For TVNZ's stunning weather presenter Renee Wright baby number three has been a joy. At home with daughter Arabella and mum Marian, Wright shares her motherhood advice with editor Trudi Brewer.

There is a graceful beauty that surrounds Renee Wright, a tranquillity that is rare in a busy working mum with three kids and a high profile job. However, Wright says life is so much easier with her supportive mum by her side. Trudi Brewer visited Wright at her home on Auckland's North Shore to learn how she manages it all.

Career

What's a typical working day for you?

I work weekends, so it's breakfast with the family at home, and then I drop Arabella off to my mum around midday and head to work. I'm still breastfeeding Arabella who is 13 months old, and she still has two daytime naps, so she requires a different routine to the older two kids Leo, 5 and Gigi 3. Charlie (my husband) has the big kids, and they normally do something active and outdoors. Once I get to work, I go straight to hair and makeup, and then I start analysing weather data, scripting and putting together my weather graphics for the news, which is presented live at 6 pm. I also have to film clips for online and Country Calendar on Sundays. I am also the channel voice for TV1, which takes about 90 mins to pre-record every Tuesday.

What is the hardest part about working and juggling the kids?

Time pressures especially when traffic is bad in Auckland. And the Mother's guilt I feel when working.

Tell us something about your work/life balance that would surprise us?

I feel like I never get it right...it's work in progress.

Inside Renee’s Auckland family home she shares with her husband and three children.

Home

What do you love most about your home?

The natural light that streams into the living area.

What makes a house an easy-to-live-in family home?

Open plan living. It means I can keep an eye on the little ones while they play (and they like to be able to see me) and I can get dinner prepared at the same time.

How did your interior style change once you had a family?

I used to have a lot more 'stuff' around, today life is so busy, and the kid's toys are everywhere. So, today my interior style has simplified and my love of black and white is evident in most of the rooms. However the kid's rooms are their individual spaces, so they chose the colours they wanted.

What is your favourite room?

Our TV lounge. It's snug and comfortable with bean bags.

Daugther Gigi’s bedroom and Renee holding Arabella at home.

Motherhood

Who is the person who has inspired you as a mother?

My mum, Marion. We are super close. She is my inspiration when it comes to so many things. My kids adore her, as do I, and I envy her energy and patience with my children.

Is there a parenting rule you would never break?

Try and shape your kids don't control them. They need to be able to express themselves confidently and hopefully grow into kind, happy, productive adults. I try to always talk openly with my kids. They are all still so young, (five and under) but I hope they will always feel like they can talk to me about anything.

And one you always break?

Giving in. Some days I just have to pick my battles.

What are three words that describe you as a mum?

Committed, loving and proud.

How has motherhood changed you?

It's made me less selfish and forced me to be more organised.

What lessons have your kids taught you?

Patience and how to not sweat the small stuff.

What's the one piece of advice you would like to pass onto your children?

Enjoy the moment; life moves so quickly, do things that make you happy and surround yourself with kind, loving, inspirational people.

What is your best wellbeing tip for other mums?

Even though its hard to find some time for yourself, it's so important to exercise. It helps keep your stress levels down and your mind in the right place. Even if you fit in a walk around the block while your baby is sleeping or sitting in the pushchair.

Son Leo’s room, the master bedroom, and bathroom.

Style

How did the way you dress change after becoming a mum?

My morning routine is now on fast forward. I don't have time to fuss, so it's fairly basic now but always classic.

What is your fashion weakness?

Shoes, I love sneakers, sandals or slides.

Is there a beauty product you can't be without?

I love Bobbi Brown BB Cream. It has a built-in sunscreen, and for me it's fabulous.

What's always on your bedside table?

A bedside lamp, always a Jo Malone London candle and fragrance. I like cosy low lighting at nighttime, at the moment I am sleep deprived, and up often at night, so the lamp is best.

Photography Keryn Sweeney.
Makeup MAC Cosmetics artist Aimee Waterhouse-Fitch.