December 11/January 12 - Parents Centres New Zealand Inc

ISSUE No. 90 

December 2011 / January 2012 

Newsletter 

Merry Christmas 

and happy holidays 

from everyone at 

East & Bays Parents Centre 

Dads 

Featured this issue: 

CONTENTS 

PAGE 

Committee Profile 2 

Message from the President 3 

Parent Education 4-5 

Dads Special Feature 6-11 

Committee Contacts and Support 12-13 

Interview with a Working Mum 15 

New Arrivals 16 

Lucia Sims, aged 2 

Wherever you are on your parenting journey 

we have inspiration, advice and encouragement 

Early Years (0-6) Middle Years (6-12) Tweens and Teens (12-18) General Parenting Marriage and 

Relationships 

theparentingplace.com 

Connect with us facebook.com/theparentingplace 

ISSUE No. 90 December 2011 / January 2012 1

Committee Profile... 

INTRODUCING... Ruby Sims 

Born and raised in… Born Kawakawa, raised in Auckland 

Currently live with… Stephen & Lucia (2 years) 

Role on Committee... Kiwi Parent Distribution 

My advice for new parents is… nap in the day when you can! 

My partner’s favourite thing to do with our child/children… 

swimming & bathtime 

Favourite thing about my partner… everything 

Famous for… his record collection 

Favourite escape… Family Bach, Waihi Beach 

My favourite summer play spot is... Pt Chevalier Beach 

Where I’ll be in 5 years… hopefully in a bigger house! 

Favourite thing about parenting… Lucia 

Least favourite thing about parenting… knowing that I may 

never sleep-in again 

I can’t get by without… my camera & my cookbook 

My signature dish is... Spinach & Feta Pie 

Ruby and Lucia 

RUBY’S Spiced Apple Cake 

Topping 

1/2 cup rolled oats 

1/4 cup brown sugar 

1tsp cinnamon 

25gms cold butter 

Cake 

2 medium apples 

1 cup sugar 

1 egg 

125 gms very soft butter 

1 1/2 cups flour 

1 tsp baking soda 

2 tsps cinnamon 

1 tsp allspice 

Make topping first. Put topping ingredients into food 

processor and chop until butter is in small pieces. Do 

not over process as the oats will get too fine. 

Cut the apples into the processor. Do not peel but cut 

into about 12 pieces. Discard the core. process until 

apple is fine cut. Add the remaining ingredients making 

sure the butter is very soft or melted. Spread the batter 

into a 23cm tin with the bottom lined with cooking paper 

or well buttered and the sides of tin buttered. 

Sprinkle topping over cake and bake at 180 degrees for 

40-45mins or until sides shrink away from edge of tin 

and the centre springs back when pressed. 

Moving House 

Tell Michelle your new contact details 

E-mail: marsdenmm@gmail.com 

Post: PO Box 87366, Meadowbank 

2 EAST AND BAYS PARENTS CENTRE NEWSLETTER

Message from the President... 

Where has the year gone? It still just seems like 

yesterday Mike and I were getting the phone call to 

say that all our dreams of having another baby had 

come true, and that was the beginning of November last year! 

Cooper is now four months old and adjusting to life in our 

family really well. We are truly blessed as he is such a good 

little boy for us. Vin has been very unsure about his new 

baby brother, and doesn’t like me having to spend so much 

time with Cooper. He is slowly coming round; I’ve been told 

this type of reaction can be quite normal. I wasn’t expecting 

it to the extent it has been, and have been through a roller 

coaster of emotions. Thankfully, I’ve had a terrific amount of 

support from some good friends who have two children and 

have in some way experienced the same thing. With a lot 

of encouragement from Mike and I, Vin has started to come 

up and kiss Cooper goodnight and will sometimes give him 

cuddles. He is also beginning to show signs of being the 

protective bigger brother, especially around other children. 

Time will tell but I think we’re getting there. 

How are the Christmas excitement levels of your little ones? 

Vin is super excited, I think it may have something to do with 

the fact that some shops have their Christmas trees and 

decorations up so early. I have always looked forward to the 

moment when my children 

would understand who the 

man in the big red suit is, 

and almost burst at the 

seams with excitement. 

That time has finally arrived 

and I’m going to enjoy every 

moment of it this year! I do 

wonder if Mr 3 year old will 

sit on Santa’s knee this year 

though. 

Can I take this opportunity 

to wish you and your family 

a very Merry Christmas and 

Happy New Year. If you are 

travelling over the holidays 

please travel safely. 

I look forward to speaking to you all again in the New Year. 

As always, please don’t hesitate to get in contact with me about 

anything. You can email me at marsdenmm@gmail.com 

Michelle Marsden 

President 


Antenatal Antics 

My girls are at a wonderful age to be super excited 

about Santa’s arrival (and the bribing about being well 

behaved or Santa doesn’t visit naughty children is 

working a treat). I’ve already completed most of my Christmas 

shopping in case the new baby decides to make an early 

appearance. We have now completed 11 antenatal classes with 

another two due to finish in a few weeks and then we are down 

to the last class of the year. If you know anyone expecting please 

get them to email me. The January Class (for March babies) has 

one space left and our February class is half full already. We 

close down from the 14th December with our first class of the 

year resuming on the 9th of January. 

I remember so clearly attending my classes and looking around 

wondering if any of the couples would become good friends. 

That was a little over five years ago and with my eldest baby 

about to turn five in November; I can honestly say my coffee 

group have been my rock through some hard times and a 

bunch of us still catch up every week! They have become some 

of my best friends. I’m about to start Antenatal Classes again 

as a Big Sister (just in case I had forgotten what to do with my 

youngest being just over 3 1/2….yeah right!). With baby number 

three due shortly I’m looking forward to meeting another lovely 

coffee group! In my original coffee group we had a stay at home 

dad, he was quite reluctant to join us for our coffee group as he 

thought all we did was talk about woman’s problems, babies 

and complained about men! We finally talked him around, and 

from then on he caught up with us weekly until they moved to 

Canada a few years later. When the babies were little we didn’t 

actually go out, we just went around each other’s houses. 

There were 15 of us at the time so it took a while to get to your 

turn again, and we all became fabulous bakers and fine coffee 

makers. I think he enjoyed the baking and human conversation 

and went through all the same things we did - teething, nappy 

rash, starting solids, immunisations and waking in the night. 

Have an absolutely wonderful Christmas and New Years! I’m 

looking forward to a nice break before our precious baby boy 

arrives early January. And next time I write I imagine I will have 

him in my arms. 

For antenatal bookings call me on 579 3399 or email me on 

east.and.bays@parentscentre.org.nz 

Dana & the Antenatal Team 

For Sale at EBPC 

SWEET WILLIAM MUSLINS 

Triple-layered, easily-washed Muslins. 

These soft cloths are perfect for bathing baby’s face 

& body or wrap grated fruit in it for baby to suck on. 

Double stitched to prevent fraying. 

Wraps 

(pack of 3) $40 

Parent 

Education... 

Facecloths 

(pack of 3) $12 


Parent 

Education... 

Baby and You 

Wow! Our family has survived the Rugby World Cup 

excitement! And it was so worth it! We even got to 

meet Keven Mealamu. Our girls were so excited and 

lucky enough to get his autograph! 

Anyway, everything is back to normal with our children 

resuming school. Sometimes routines can be boring but at 

other times it can bring some sanity to a parent’s life. 

At Baby and You, we mostly see the mothers with their babies. 

Not that the fathers are not welcome, it’s more the fact that most 

of them go back to work. It is therefore quite special if dads do 

turn up. Even if it’s just for the popular CPR session. As with the 

women, major changes take place in the way they carry themselves 

once they have this precious baby in their arms. I see pride, 

tenderness, disbelief, awe and sometimes a bit of ‘What the heck is 

happening?’. And I appreciate that the men are not afraid to admit 

that sometimes they feel clueless and/or helpless as to what to do 

when that tiny little creature is giving them a run for their money! 

Sometimes it is not easy for the mother to hand over the reigns 

of care to the father. Or should I say, to observe how the father 

does things differently from us without us wanting to jump in 

and ‘correct’ the situation. Whenever I fell into that trap I kept 

on telling myself that his ways are different but not necessarily 

wrong. Share the care as much as you can so that when the 

children are a little bit older, they are happy to come to either 

parent for help. 

Happy parenting. 

Rose Bloem, Baby and You convenor 

Email: martie@maxnet.co.nz 

Ph: 09 528 3353 

Moving and Munching 

NEXT COURSE DATES: 

30 November and 7 December 2011, 7:30 – 9:30pm 

at Meadowbank Community Centre 

For more information phone Vanessa on 021 215 1327 or 

email vanessacwells@gmail.com 


Dads Special Feature... 

Being Dad... and a whole lot more! 

A personal account from a full-time stay at home Dad 

www.charlenewhitephotography.com 

the obvious reasons and so she could take full advantage of her 

short time at home. When she went back to work after eight 

weeks, I had learned enough from what we had both been doing 

to feel fairly confident about managing on my own. 

In the spirit of accepting that I didn’t know everything, I agreed 

to attend a weekly course for new parents. Things for me 

seemed more challenging than the other mothers there. When 

their babies cried, they would have them latched on and quietly 

feeding within a few seconds. When my daughter became upset 

it took a few minutes for me to find some hot water and wait 

for her milk to heat, the whole time drawing more attention 

to myself as her screams got louder and louder. There was 

another father there who understood my predicament and that 

expressed breast milk was “like gold”. By the middle of the 

course we had both dropped out. I knew that I did not know 

everything, but personally felt that my role was one I could best 

figure out for myself. 

The idea of being a stay at home dad appealed to me for 

a long time. Where my career has focused on making 

sculpture or furniture and teaching, I have always enjoyed 

cooking and have been happy to take over responsibility for the 

household when my wife’s career has become more demanding. 

With more interest in these tasks and less earning potential, it 

was obvious to both of us that I would become the primary carer 

for our first child. 

With my wife at home for the first few weeks, my experience of 

the arrival of a new baby and the resulting changes in my life 

was very similar to most other new parents. During this time 

my wife was more directly involved with our baby than I was for 

However, I did find contact with others helpful. I remembered 

a male friend saying how good a coffee group could be, so 

decided to persevere with mine despite feeling out of place 

and uninspired during our first couple of meetings. Gradually I 

began to connect with the mothers in my group and soon these 

mornings became the highlight of my week. Maybe I was lucky, 

but the mothers I met with seemed less interested in talking 

handbags and shoes than in comparing our stories about 

interrupted sleeps, projectile vomits and overflowing nappies. 

By the time our babies turned one, many of the coffee group 

had returned to work and meetings became less frequent. 

Looking to make up for the missing social contact in our lives, 

I began to take my daughter to a local playgroup. Again, I 

had to overcome some awkwardness, acting as if turning up 

amidst a group of mothers felt perfectly normal. My daughter 

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Are you feeling tired and starting to ache? 

Massage during pregnancy is safe for you and your baby. 

Massage alleviates stress in weight-bearing joints as well as the muscles. 

It helps maintain skin elasticity to ease stretch marks and uncomfortable 

tightness. Regular therapeutic massages are also available. 

For an appointment phone: 

Karin Hulme 

Dip. Ther. Mass. Dip. Clin. Hyp. 

www.thebodyandmindtherapist.co.nz 

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P 09 521 2757 | M 021 252 4473 | khulme@xtra.co.nz 

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soon began to enjoy playgroup and I gradually made friends 

there too. Later, other fathers began to attend while looking 

after their children for some or all of the week. While I always 

enjoyed meeting them, I did not automatically feel a special 

solidarity with every other father. There can be similarities in 

how fathers approach parenting, but I tend to find that due to 

the larger numbers involved, most of the people I find common 

ground with are women. 

The issues I face are the same ones that full time mothers 

have always had to deal with such as never-ending piles of 

laundry and entertaining children on wet days with little sleep. 

Sometimes I am able to fit something extra around my kids’ 

routine that is for me, but generally I have to let these things 

go or otherwise I could become frustrated and resentful. I am 

comfortable about working in a traditionally female role, but 

after a week of kindy drop-offs and cupcake icing I am very keen 

to get into some serious home maintenance or landscaping 

– anything requiring physical effort and where I can see an 

obvious result for my time. 

Overall, I feel really lucky to be able to do what I do. I am free 

to try new things, in fact my children’s constantly changing 

needs mean I have to adapt, and if an idea doesn’t work, I can 

try another one tomorrow. I usually work 16 hours a day, but 

sometimes ‘work’ means taking my kids to the park or beach 

for a couple of hours. Most of all, I value being there when 

my children do something for the first time, and the instances 

when they are so delighted by what they are doing and appear 

completely happy. 

A big thank you to Andrew Dalbeth for writing this article. 

Andrew is Auckland based and the full time father of two 

children, a role he has been doing for nearly 5 years. 

www.charlenewhitephotography.com 

ANDREW’S TIPS 

for making life easier 

Get a Jolly Jumper and/or an exersaucer or anything else 

that keeps your child safely and happily occupied while 

freeing you up to do what needs to be done. 

One of the smartest things I ever did was install a swing 

next to my clothesline, meaning that I didn’t have to use 

up my daughter’s valuable sleeping time to complete one 

of my daily chores. When she got older and tired of this I 

put up a small line one metre off the ground so she could 

enjoy ‘helping’ hang clothes as well. 

Use a frontpack or backpack to carry your child if you are 

able. My kids loved being up and seeing things and you will 

be surprised by how many strangers start smiling at you. 

Be prepared for your child to decide they no longer want to 

do any of the above, without notice. 



Making the Big Move 

A Q & A session with Graham Gaskin, 

father of Joshua and who is about to 

become a full-time stay at home dad. 

Tell me a little about yourself 

My name is Graham Gaskin. I am 35 years old and my wife 

Marie and I have one son, Joshua. He is 5 months old. We 

have been living in Ellerslie for just over 3 years, having 

emigrated from the UK in March 2008. My wife is a New 

Zealander and we moved back to settle and raise our family. 

I have traditionally worked in legal offices as an administrator, 

so being at home and out of the professional environment is 

going to be very different! 

What made you decide to take on the role of stay at 

home dad? 

There were a number of reasons why we decided that I should 

become a stay at home Dad. These included financial reasons, 

the chance to take a career break, and wanting to hold off on 

having Josh in daycare until he is at least 1 year old. 

When are you making the move to your role of 

stay at home dad? 

My last day at work is Friday 28 October, and my wife starts 

back at work the following Monday (31 October). 

What do you think will you miss most about your 

previous role? 

I think I will miss the regular social contact with adults. I also 

think I will miss earning money (although my wife assures me I 

will be working harder than ever before). 

What are you most excited about in your new role? 

I am looking forward to getting to know my son better and 

spending more time with him. It’ll be a great opportunity to 

watch him grow and change each day. Hopefully with summer 

on the way we can get out a lot! 

What are you most nervous about? 

I’m nervous about being in sole control of Josh and having the 

confidence in myself to know well enough what to do. 

What kinds of activities do you think you will do on 

a daily basis? 

I plan on continuing to go to the coffee group that my wife 

belonged to (from our ante-natal classes). Josh and I go 

swimming on the weekend at the moment so we’ll do that 

during the week now. We will also look to join groups like 

Jumping Beans. I am hoping to go for regular walks with him 

and get out to the beach and parks if the weather is good this 

summer. 

What would be the benefit of being part of an EBPC 

Dads group for you? 

I think it will help knowing that I am not the only man doing this 

role! Sharing information and routines, talking to other Dads 

and gaining information on how they cope with their children 

and being away from the traditional working environment. 

What is your key piece of advice for new dads? 

Make sure you take as much of an interest in your child as 

possible. Don’t be afraid to get involved and have a go at bathing 

them, changing nappies etc. Your confidence will improve more 

each time you do this, and strengthen your relationship with 

your child. You shouldn’t miss out on being wee’d or poo’d on! 

Like us on Facebook 

See the link to Facebook onour website and Like us. 

www.parentscentre.org.nz/east-and-bays/ 



TIPS FOR DAD’S 

1) Playtime in the bath 

Practice verbal cues with cups of water to introduce 

familiarity with water on their face. Using the clear 

command; “name, ready, go” followed by water on their 

face. Consistency and repetition are key for success. 

EBPC’s Graphic Designer Fleur’s daughter Coco 

and husband Pete at SwimMagic 

2) Dad’s day out 

Have fun with your child by bringing them down to 

the pool for a play. This will ensure the child is water 

confidence in a pool environment making it an easy 

transition into lessons. 

Swimming with Dad 

At SwimMagic Glen Innes we have a specialised ‘Magic 

Moments’ swim programme which caters to the physical, 

intellectual, emotional and social needs for babies and 

toddlers during this essential time of growth. 

On Saturday morning’s our Magic Moments programme is a 

huge hit with Dads and their little ones, these classes start 

from 6 months onwards and create a warm caring and safe 

environment which together with parents and caregivers provide 

an opportunity for learning through exploration and play. 

Our programme is tailored to develop your child’s self 

confidence, attention span, sharing and turn taking. Most 

importantly these classes allow quality time for Dad and baby to 

bond and have fun. 

3) Rhythm and Rhyme 

Take advantage of the song posters displayed on 

the walls of our children’s pool and practice these 

activities with your child to develop their coordination, 

rhythm and rhyme, language, numbers and memory. 

4) Water Safety - Support at the wall 

Help strengthen your child’s upper body by 

encouraging them to hold themselves on the side of 

the pool and using the bars and walls to move along. 

5) Water Safety – U-turns 

Encourage your child to always return to the wall 

(u-turn) after all activities and entries. This will help 

to encourage an immediate reaction to return to 

the side and hold on if they were to ever fall into the 

water unsupervised. 

The most important tip of all is to always 

supervise your child when around water and 

reinforce the message: 

“You never swim without an adult”. 

a BIG thanks to... 

207 Merton Road, St Johns, Auckland 

Ph: (09) 528 2310 

www.storageremuera.co.nz 

Proud supporters of 

East & Bays Parents Centre 

Get your $50 Storage King Gift Voucher at our next 

meeting. Or call: Rod at Storage King (09) 528 2310 

PARENTS CENTRE COMMITTEE MEETING 

1st Tuesday of every month, held at Meadowbank Community 

Centre, contact Michelle at marsdenmm@gmail.com 

FREE Swimming 

Lesson 

We cater for ages 6 months – Adults 

*Conditions apply. Offer available to all new SwimMagic clients. 

PH: (09) 527 3260 EMAIL: lyh@clmnz.co.nz 

VISIT US: 122 Elstree Avenue, Glen Innes 



Favourite things 

to do with Dad... 

Our committe members share their children’s favourite things to do with Dad 

MELANIE UNSWORTH, Committee Coordinator, Mother of Jack 

(3 years) and Genevieve (17 months) pictured opp page, left 

A good ‘free’ spot to take the kids is St Heliers beach as the 

park is right there and there are small rock pools full of water at 

low tide and plenty of sand to build sand castles. Ambury Farm 

Park in Mangere Bridge is also a great place to let the kids run 

around and see farm animals, and best of all, it is free! 

MICHELLE MARSDEN, President, Mother of Vin (3 years) and 

Cooper (3 months) pictured left 

Mike’s favourite thing to do with Vin is “exploring.” They are forever 

going off on little adventures and have so much fun together. There 

most recent exploration was in the new Victoria Park Tunnel. 

NATALIE PURCELL, Grants and Funding, Mother of Zoe 

(22 months) pictured right 

My husband Greg and daughter Zoe have been taking 

swimming lessons since she was 8 months old at Hilton 

Brown in Newmarket every Saturday morning. They also do the 

grocery shopping every Sunday morning together which also 

gives me a bit of time at home on my own. Zoe also loves to 

spend as much time outside as possible and loves to hang out 

with Greg while he is doing DIY, she loves gardening. 

EBPC Dad’s Group 

We’re keen to get a Dad’s Group together... 

for any stay at home Dad’s that are interested in getting a group together, 

please contact Michelle Marsden: marsdenmm@gmail.com 

ANTENATEL CLASS M1010 Dad’s catching up 


ROSE BLOEM, CBE, Baby & You Coordinator, Mother of Marina 

(8 years) and Jasmine (6 years) pictured above middle 

My partner Martie is very good at keeping the balance as far as 

‘exposure to challenges during playtime’ is concerned. When 

our daughters were little I used to be the cautious one, going for 

safe options at playground whereas he would allow them to do 

scary stuff. Now they are a bit older he takes them for ‘genuine’ 

Bush walks through Dingle Dell or they’ll go crab hunting on 

the beach. For a touch of adventure, he recommends Auckland 

Museum and duck feeding at the ponds. 

YUSNIDAR YUSOF, Advertising Coordinator, mother of Isla 

(nearly 4) and Kyle (seven months) pictured above right 

My husband David and Isla love tackling things supposed to 

be too hard for a wee girl… When he asks if she wants to do 

something really difficult when she is bigger, she says she 

wants to do them NOW... Like conquering the dome climbing 

frame at St Heliers, rock climbing (Clip’n’Climb), Kayaking, 

skiing (Snowplanet on GrabOne!), kicking the rugby ball. David 

and Kyle love the Baby Bjorn (or front pack) particularly at the 

zoo, when they can point and look at things together. 

TRANSFORM THE WAY YOUR BODY 

LOOKS, FEELS AND PERFORMS 

LEARN HOW TO: Improve your posture, ease back pain, 

create balance in your body and breathe well with pilates. 

• Small, friendly classes, 

pre and post natal 

• FREE CLASS with your private 

introduction (mention this ad) 

• Professional rehabilitation with 

ACC registered physiotherapists 

• Handy location with FREE parking 

Call the team at Pause to make that first step to getting back into shape. 

PAUSE WELLBEING STUDIO 

PHONE: 5891460 

Unit L 101 Main Highway Ellerslie – Behind the Post Shop 

Sign up for our free E-Health Tips at www.pausewellbeing.co.nz 

Pilates | Physiotherapy | Vibration Training 

ISSUE No. 90 December 2011 / January 2012 11

Committee Contacts, Vacancies and Support... 

Sylvia park vouchers 

$50 up for grabs 

Take on a Big Sister role for any one of our Antenatal classes 

this year and you will be rewarded with a $50 voucher. 

Being a Big Sister will also give you the opportunity to 

share your experiences with those about to become first 

time parents and/or refresh your memory for those with 

baby number two or three on the way. Classes run for 6 

consecutive Monday or Thursday nights. 

Please contact Hannah on 09 523 4342 

or email hannahjford@yahoo.com 

THE LIBRARY 

We have a large range of books encompassing all things 

baby/child related from fertility to conception, birth and 

up to the first five years of life such as: 

• New Zealand Pregnancy Book by Sue Pallon 

• What to Expect when you’re expecting by Eisenberg 

• New Pregnancy & Birth Book by Mariam Stoppard 

• Complete Baby & Childcare by Miriam Stoppard 

• What to expect the toddler years by Eisenberg 

• Growing Healthy Children by Patricia McVeagh 

• Parenting, Love & Logic by Cline & Fay 

We also have some great books for dads such as: 

• How to be a pregnant father by Peter Mayle 

• Fathering from the fast lane—Bruce Robinson 

East and Bays Parents Centre library is open for 

issues and returns during Baby and You classes every 

Wednesday from 9:30 am to 12:00 and is also open during 

other courses for attending course members. The library 

and returns box can be found in room MR1 (where all 

Childbirth Education classes are held). 

For more information please phone Rose on 528 3353 

12 EAST AND BAYS PARENTS CENTRE NEWSLETTER

Vacancies... 

Do you find you have some spare time on your hands, 

now that your little one may not be as dependant on 

you? Why not become a volunteer for the East & Bays 

Parents Centre. We are a fun bunch of Mums who enjoy 

being part of a countrywide organisation, helping to provide 

valuable information to parents to be in our area. Our current 

vacancies include: 

SPECIAL INTEREST HOST 

This role is responsible for running Special Interest evenings 

for members e.g. Toilet Training etc, and advertising classes, 

ensuring communication with class attendees, managing the 

room booking, arranging for guest speakers, being present 

at the course, organising the annual SIE ideas roster, and 

ensuring receipt of course payment. Time commitment for 

this role is approximately 8 hours total per session/evening 

CBE CLASS COORDINATOR 

This role is responsible for Big Sister roster and Practical 

Parenting roster. It will arrange for people to be Big Sisters, 

first time parent class participants and Practical Parenting 

class participants, payment for Big Sisters, and gift purchase 

for new parents and handing over course instructions to Big 

Sisters on their first night. 

MEMBERSHIP OFFICER 

This role includes entering new members into the E&B 

Parents Centre database, renewing and expiring members 

when required, sending confirmation letters to new or 

renewing members. It also involves informing the committee 

of Membership numbers at each monthly E&B PC meeting 

and printing out envelope labels bi-monthly for the 

newsletter & Kiwiparent mailout as well as do a mail out of 

renewal letters once every 2-3 months (the letters will be 

sent to you from the head office). 

This role is ideal for those wanting to do a small, non face 

to face communication role. All stationary items required 

will be supplied to you and help is always on hand if needed. 

Time commitment for this role is approximately about 3 

hours a month. 

NEWSLETTER EDITOR 

If you have great ideas for in focus topics and like to 

research, then this role is perfect for you. We are seeking 

an Editor who can piece together a bi monthly newsletter for 

EBPC with the help from our other committee members. 

The tasks involved include discussing and organising 

newsletter in focus topics for each issue with EBPC 

Committee, researching and/or organising confirmed topics, 

editing articles and emailing to Publisher and checking draft 

of newsletter prior to printing. The time commitment is 

approx 6 hours Bi-monthly. 

İf you are interested in discussing any of these roles, 

please email Michelle: marsdenmm@gmail.com 

EAST AND BAYS 

PARENTS CENTRE 

Committee... 

Name 

Anna Paton 

Antonia Burton 

Astrid (Rose) Bloem 

Cheryl Tinholt 

Dana Kazenbroot 

Fleur Curac 

Hannah Harper 

Hassanah Rudd 

Michelle Marsden 

Natalie Purcell 

Nicole Williams 

Renee Woolcott 

Ruby Sims 

Vanessa Thomas 

Vanessa Wells 

Yusnidar (Yus) Yusof 

Vacant 

Vacant 

Vacant 

Vacant 

Vacant 

Committee Position and Contact Details 

Financial Treasurer 

Answer phone & Post box Coordinator 

CBE, Baby & You Coordinator & 

Host, Stock Coordinator 

528 3353/martie@maxnet.co.nz 

CBE 

Antenatal Booking Coordinator 

579 3399/danads@xtra.co.nz 

Newsletter Publisher 

CBE Class Coordinator/Big Sister 

Committee Member 

President, Committee Coordinator 

Grants/Funding 

Website & Facebook Manager 

Day to Day Treasurer 

Newsletter/Kiwi Parent Distributor 

Secretary 

Moving & Munching Coordinator 

021 2151327/vanessacwells@gmail.com 

Advertising Coordinator 

521 0937/yusnidaryusof@gmail.com 

Special Interest Coordinator & Host 

Vice President 

Childbirth Education Co-ordinator 

Newsletter Editor 

Membership Coordinator 

LOCAL SUPPORT SERVICES 

Plunket Family Centre, Meadowbank 521 5025 

Plunket Support Line 0800 933922 

La Leche League 536 6533 

Miscarriage Support Auckland 378 4060 

Barnardos Parent Helpline 0800 4727368 

Trauma & Birth Stress Support Group 575 7404 

Allergy Awareness Association Inc. 303 2024 

SKIP 476 6948 


Interview with a Working Mum... 

From nappies and bottles 

to Bread and Butter 

After 15 months of being a full time mum, Renee Woolcott, 

mother of Vivienne, and the day to day treasurer of 

the Eastern Bays Parent Centre was looking for a new 

challenge. Not that being a full time mum wasn’t challenging 

enough, but she was ready to get back into the work force in a 

capacity that would still give her the flexibility to spend as much 

time as possible with her daughter. 

Renee decided she wanted to start a home business and looked 

at a number of opportunities before settling on importing a 

men’s skincare range from Canada. 

Renee’s husband is Canadian and went to university with a 

Canadian skincare ‘guru’, Brian Lau, who after nearly a decade 

in the marketing, manufacturing and selling of skincare 

products, launched his own company. After trying out the 

products during a recent visit to Canada, they knew Brian was 

onto something, and wanted to share it with New Zealand. 

The range is designed to be simple and worry free. The 

products, which include face and body moisturisers, shave gel 

and a face cleanser have unique formulas that are absent of 

irritating ingredients such as fragrance, grain alcohols and 

parabens. Also, the purchasing process has been simplified. 

The products come in 3-piece or 5-piece kits and are sold online 

with free shipping and a full refund guarantee if the customer is 

not satisfied. 

A great Christmas gift for your husband who is currently using 

a bar of hand soap to clean their face. A very gentle introduction 

to proper skincare! 

There are always challenges when starting a new business, 

but while there were definitely some late nights and stressful 

periods, running a web based business from home fits well into 

Renee’s routine. 

If you’d like more information on the products, or on the 

challenges Renee faced with starting up a business and 

juggling motherhood, please feel free to drop her a note at 

renee@breadandbutterskincare.co.nz. 

Renee, Vivienne and husband Barry 

Also, Renee has offered a SPECIAL PROMOTION FOR PARENT CENTRE READERS. 

From now until Christmas, SAVE 15% on any kit purchased at www.breadandbutterskincare.co.nz! 


!"#$%&'%(!)*)+(*,- 

!"#$%&'%(!)*)+(*,- 

!"#$%&'%(!)*)+(*,- 

fleur curac 

e: peteandfleur@slingshot.co.nz 

p: 021 0466 870 

... logos, ads, brochures, 

personalised invitations and weddings 

call fleur to chat about your ideas 

For my brain to grow in my first 

three years I need: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You can too! 


Baby 

Arrivals... 

Antenatal Course M0511 

All information that was provided at time of print 

Parent’s Names Baby’s Name Baby’s Birthdate and Weight 

Tonia and Mat Mortell Felicity Grace Mortell 11 July, 2.98kg 

Lara and Jon Squires Thomas Jonathan Ramsay Squires 18 June, 3.73kg 

Renate Koops and Antony Ranger Will Frank Ranger 13 June, 3.08kg 

Michelle Tubbs and Ryan Ash Madison Emma Ash 20 May, 3.09kg 

Cynthia and Greg Smith Kees Martyn Smith 27 May, 3.39kg 

Rose and Terryn Barbarich Lucca Terence Barbarich 25 June, 4.28kg 

Lucy and Harri Laitinen Mila Brigitte Laitinen 10 July, 3.89kg 

Christine and Steve McBride Zoe Anne McBride 27 July, 3.92kg 

Libby Bourke and Simon Smart Alexandra Ivy Smart 29 May, 3.44kg 

Tiffany Flood and Phil Smith William Campbell Smith 9 June, 2.835kg 

Kathryn and John Harkin Emily Mary Harkin 29 June, 3.76kg 

Nia and Emyr Thomas Deiniol Llyr Thomas 20 June, 3.01kg 

Angela and Kimm Wray Kasey Amber Wray 19 May, 3.35kg 



Emma-Kate Paul nee Greer and Mark Paul James Frederick Paul 21 June, 2.5kg 

Tania and Philip Greenslade Isabella Neve Greenslade 28 August, 2.77kg 

Michelle and Andy Johnston Rory Alexander Johnston 16 August, 3.5kg 

Mel Thrush and Pete Lambert Harrison Lambert 23 July, 3.24kg 

Michelle Trevor and Richard Keys Alexander Thomas Keys 1 August, 3.97kg 

Shirley Raymond and Scott Reynold Eden Elijah Reynolds 12 August, 3.5kg 

Chrystel and Greg Aubourg Jude Aubourg 16 August, 3.7kg 

Sarah and Chris Nightingale Joshua Daniel Nightingale 17 August, 3.22 kg 

Annabel and Brian Woods Archie Alexander Woods 21 August, 3.35kg 

Renee Robinson and Scott Page Juliette Heather Page 18 August, 3.55kg 

Jo and Nathan Calladine Xavier Calladine 14 July, 3.59kg 



Vicky and Ed Duffy Charlotte Rose Duffy 24 August, 2.8kg 

Kellie and Anthony Pardoe Jackson Matthew Pardoe 12 August, 1.86kg 

Philippa Ewen and Rowan Bolley Stella Hope Bolley 18 August, 3.18kg 

Amanda and Hamish Howley-Rouse Isobella Elouise Howley - Rouse 26 August, 4.68kg 

Amy and Gerard Graham Daniel Lance Graham 22 September, 3.8kg 

Michele and Sam Hansen Lily Sarah Hansen 11 August, 2.32kg 

Stef and Ben Neal Alessandra Carmela Neal 9 September, 3.25kg 

Rosie and Andrew Mercer Quinn Hamilton Mercer 14 September, 3.19kg 

Renee and Paul Vincent Charlie Thomas Vincent 27 September, 3.9kg 

CBE: Rose Bloem 

Antenatal Co-ordinator: Leigh van den Hoofdakker 

{ } 

The views and opinions expressed by contributors to our newsletter are not necessarily those of the East & Bays Parents Centre. 

If you have a story, article of interest, recipes or anything else you’d like to contribute to our newsletter, 

please email Yus Yusof at yusnidaryusof@gmail.com. All articles are published at the editors discretion.

December 11/January 12 - Parents Centres New Zealand Inc

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