magic again!
What advice would you give to new mums today? Don’t sweat the small stuff, put social media advice and opinions away, just live in the moment and appreciate every day with them. Soak it all in, it goes so fast.
What would your ideal Mother’s Day look like? Every year is the same request ... A bit of a peaceful sleep-in, a long hot uninterrupted shower, fresh coffee, hugs, a clean house, flowers are a welcomed joyful bonus and always loved on Mother’s Day, especially those sweet bunches from the back yard, and a good catch-up with each of my special kids.
‘You’re doing great’
Name: Maddy Mannagh
Age: 19
Children: Delilah, 11 months
Occupation: Fulltime mum
Current situation: Solo mum to Delilah and Denise, who sadly died.
What does Mother’s Day mean to you? A day to appreciate all the wonderful things mums sacrifice and give to their children, a day of appreciation and gratitude.
How would you describe your parenting style? Laidback and focused on building my daughter up in a world outside the normal societal system, and growing her up to appreciate the world from her perspective rather than others.
What do you love doing with your kids the most? Anything and everything. Being a mum, nothing is boring.
How would you describe your mum in three words? Driven, motivated and committed.
What’s something your mum taught you that’s stuck with you? Manners are key and that kindness drives your life.
What’s your favourite memory with your mum? Shows – A&P shows, Touch a Truck, etc.
What’s one thing you wish you could say to your mum today? That I’m proud of her and how far she’s come. She’s been a single mum, a married mum, a divorced mum and yet she’s endured through the toughest times with a smile on her face and a passion for her children.
What do you appreciate more about your mum now than you did growing up? The fact that she’s strict in this society. Yes, there are downfalls as most mums go through, but some, and I mean some, things she was strict about, I thank her now to this day.
What’s your mum’s signature dish? I remember there was a time where meatloaf was made a lot and I just see that as my mum’s favourite dish to make.
What is something you remember your mum saying or doing that you find yourself repeating now? Most things and I cannot just write one thing.
What advice would you give to new mums today? You’re doing great no matter how tough it is or upset at yourself you are. Every mum has a certain style and your style is just right for you. Don’t let anyone else tell you otherwise.
What would your ideal Mother’s Day look like to you? One night away in a hotel to myself.
‘Make the most of watching your child grow’
Name: Jade Reid
Age: 25
Children: Tukaea, 3
Occupation: Medical receptionist
Current situation: I am a mother to a beautiful son with my partner Jaedin and am also pregnant in my second trimester, due in September. I work fulltime and also study fulltime as a student nurse.
What does Mother’s Day mean to you? Spending time with the one that cared for me and made me who I am today.
How would you describe your parenting style? Fun and easy-going but can be strict.
What do you love about being a mum? Watching my son grow and learn new things.
What do you love doing with your child the most? Baking, reading books and playing with his cars.
What’s something your mum taught you that’s stuck with you? How to be patient and that I always need to take care of myself.
What’s your favourite memory with your mum? The first and only time we went clubbing together and got to be free and dance.
What do you appreciate more about your mum now than you did growing up? Needing my mum and her always being there.
What’s your mum’s signature dish? Chicken pie or chicken lasagne.
What was your mum’s best advice? To never dwell on the past and to keep moving forward, anything and everything is possible.
What do you imagine your second child will be like? Very much like my first son but more feisty.
What kind of big brother do you predict Tukaea will be? I predict he will be a really caring, loving brother who will have his moments.
What advice would you give to new mums today?
Make the most of watching your child grow because it goes too fast and you don’t want to miss the important parts in their life.
What would your ideal Mother’s Day look like to you?
Sleeping in with breakfast in bed and then slowly getting up and ready to spend time with my sons and my mum.
‘Do the best you can’
Name: Helen Lewis
Age: 77
Children: Jan, 51 and Michael, 50
Occupation: Retired
Current situation: Happily married and we split the year between Scotland (where we’re from) and New Zealand, where our daughter and beautiful grandchildren live. My son lives in Scotland.
What does Mother’s Day mean to you? I like the biblical meaning where families get together and celebrate their reunion. Sadly, it has become very commercial in our present culture.
How would you describe your parenting style? Quite traditional, which was how I was brought up. Not nearly as good as my daughter’s, who manages to balance love and discipline with fun.
What do you love doing with your kids the most? When they were young, going to visit close family where they had fun playing with their cousins. Now they are older, enjoying family meals with a wee glass and good conversation!
What’s something your mum taught you that’s stuck with you? Help those in need, even though you feel you don’t have much to give. A smile or a listening ear doesn’t cost anything to give but can be priceless when it’s received.
What’s your favourite memory with your mum? As a small child brought up in the Highlands of Scotland, going on the bus for a day at the seaside. Walking along the promenade and enjoying an ice cream and a paddle in the sea.
What’s one thing you wish you could say to your mum today? Thank you for doing the best you could.
What’s your mum’s signature dish? Homemade steak and kidney pie with wonderful mashed tatties, followed by Eve’s pudding (apple filling with sponge on top) and custard.
What was your mum’s best advice? Reach out to those who need it.
What advice would you give to new mums today? Do the best you can and don’t be influenced by others who try to tell you their way is the right way. Follow your heart.
What would your ideal Mother’s Day look like to you? A meal cooked by somebody else, with my lovely husband, children and grandchildren.
‘My mum always showed up’
Name: Chianti Marsh
Age: 26
Occupation: Operations Administrator for Te Wānanga o Aotearoa – Whangārei
Current situation: I’m currently pregnant, with my pēpi due July 9.
What does Mother’s Day mean to you? Mother’s Day is about honouring the unconditional love, sacrifice, and strength of mums. To me, it’s a reminder of how much our mums shape who we become, often quietly and selflessly, and now it feels extra special as I prepare to step into that role myself.
What do you think your parenting style will be? I think my parenting style will be nurturing but firm – grounded in love, clear boundaries, and open communication. I want my child to feel safe, heard, and supported while also learning responsibility and resilience.
What parts of your mum’s parenting style do you plan to emulate? I really admire how my mum always showed up, no matter what. She made sure we were cared for, supported, and knew we were loved. I want to emulate her consistency, strength, and the way she always put her whānau first.
What was your mum’s best advice? My mum always reminded me to stay true to myself and not let other people’s opinions define my worth. That advice has stuck with me through some big life moments.
What’s something your mum taught you that’s stuck with you? She taught me the importance of resilience – that no matter how tough things get, you keep going, you adapt, and you do your best with what you have.
What’s your favourite memory with your mum? Some of my favourite memories are the simple ones – spending time together at home, laughing, talking, or just being in each other’s company. Those moments of connection mean the most to me.
What are you most looking forward to doing with your own child(ren)? I’m really looking forward to creating our own traditions, watching my child grow and discover the world, and just being there for all the little and big milestones.
What kind of personality do you predict your child will have? I think my child will be strong‑willed, curious, and loving – with a bit of attitude and confidence. I hope they’re kind, proud of who they are, and not afraid to be themselves.
What is your biggest fear about being a mother? My biggest fear is not always knowing if I’m doing the right thing. The responsibility of shaping another human is huge, and I want to make sure I give my child everything they need to thrive.
And what are you most excited about? I’m most excited about the love – experiencing a bond like no other and watching someone grow who is a part of me. Becoming a mum feels both scary and incredibly exciting.
What would your ideal Mother’s Day look like to you? My ideal Mother’s Day would be calm and meaningful – spending quality time with my child and whānau, feeling appreciated, and just enjoying the simple joy of being a mum.