Leadership in Central Otago never wears a suit. It shows up at 6am to warm the kitchen, stands on frosty sidelines, and spends late nights in living-rooms “strategy sessions” to keep households and entire communities moving forward.

As our team at The Central App planned this year’s Mother’s Day coverage, we found ourselves swapping stories about the women who helped raise us. These mums balance budgets like seasoned CFOs, refereed sibling disputes with the calm of HR directors, and somehow still had the energy left to check on the neighbour next door.

“Mum ran our place like a high-stakes start-up powered by love and zero downtime,” laughs Central App director Vicki McLean. “Listening is her super-power. With teens, being open about both the wins and the wobbles.”

Behind every strong mum stands another, often a Nana who steps in when life gets messy, quietly mending the gaps. Vicki is celebrating that multigenerational magic with a “Celebrate You Day” road trip for her mum, Margaret, and her partner’s mum, Sharon.

Sharon McKnight and Margaret McLean - Two mums being celebrated this mothers day.

“Both lost their own mums a few years ago, so this year we’re bringing them together,” Vicki says. “They belong to a generation whose quiet achievements often went unnoticed. We’re taking them somewhere we know they’ll both love. It's our way of saying thank you for the years of service by making the day truly about them.”

Part-time reporter Anna, also a mum of two, agrees that motherhood’s reach spans the ordinary and the epic. “It’s fixing broken bones and broken hearts but it’s also cheering the first fish, the first driver’s licence, the first triumph. Every moment counts.”

Dylan with his mum and Central App reporter Anna Robb

Share Your Story

This Mother’s Day, The Central App salutes the mums, step-mums, grandmothers, and mother-figures whose quiet leadership has shaped Central Otago for generations. Whether you’re serving breakfast in bed, calling from overseas, or planning your own “Celebrate You Day,” we’d love to hear about the remarkable women in your life.

Send a photo or short story to [email protected] and go in the draw to treat your special person to their own “Celebrate You Day.” Includes a road trip to somewhere we know they'll love.

To every unseen CEO keeping the wheels turning, we thank you. May your day bring the recognition and rest you so richly deserve.