Pride of NZ: Award nomination for helping parents

Caraline Abbott has been nominated for her community spirit in the Pride of New Zealand awards. Photo/Stephen Parker

A Rotorua woman's passion for helping new parents while juggling a full-time job and her own family has been recognised with a nomination in the Pride of New Zealand awards.

Caraline Abbott, has had her name put forward in the community spirit category of the national awards which is being held in association with the Rotorua Daily Post, New Zealand Herald, The Hits radio station and TSB Bank.

The 29-year-old is a Department of Conservation ranger but is also known for her dedication for pregnancy and parenting information and classes. She runs childbirth education classes with the Rotorua Parenting Centre who are contracted by the Rotorua District Health Board.

"The Rotorua Parenting Centre was really big in supporting me when my children were born about four years ago, so I joined the committee and started running the antenatal classes for them," Mrs Abbott said. She organises training for facilitators, fundraising for the centre and promotes pregnancy and parenting information and education. This includes practical parenting aimed at teaching parents skills such as how to bathe and swaddle their babies.

"I remember being a parent for the first time and it can be really daunting. It's a really good opportunity for new parents to get out of the house and meet other parents," she said.

Mrs Abbott has been known to pick up clients without transport and take them to the classes herself. Last year she was awarded Volunteer of the Month by Parent Centre NZ.

"I just wanted to give back and to have the value of this organisation seen in the community.

"I feel we can only get better as we try and engage a lot more Maori participation we're working closely with Ngati Whakaue health and Ngati Pikiao health services."

It's a bit of a juggling act with two children, aged 4 and 2, to look after, working and doing volunteering with the centre.

"It can be a struggle but when you're passionate about something you find the time, my husband Mark has been really supportive," she said.

The six categories for Pride of NZ honour bravery and heroism, community spirit, environmental leaders, emergency heroes and fundraisers. For more information visit the Pride of New Zealand website www.prideofnzawards.co.nz.