The Flower Room will not be open on Mother's Day after reaching full capacity from the orders over the past two weeks. Photo / Bevan Conley
The Flower Room will not be open on Mother's Day after reaching full capacity from the orders over the past two weeks. Photo / Bevan Conley
Covid-19 level 3 restrictions mean this Sunday will be a Mother's Day like no other. Whether they are in another region, country or isolating with us in our bubbles, it's time to get creative when connecting with our mums this year, writes Lucy Drake.
For Age Concern Whanganui manager MichelleMalcolm and her sisters, this will be the first Mother's Day in many years they won't be able to see their mum in person.
Her mum left for a holiday to the UK before the Covid-19 outbreak and as it became more widespread she is now isolating in Wales with Malcolm's younger sister.
Malcolm said they did have the option to bring her home but her mum was unable to travel on her own and would then need to isolate for 14 days by herself in Auckland and was also unable to drive herself back to Whanganui.
She said their traditional Mother's Day involved having the whole day planned for their mum, but this year they would have to celebrate via a video call.
"We're one of many people, hundreds of thousands, that are doing it differently this year and the way I look at it is mum's still here, what about the people that haven't actually got mum or actually through this whole virus have actually lost their mum.
"I said to her I'll Skype you on Sunday but there will be no parcel this year, but it's not around the parcel, it never has been, but for her, it's not just how I'm feeling, it's how she's feeling - that's she's not actually going to see three of her kids that she probably wants to."
For those who can afford a present, now is also the perfect time to shop and support local businesses who may have only recently opened under level 3 guidelines.
Owner Annette Jones said they had been pretty busy since they re-opened under the level 3 guidelines, but had room for a few more baskets.
They are also open for people to come in and select what they want through a contactless system.
People can order their gift baskets online to be picked up in-store or to have them delivered.
A number of cafes, eateries, florists and retail stores will be open under the level 3 guidelines, but for those who might not be able to spend money, there are many ways to spoil mum at home.
A breakfast in bed, a home-cooked meal, a DIY card or voucher, or a good long sleep-in are some of the gifts that can go a long way.
