Lindsay Hipwell, Wellington

Lindsay came to us in February this year from Canada and has settled remarkably well into our slightly crazy family. Lindsay looks after Adam now 16 months old 4 days a week taking him out and about every day, whether it’s to the local playgroup, swimming pool, to feed the ducks or to walk to the dog park with our 45kg Labrador, Bernard. I work 4 days a week for KPMG as a senior manager whilst Andrew works for the Ministry of Fisheries. In addition I am on the Asia Pacific Committee for the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts which adds to the time taken from general household running activities and includes travel occasionally as well. In March, the busiest month of the year for a tax advisor, Andrew was away for 3 weeks and once he got home (for less than a week) I had a to go away for Guides for a committee meeting. Lindsay stepped up to the challenge and helped out even more, the washing was brought in folded and away, the house immaculate, Adam all sorted and ready for some mum time before bed whilst Andrew was away. This was especially important as I am 5 months pregnant and Adam was teething waking every night taking forever to settle again whilst wanting dad (which was impossible). Lindsay has the most amazing maturity for someone of her age and gets on well with everyone taking on lots of different challenges whilst she is here with us. We enjoy our evenings and weekends with Lindsay when she is at home and she thoroughly deserves this award. Lindsay is a total god send to us and ideally she would stay forever but that can’t happen.

Lindsay Hipwell