Mother's Day: Celebrating the heart of the home

Mother’s Day is a chance to celebrate the women who shape our lives in countless ways — through love, resilience, tradition, and the everyday moments that become lifelong memories. We spoke with three wonderful mums from across New Zealand about what Mother’s Day means in their homes, the lessons passed down from their own mothers, and the joys and realities of raising families today. Their reflections are heartfelt, honest, and a beautiful reminder that home is often found in the people who love us most.

Jazmyne van Gosliga, mum of two girls Saachi & Arden 

What does Mother's Day morning look like in your house? 

The more simple the better is my ideal Mother’s Day morning. No alarm, no decision making. A warm, tidy house.

I’m not really a breakfast-in-bed person, Ryan makes great pancakes so all sitting round the table together in pyjamas with homemade cards telling me how much they love me is the best (haha). 

Then maybe a coffee run & walk or park trip in the morning, a slow afternoon reading in the sun, watching a movie or getting takeaways for dinner. 

I think what I appreciate most now as a mum is the mental load being taken off for a day. Not organising dinner or making all the little decisions. 

What's something your mum taught you - about life, food, style, anything - that's stuck with you over the years?

One thing my mum really gave me was confidence in myself. I grew up in a very “yes” household where I was always encouraged to try things and follow what excited me. Because of that, I’ve never been too afraid of failure and have always had this underlying belief that maybe I could do anything if I worked hard enough.

Becoming a parent myself has also made me see my own parents differently. You realise nobody really knows what they’re doing, everyone is just figuring it out while trying their best. I think motherhood has given me a lot more softness and understanding because of that.

Being a mum to my precious girls, Saachi & Arden, is easily the greatest joy of my life. I feel really proud to be creating my children’s childhood and the feeling of home for them. It’s such a privilege.

Julia Lomas Wilson, mum of two girls Valentina & Frederikke 

What does Mother's Day morning look like in your house?

Mother's Day in our house looks a little different every year, but it always centres on family. I'd love to say it begins with the girls bursting through our door, but truthfully, they've already crept into our bed long before sunrise. My husband will always sneak out with them, and by the time I wake up, my matcha is waiting on my bedside table. Then come my favourite gifts of all: hugs, kisses, and handmade cards, covered in rainbows, love hearts and this year I imagine "MUMMY," Valentina's favourite word to write currently. 

At some point during the day I find myself with my mum, my sister (who is also a mum), or, on the best days, both: the two women in my life who have taught me everything. This year, my sister and I are heading home with our families to surprise Mum. It isn't just another day for us. It's the one chance all year to let her feel the full weight of our love - a woman my sister, my brother and I are immensely proud of, and lucky to have had as our north star.

Is there a tradition from your own childhood with your mum that you now carry on with your kids? 

Less tangible than a favourite breakfast or a ritual, but slowness. My mum and I are cut from the same cloth: "active relaxers," as we've been called. But Mother's Day was always the exception. Mornings were spent piled into her bed together, with breakfast proudly carried in on a tray and books open across the duvet, enjoying the comfort of leaning into her. Nothing rushed. 

I find myself doing exactly the same thing now. Without fail, there is a moment in the morning when I'm completely overcome by how lucky I am to have Vali and Freddie, stopping me in my tracks. This stillness, I think, is the truest thing my mum ever passed on to me. 

What's something your mum taught you - about life, food, style, anything - that's stuck with you over the years?

This list could go on, but at its core: to remain grounded. She has shown me what that means in every direction — through her love, her strength, her work ethic. My mum is beyond grounded. She has never had time for the superficial, never pausing to worry about what other people think. Anyone who meets her can feel the strength of her character almost viscerally.

At seventy, she does strength training, walks every day, and does Pilates between everything else. She spends her days caring for a 2-hectare property—the gardens, grounds and a business—but as she puts it, "What else would I do?"

That kind of work ethic is hard to overlook. I have spent my whole life in quiet awe of her ability to persevere happily: to take on any task and always find a way through. The same conviction runs through how she has raised us. Nothing, she taught us from the beginning, was ever to come between our family. Be kind to one another, she would tell us, because at the end of the day, family is everything. That unwavering belief in our tribe is something I try to teach my own girls, everyday.

Lindie Hawes, mum of three boys Ben, Henri & Louis

What does Mother's Day morning look like in your house?

I really look forward to Mother’s Day each year — I’m really spoilt with coffee and breakfast in bed, lots of cuddles, and handmade cards, which are my favourite. Reading notes from my three boys means everything to me. My husband usually tops it all off with a wee treat as well. Very lucky.

Is there a tradition from your own childhood with your mum that you now carry on with your kids? 

Growing up, gratitude was very important. Now, with three kids of my own, I make practising gratitude a daily ritual. Every night around the dinner table, we all talk about what we’re grateful for from our day, and in life generally. We love sharing that together as a family.

What's something your mum taught you - about life, food, style, anything - that's stuck with you over the years?

My mum is amazing; she was a young widow and never re-married. She has taught us strength and resilience by example, and the most important thing I’ve learnt from her, and teach my boys, is that home is safe. You are always safe and loved at home. No matter what the world teaches you or does to you. Just come home.