Samantha White says being a mother is the best thing she has ever done.
She was one of many who celebrated Mothers' Day with a fundraising high tea at Whanganui's Grand Hotel. White has two daughters, Rosie Rendell, 26, and Daisy, 22.
Rosie got in early by sending her mother, a teacher at St John's Hill School, a beautiful bunch of flowers on May 10. White said it was a lovely surprise, and her Year 3 students were very interested in the unexpected arrival.
She was teaching the children to make Mothers' Day cards that day, and suggested they use the word "Mummy", which surprised them.
But she said she loves being called Mummy.