“Today I’m thinking of my own Mum. She raised three boys, went back to study, built her career – and somehow made it all look manageable. And she’s an amazing grandmother too. She taught me more than she knows.
“To every mum giving their all and doing their best, thank you.”
Labour deputy leader Carmel Sepuloni wished all “mums, stepmums, grandmothers and aunties raising children” a Happy Mother’s Day.
“It is the joy of my life being a mother – even with the juggle of life being real,” she wrote on Facebook.
“We recognise today the work woman [sic] do and the very important role that often gets understated. Many women have the support of partners and extended family and community to help with the everyday job and I’m sure like me are grateful for all of that support but I acknowledge that not all have this.
“A special acknowledgment from me to all of the mothers out there, doing it by yourselves – you are forces to be reckoned with, your work is valued. So much respect, aroha and appreciation.”
Sepuloni posted a photo of one of her son’s recent haircuts, made “without discussing this decision with me”, describing it as “one of these mum moments”.
“Love my boys,” she added.
Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson also posted a tribute to her mum, and “all our mamas alongside her”.
“Hari rā Māmā to this absolute OG! Staunch, hilarious, scary sharp, out the gate weirdo and love of our lives. Mum, Nana, great nanny Kui.
“And to all our mamas alongside her. Especially big mama Papatūānuku from whom we all descend xxx.”
Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi celebrated the mothers “who have had the biggest influence and impact on my life”.
“Today we celebrate our mama’s [sic],” he wrote. “I want to acknowledge and celebrate the mama’s who have had the biggest influence and impact on my life. My mother, my grandmother, my Aunty and my wife. All are the most amazing, beautiful, protective and wonderful mothers, examples of strength and love.
“Happy Mother’s Day to all our mama’s out there. As Prince Tui Teka sings ... ‘God please to keep my Mum’.”
Fellow co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer joked that she wanted a “new Government” as a gift for Mother’s Day.
New Zealand First leader Winston Peters reposted a Mother’s Day message from his party’s account, which read: “Happy Mother’s Day to all the women across New Zealand who have sacrificed to build strong and loving families for Kiwi kids.”
Several other politicians added similar heartfelt sentiments to their own mums and mothers across the country.
