Genevieve Black
Builder and mother to Claude, six years old.
What’s the most unexpected perk of motherhood that you never saw coming?
My mum-crew – I’m really enjoying the friendships I’ve made with my daughter’s friends’ mums. We support and lift each other up, and have some great laughs as we watch our kids grow. It’s beautiful. Also, getting to eat my daughter’s leftovers from her uneaten dinner is a bonus!
What stands out as the most unforgettable moment you’ve experienced as a mother so far?
Buying my daughter a big trampoline. We didn’t have a lot of money growing up and I always wanted a massive tramp. To be able get that for her and to see the shock and happiness on her face made my heart melt.
And the most challenging?
Juggling it all. Work, home, social and self. Working towards building a future for my family while being present and spending quality time with Claude isn’t always easy.
What values do you hope your child will carry into adulthood?
A strong sense of self with kindness and honesty in everything she does.
What is the best piece of advice that your own mother gave you that you’ll be passing on?
Don’t sweat the small stuff.
How will you be celebrating Mother’s Day this year?
My ex-partner, Sarah, is the star of Mother’s Day and I get Father’s Day. This year we will take a leisurely drive with Claude and the dogs to a beach with oysters and finish the day with a decadent pasta and cheesecake for dessert.
I’m really enjoying the friendships I’ve made with my daughter’s friends’ mums.
Inger-Lisa Hurst
Certified Iyengar yoga instructor and owner of Maraetai Yoga Studio. Mother to 10-year-old Arlo, 8-eight-year-old Florence, and Viggo, who’s five.
What does being a mum mean to you?
I remember when my partner Gareth and I started talking about children and whether we wanted to have any, and he said that there’s no point to it all without kids. And I have to agree. Being a mum is everything. While I find being a mum a lot harder than I could have anticipated, I do find that everything I do, I do either for my children or to inspire my children.
Do you have a favourite mantra that helps you power through the more challenging days?
Haha, I do! I remind myself that this too will pass.
How do you practise self-care with three kids?
Self-care is a big one for me at the moment. With all three kids now at school I have to continuously remind myself to not try to fill every child-free moment rushing around ticking jobs off the list. I try to finish any work I’m doing an hour before school pick-up and take the dog for a walk. We’re lucky here in Maraetai as we have stunning bush walks and coastal walks right on our doorstep. I find an hour out in the fresh air can really change my perspective in time for the afternoon madness.
What’s one small moment with your kids that never fails to warm your heart?
The morning cuddles in bed are so special and cosy. That gorgeous moment when everyone is still a little bit sleepy and extra smoochy. I love it.
What is the best advice your mother has ever given you?
You have to fill your own bucket before you can try to fill anybody else’s.
How will you be spending Mother’s Day this year?
If I have my way I would love some morning cuddles with the kids, followed by hot coffee, an outdoor adventure of some kind, and of course, yoga!
While I find being a mum a lot harder than I could have anticipated, I do find that everything I do, I do either for my children or to inspire my children.
Hannah Fang
Professional event violinist and Mother to Elsa, 14 years old and Zac, 8 years old.
What role did your mother play in your upbringing and how has it shaped you as a mum?
My mother’s influence laid the foundation for my upbringing, and while I cherish her selfless dedication, I aspire to blend both worlds. I aim to be a professional violinist performer while nurturing a strong, connected bond with my children, combining the best of both roles in my journey as a mother.
How did your mother influence your career as a violinist?
My mum played a significant role in my early stage experiences as a violinist. She crafted my first stage wear when I performed publicly at six, and continued making beautiful outfits for me as a child. While my passion for the violin was influenced by my dad, my mum’s touch made performing even more enjoyable with that special stage wear.
What’s the thing you love the most about being a mother?
The best part of being a mum is seeing my kids having a blast playing together, achieving their goals, and sharing moments like traveling or cooking together. It’s those simple joys that make it all worthwhile.
How do you balance the responsibilities of motherhood with your career as a performer?
Juggling motherhood and performing is possible with my amazing partner’s support. We often bring the kids to shows, creating a family team greenroom. Managing time wisely, especially after school, is crucial. From a young age, I involved the kids, emphasising that supporting each other’s dreams can become a family commitment.
Can you share a piece of advice or wisdom concerning motherhood that you live by?
Prioritise being true to yourself and allow your children to witness your vulnerabilities, your passions, and your genuine approach to being an authentic and cool mom, rather than conforming to societal expectations of what makes a good mum.
What’s your favourite way to spend time with your children?
Going on holiday together, without doubt. We explore different countries, enjoy beaches, and different foods, and immerse ourselves in new cultures. Whether snorkelling or soaring high in a helicopter to see the mountains, these moments I never forget.
From a young age, I involved the kids, emphasising that supporting each other’s dreams can become a family commitment.
Jaimie Webster Haines
Clothing designer, DJ, and mother to Zoot, 9 years old.
Tell us about Zoot’s name?
We started calling him Zoot as a ‘tummy name’ before he was born, after the jazz saxophonist Zoot Sims, and it stuck! Incidentally the saxophone player in the Muppets was called Zoot after Zoot Sims! My husband, Nathan Haines, wanted a musician name and Zoot seemed cute and very original. It wasn’t until we went back to London not long after Zoot was born and needed a passport for him that we had to make the decision whether to make the name final or not. Instantly, and now after nine years, he really is Zoot. Everyone loves it – especially kids! It so suits him and his personality.
What do you love most about being a mother?
Everything. Obviously, there are moments that can be hard, and it’s a constant juggle of time, energy, stress, food, worry, everybody’s schedules, panic, and self-doubt. You seem to always be in a constant rush to fit in all of the things that don’t involve being a parent while also being their full-time PA. But the joy on every level other than that is all worth it for me. I have never loved anything as much.
How do you balance being a mum with maintaining your own personal style, hobbies, and work?
We involve our son in everything. It’s the only way. I don’t have a nanny so he just comes to everything – maybe not to the late night gigs but everything else. We try to go with the flow and adapt so that we fit into his life, and he fits into ours.
What fashion advice have you learned from your own mother, and what will you be passing on to Zoot?
It was hard not to learn good taste when my parents oozed it from their pores. They both understood that fashion is a language to be shared and that high quality fabrics and cut is important, along with feeling good in what you wear. My mother has an innate sense of wanting to be individual. She also has charisma and a charming personality that is cheeky and fun. Zoot has that also – even at nine, he’s got style, swagger and an immense amount of personality which is the meaning of true style for anyone.
When it comes to breakfast in bed on Mother’s Day, what’s on your dream menu?
Cuddles with my fam – and maybe a massage with strawberries and champagne, followed by not having to do anything!
What piece of motherly advice do you wish to share with Zoot the most?
Be yourself and tell your own story whether that is through music, art, clothing, whatever you choose. The world wants to see originality and if you do that in a cool way and enjoy the ride and the people along the way you’ll be rewarded with a rich and full life.
We try to go with the flow and adapt so that we fit into his life, and he fits into ours.
