Being a younger single mother I felt as though I’ve experienced a lot of outward judgement and criticism. I feel that there is a societal stigma that being a young mum means you are a bad mum or incapable of mothering. Also, being Polynesian means my son and I fall into a lot of different stereotypes. I love to challenge the thinking of others so I’ve dedicated my last 3 years to do this as a mother. I’m not without fault and have struggled at times. But regardless of this, I can confidently say I’ve raised a pretty amazing little human. While having such strong ideas about parenting, I have been undermined a lot and had to justify how I want to raise my son. Which has led to many no’s and even debates with other people on why I want to bring him up a certain way. At times I’ve been treated as ignorant because he is my first child. Due to these experiences, I try my best to inspire other young parents to parent the way they feel is right for themselves and their child/ren. I also try my best to educate older parents that there are many different ways to raise children. Being a mother has taught me so much about myself and the inner work I need to do and the importance of it to raise the next generation. I think I’m a homegrown hero because I try in many different ways to dismantle stigmas about young parents/Polynesians parents. My son is truly unique because of this. I am grateful for all the people who have encouraged, inspired and moulded me into the mother I am today. As Dame Whina Cooper said: "Take care of our children. Take care of what they hear, take care of what they see, take care of what they feel. For how the children grow, will be the shape of Aotearoa"

My son Quortez has always been into playing the drums. His drumkit is at his Dad's so he only jams out on it when he visits his Dad with his Sister most weekends. He wanted to have a jam oneday but with his drumkit not here he couldn't so I told him to make a drumkit out of pots and pans. He even taped a small gluestick to his shoe with duct tape to make a kick pedal and he used chopsticks for his drumsticks. Gosh, it was a laugh! 😂 I set up the fairy lights for him to set the stage and he gave his Sister and I a little performance. I've always told my kids, "We might not have all the latest gadgets and flash things but we can make do with what we've got."

My partner and I are home grown heros! This little man, Caelan, was born with pyloricstenosis! (A closed stomach) at just 2.5 weeks old, he had stomach surgery to split the pyloric muscle, without the surgery he would not be here today. With a baby that spews up everything, you don't get any sleep, at all. I was that sleep deprived, I started to hallucinate and hear bad voices in which I was scared to tell any one about. I'm so thankful for my partner checking up on me, bringing supplies into the hospital and just being a great dad. Whilst all of this was going on, we noticed Caelans pupil was an odd shape, he was also diagnosed with Coloboma of the iris which we are very lucky that it is only cosmetic. We had to wait 2 months before he could be seen, not knowing if his eyesight would be okay. Caelan is now a big brother to 9 Month old Archer, and a great one he is!

My youngest child would call me Jacinda Ardern from the moment she became prime minister as a joke. I would be on the phone or out in public an he would call me Jacinda Ardern and than laugh. I would be at home and he would say my mummy is the prime minister call me Jacinda Ardern. As he has gotten older I only get called Jacinda Ardern when he sees her on tv. Now days I'm usually mummy all the time.

Hi, I'm Jess. I am a Mum to two incredible boys (aged 3 and 5). Last year I began studying culinary arts as a step towards my dream of owning a food business. Making the call to study is tricky when you are a Mum and it's tempting to put yourself last and give everyone else the best of you. But I took the plunge, did some serious reorganising of the family budget and childcare arrangements and am working hard to complete the qualification and make sure that we still have great family time too. It's certainly a busy life trying to juggle it all. I hope that my perseverance, time management skills and work ethic will teach our kids many life lessons, and that they'll see the value in encouraging others to follow their dreams too, no matter what stage of life they are at.

Hello! I'm Hanna and this is my two wee children, Aria who is 4 and Freddy who is 10 months. I'm a hero because we have had a challenging year with me being made redundant from my travel and tourism based job whilst on maternity leave so finances have been difficult for us as a family since I have not had a job to go back to and finding a new job has been very difficult! We also had a wee surprise in February with baby number 3 being on the way! Which we were not expecting but we then got used to the idea of it as a family and we would make this work :) but one night we thought we had miscarried because we had all the symptoms. We couldn't get in for a scan for a week to confirm the loss and we genuinely thought the baby was gone :( but when we did have the scan the lady said aww there's your baby and a nice sound heartbeat. We were not expecting that! It was an emotional rollercoaster however we are so happy the baby is still there!

I'm a mama of now 4 children I have had a real hard pregnancy in and out of hospital, and am struggling with my marriage. I still get up and do what I have to for my babies and will always be a superhero and continue to do so every day. I'd love abit of help with my family.

I think all parents must be heroes to be honest! Being a hero to me is in the little times choosing to be kind and choosing to love or have a laugh when a viable option is to lose it. I had to laugh this day - I had told my boys that they had to go outside and play. They really wanted to play the PS4 but I said that they needed some fresh air. It had been really quiet out there for a solid half an hour and I was super stoked that they were outside. Then I walked past the older one's bedroom and saw this!!!

Rather than voting myself as a homegrown hero, I vote on behalf of my husband Matt. Our baby boy Archer was born five weeks early on December 1st 2020. He was a big boy at 7 pounds but his organs were still immature, unfortunately his lung collapsed on the first night in Tauranga’s special care baby unit. Archer and I spent a total of 17 days in the hospital recovering. My husband was an absolute hero, he was there whenever we needed him and he was so hands on with Archers recovery process. I can remember in the first nights Matt would stay by Archers side all night holding his little hand while I slept. Not only did he prove himself as a supportive husband while I was recovering from a C section but he immediately made it obvious to me how fantastic he is as a father. As a new mum I had a rough start but it could have been a thousand times worse if he hadn’t kept me out of the storm clouds with his constant presence and support. Our son and myself are very lucky to have him. I know that our experience was just as scary and intense for him, he rose above to make sure we were ok and I will be forever grateful.

Once upon a time back in February 1989, a baby girl was born very premature. That baby was named Rebecca. Years went by and that baby girl grew into a young lady. One day in November 2010 Rebecca had a baby of her own, a boy. Fast forward to February 2013, she had another baby, a girl. She had 2 children, a Son named Quortez and a Daughter named Harlow. Rebecca became a Solo Parent in 2017 after the breakdown of her 8 year relationship with her children's Dad. It was the year 2017, times were tough for this family of 3. Rebecca had left her children's Father in Paeroa for a fresh start in Hamilton with basically just her kids, her car and the clothes on their backs. Rebecca's family took her and her children in for a short time until she got back on her feet and got her and her kids a house to rent. She managed to get a job as a Dishy to help pay for food on their table and keep a roof over their heads. Quortez and Harlow settled into Pukete School well where Grandma Brenda was the Caretaker and their cousins went there too which made it easier for Rebecca not to worry too much. As they made Nawton, Hamilton their permanent home, Rebecca and her kids adapted to city life. They moved to another house, her kids changed Schools, they said goodbyes to family moving on to the next chapter in their lives. They went through lots of ups and downs to say the least. Rebecca has her own taxi service for Quortez and Harlow, she drives them to and from School and takes them to their appointments, She's the Tooth Fairy, Santa, The Easter Bunny, a Teacher, a personal Chef, House cleaner, Doctor and a Nurse and she's her kids Caregiver. She's a personal shopper, Birthday party planner, her kids Number 1 supporter on the School sports/event days, Photographer. The list goes on but most importantly, Rebecca is a Homegrown Hero because she's Quortez and Harlow's Mum. Rebecca continues to write the pages of her story with her kids and they will live happily ever after. Her kids are her loves in her life and she always puts them first. Her Brother took that photo in the black frame of Rebecca and her kids when they first relocated from Paeroa to Hamilton in 2017. It's 2021 now, Quortez and Harlow are now 10 and 8 and Mum Rebecca's still aceing the Solo Mum life. She feels super lucky to be here today and lucky to be a Solo Mum of 2. Thank You for reading her story and for voting for her and her family of 3. Good luck to all the Beautiful entrants.

After a miscarriage a few years earlier, we were blessed with our girl Willow. It was not the introduction to parenthood we were expecting. Having SPD since 16 weeks pregnant, and very limited mobility, labour was horrendous and ended in an Emergency C Section. We are so lucky she made it. Willow was rushed out of theatre and was taken to Auckland NICU. This video was the first time I held my baby, it was more than 24hours after she was born. 3 hospitals, 2 ambulance transfers, NICU and SCBU units during lockdown with no visitors, and bringing our girl home on home oxygen... I'm a homegrown hero because only heros wear oxygen tanks.

Okay,I was going to do this through my 10yo son but have decided that I consider myself a hero. Ive pretty much raised these 9 beautiful humans on my own! I am a Mum of 9, from ages 21 down to 10 months. I have been through everything. Mental health with my eldest and suicide thoughts. Sickness, one was hospitalized with strep in his blood which almost killed him, my 10yo and his type1 diabetes which he inherited almost 3 years ago. Many people don't see behind closed doors and don't know our situation. My partner works away so I've been left to raise 7 boys and 2 girls on my own. Life has been hard on me, my mum passed away when I was 4 leaving my behind my dad l, brother and I. My dad ignored me for most of life due to my brother being so much younger than I. I always felt alone. My children are my saviors. I am their hero, might not be to others, but they look up to me. They need something they come to me, they cry they come to me. I'm just proud of the respect and adored humans they have become.

My daughter Dr ipshita Mandal-Johnson and Arpita Shah, whome l raised by sacrificed my entire career ,but l am proud that they are so independent and they are helping the society

I am a stay at home mum and although it’s not as challenging or anything big, there are still a few struggles and challenges (like your mental health and sometimes lack of support) but there are positives and rewarding times taht make this journey/challenge worthwhile !

Im a home grown hero because I am always putting my whanau and community of Murupara first. I do this by volunteering my time and currently through my mahi as Whanau Ora Community Health Worker for Te Ika Whenua Hauora Inc. Society based in Murupara.

My mum Christine is a homegrown hero because she has done everything possible to support myself and my husband in raising out first baby Jimmy. Jimmy is almost two now and mum (Jimmys nana) has his every Tuesday while I work, she also often has him in the weekends, takes him swimming, on play dates, helps look after him when he’s unwell, spoils him with more love then I have ever seen and is always doing anything she can to make him happy. I am so grateful that I have had my mum by my side to create such a magical happy childhood for Jimmy. She’s our families hero.

Before I had my son I was a Manager at the local branch of a nationwide chain of stores. I was six months pregnant before I found out, so the next few months flew by in a rush (me and his Dad had seperated before I found out I was pregnant). When you have a purpose, you find the energy. I organised maternity leave, saved as much as I could and started putting plans in place eg, enrolled him in childcare. But once he was born, all my plans were put aside as he needed a few surgeries in his first year so while I went back to work, it was only part time until I had to make the decision of whether to go full time. But as my son was still having surgical procedures, I left for another part time position. My son has been my rock, my strength. It’s always been me and him 24/7.. there were no breaks every second weekend, his Dad did his own thing. But every time something gets me doubting myself, I think of my son and what’s best for him. As a parent, we second guess ourselves so much, feel guilty at times. But happy to say my son is now thriving!

My three kids, i work extremely hard as a social worker helping others while juggling my own household. I run community events, beach clean ups, Christmas community projects where I can help others in need, i completed Fight for life charity event , where ever i can i am always keen to help others and do what i can for the community and to better other peoples lives. I am currently on maternity leave and heading back to work in two months so our family can hopefully buy our first house. We have been saving everything we possibly can in order for this to happen. My kids are my world, helping others is my passion and being a good human is me!

Around 6 years ago I was suddenly taken ill with Meningitis. I was in a coma for over a week and in hospital for a while after that. My eldest at the time was 3 and my youngest was 9 months old. As soon as I woke up in the hospital I had no idea what was going on, but I knew if I fell asleep that would be it ... the thought of not watching the girls grow up was the one thing that kept me awake, I knew I couldn't fall asleep again or I wouldn't see them grow up - amazing the drive being a parent can give you! The recovery time was substantial but as always my drive was to be able to care for my girls again without having to call on friends and family to constantly help me out - 6 years on all's well that ends well, full recovered and since had another little boy too :)

7 years ago I had just Finished fostering my 4th teen. When the phone call that was set to turn my world upside down came. A mother had drug and alcohol problems had just given birth to a wee angel that for her reasons she decided she didn't want him. Not only was that heart breaking 💔 to hear BUT this precious wee man was born way too soon. He was only 28weeks struggling to breathe and had no one to love him. Well I jumped in my car told my 2 boys who were adults now to look after things at home and off I raced. Tears pouring down my face when I got there and saw this very tiny wee honey inside an incubator tubes and lines attached everywhere on him. My heart exploded into a thousand little pieces. He was so beautiful so perfect and it was instant love. The next 12 weeks was the hardest in my life. I had to leave my career, and turn my newly decorated home into a baby proofed one. And there were so many times my heart kept snapping. I was told for the first 3 weeks I couldn't touch him his skin was very fragile, I had to watch him being revived too many times but you know what made it all worth it? When at 34 weeks he held my finger and smiled at me. Back home my 2 boys were busy helping to get the home ready and we didn't honestly know if I would be bringing him home. My 2 boys surprised me one day when they showed up at the neonatal unit asking to see their WEE BROTHER. And they did cry at what they saw but that didn't stop them asking if they could cuddle him. My number 2 son who is in the NZ army whispered in his wee ear 'ive got you little brother ive got you' i swear that was the day I saw my boys in a whole new light. Having raised them on my own ive never been as proud of my journey with them as I was at that moment. Well I can tell you 7 years later Robbie (Robert) is now nearly 7yrs old he has 2 big brothers that love him so much they're constantly fighting over who is favored the most by Robbie. Yes these wee guy that fought for 12 weeks to survive, who i watched need to be revived too many times.....is now my number 3 son, happy healthy and super cheeky and funny who loves his older brothers so much. So when I thought it was now my turn to travel and enjoy a child free life while I watched from a distance my now grown 2 boys it did a huge 360 on me and today I'm still raising boys and turning them into good men. And you know what.....I wouldn't have it any other way. I've decided that once master Robbie is old enough I will return to fostering and opening up my heart and home to a child that needs me that needs US! STAY SAFE NEW ZEALAND 🇳🇿

My wife and I have an awesome son he lives in West Melton, he is 44 years old, he now comes to our home about every couple of weeks, for the first 33yrs of his life he lived with us, he has autism with some challenging behaviors, my wife and I are in our 70s, we look forward to seeing him whenever he comes home, also we use your products on a regular basis, we would be thrilled to win one of these prizes 😊we feel whatever their age, they will always be your child 😁

I've been raising these three gems all alone my middle child has GDA ADHD and ASD, all single parents are hero's it takes a mighty strong person to do this all alone especially when one has extra needs... Wish I had family or friends support but I get through this all alone... Trying to get a head so we can have better financial stability... I'm always thinking and giving to others even though we have so little... At least we have best friends forever... The true heroes out babies...

I prefer to do everything all myself

Kia ora, my names Chloe! I have 3 boys under 3. My eldest Jaxon who has ASD he is 3, my middle pepi Te Ariki is 2 and my youngest Nikau is 1. I have been a solo mama for a year and a half now after finally breaking away from a toxic relationship. One of the hardest things ive ever had to do and i did it all for my boys the reasons who keep me going everyday!