About us
Our news
Celebrating Mother's Day
Celebrating Mother's Day
10 May 2026
This Mother's Day, we're celebrating all the mums and mum figures by shining a light on just two of the incredible working mums here at Wellington Free: Clinical Hub Coordinator Amy and Clinical Paramedic Advisor Holly.
Meet Clinical Hub Coordinator Amy
This Mother’s Day, Amy is celebrating with her two daughters, aged seven and one. After nearly eight years of motherhood, life feels full, busy and deeply rewarding in a way only time and experience can shape.
When Amy first found out she was going to be a mum, the feeling was immediate. “Excited and knew life was about to change forever!” she says.
That sense of wonder only grew when she met her daughter for the first time. “I remember being in awe and looking at her and thinking how are you my baby and where did you come from. We could finally see her little face after feeling all the kicks and tumble turns the last 9 months.”
For Amy, motherhood felt like a natural step. “I have always been a very maternal person and wanted to be a mum, so nothing has shocked me so far!” she shares. Now, with two children and years of experience behind her, she reflects on how quickly time moves. “Not a new mum anymore, my oldest is 7 and youngest is 1. Been doing this gig for almost 8 years.”
While every stage brings its own challenges, it’s the rewarding moments that stand out most. Watching her daughters grow, learn and develop their own personalities has been a constant source of joy, along with the everyday moments that make up family life.
This year feels especially significant. “It will be my first Mother’s Day with 2 kids, which is lovely!” she says. The plan is simple and meaningful: “With my amazing husband and two gorgeous girls. Will probably enjoy a nice brunch out somewhere.”
Her advice to other new mums comes from experience and honesty. “Trust your instincts and be kind to yourself. Also embrace that there is no ‘perfect’ way to parent and don’t be afraid to ask for help or rest. Most importantly cherish the moments, as the days are long, but the years are short.”
Meet Clinical Paramedic Advisor Holly
This Mother’s Day, Holly is celebrating as a mum of three, with five-month-old Halen joining big sister Ledger, nearly four years, and big brother Shai, almost three years old. Life is busy, a little chaotic and filled with love.
Holly’s journey to welcoming Halen wasn’t without its challenges. “After a long exhausting journey plagued with various issues and endless treatments, finding out I was going to be a mum again was very exciting,” she shares. “Although it has never felt real each time until I have had that sweet baby in my arms.”
That moment, she says, is something words can’t quite capture. “The moment is truly indescribable (and every mother will understand). Time stands still and in that moment everything is perfect. There was just one surprise, I was absolutely convinced that I was going to be having a girl."
Like many parents, Holly had expectations going in. “I’ll be completely honest here and say I thought it was going to be a breeze. Can’t be that hard right!? Wrong! The shock of my life!” she says. “Highs are really high and the lows are really low. But life is so full of chaos and love and I wouldn’t change it for the world.”
With three children under four, the challenges have evolved. “The biggest challenge now with 3 under 4 is competing sleep schedules and working out what our new normal looks like as a family of 5.”
But it’s the everyday moments that stay with her. “Anytime Halen laughs is my favourite. It's the best sound in the world and nothing can compare.” And seeing her older children step into their roles has been just as special. “Seeing both Ledger and Shai shine as big sister and brother has been heartwarming.”
Motherhood has shifted Holly’s perspective in meaningful ways. “Motherhood has really taught me how to prioritise what's important to me and my family. As a ‘yes man’ it has been difficult, but I've learned to say no which has been game changing.”
It’s also given her a new appreciation for her own parents. “Not only am I navigating motherhood, but my parents have become grandparents for the first time and watching them navigate their life change has been nothing but cool. Being a mum isn't just a new chapter and role for me but it's a new chapter and role for them also.”
When things feel overwhelming, Holly grounds herself in perspective. “Knowing and telling myself that most everything is temporary. There are a lot of stages and phases and they’re exactly that. Life isn’t linear, it’s most definitely a rollercoaster and I’m here for the ride. And for the most part, the ride is pretty fun and so full of love."
“My wife and I often like to imagine life in 20 years or so with our grown-up children sitting at the dinner table and that image never fails to bring me back down to earth.”
Balancing work and family life takes support and Holly is the first to acknowledge hers. “I have a village! I’m very lucky to have the most supportive wife, a supportive workplace and supportive family and friends. My children are so loved by so many. They have extraordinarily grandparents, uncle and auntie and kaiako. Don’t get me wrong, life is chaotic; but it’s the best, most beautiful kind of chaos.”
This year’s Mother’s Day will be a shared celebration. “Given that Shai’s 3rd birthday is the 9th of May and I’ll be working, we’ve decided to celebrate his birthday on the 10th of May, which also happens to be Mother’s Day this year. We’ve invited the family over for afternoon tea and cake to celebrate both.”
While this will be her fourth Mother’s Day, Holly’s view is simple. “I truly believe every day should be Mother’s Day. We're nothing short of superheroes!”
Her advice to other new mums is grounded in trust. “You'll get endless advice from others. Some of it will be helpful and some of it will be questionable. Don’t listen to any of it! Just kidding! You know your baby best. Take what you need and leave what you don’t. Find what works for you.”