Being a working parent can be tough—it is a demanding role that requires the energy of an athlete, and the time-management skills of a ninja. We talk to Marketing Manager/Super-mum, Oriwa Hytongue, on what it takes to get the balance right when juggling work and family.

Three years and another baby later, Oriwa has developed an appreciation for a healthy work/life balance. “I love working with other like-minded people,” she says. “Not only is it stimulating, it makes me value family-time even more.”

Being a working parent is not without its challenges. “I know that some mums feel they are taking something away from their kids by working,” says Oriwa. “But I think the opposite is true, I believe I have more to give them when we’re together.”

Value togetherness and community

Togetherness and community have become strong values for Oriwa and her husband, Dan. He is a teacher at Nelson Central School and is an advocate for Māori and Pasifika culture in the region. On top of that, Oriwa’s mum is a school Deputy Principal; and her Dad runs a community boxing gym. This wider-family culture has become a support network that is indispensable for Oriwa and Dan. And with son Mika following in Dan’s footsteps to play rugby, Oriwa fills her weekends cheering with other families from the side-line.

This community culture is a shared value at Downing. Many of Oriwa’s colleagues have growing families and are familiar with the hectic dynamics that come into play for working parents. It’s not uncommon to have a child in the lunch-room colouring-in, or sneaking a mint or two from reception.

Whether Oriwa is proof-reading an annual report for a client, or a school project for Mika, being time-efficient is still one of her most valuable skills. “It’s the little systems that we’ve put in place at home that makes everything run smoothly,” she says. “When we get home from work each day we get the kids lunches sorted, bags packed, and clothes ready for the next day. We do this before we sit down and relax.”

Celebrate little wins

Oriwa knows there are always challenges being a working mum, but with a healthy support network, and commitment to routine, she has each day set-up for success. “Getting little ‘wins’ in the morning makes the rest of the day easier,” she says. “If I can get everyone out of the house with brushed teeth and brushed hair, then I know I will have a good day.”

Oriwa’s top tips for work/life balance

1. Flip your schedule – get ready for the morning the night before
2. Create a routine and allow for the unexpected
3. Schedule time for family and community
4. Surround yourself with a supportive network
5. Celebrate the small wins

How did you get into the creative industry?

In my early twenties, while living in a shoe-box flat in Christchurch, I spent much of my spare-time making illustrations and designs for friends. I loved the thrill of producing creative work and knew it was a career path I wanted to pursue. So I quit my job and went back to full-time study. That’s left me with a weird combination of self-taught skills, higher education, and talent for squeezing into small spaces.  

How would you describe your approach to the creative process?

Every business has a unique story. I love developing that unique identity story, as that sets a foundation for much of the creative work that follows. Once that narrative is defined, we can then move onto making that identity work through all areas of the business. This can include logos; colour; typography; tone-of-voice; marketing; and social-media. The options are endless. So my creative process? Identity first; other stuff second.

What’s a passion of yours?

Drawing. There is no better way to wind-down at the end of the day. If a picture is good, I’ll put it up on my Instagram. It is an outlet purely for myself; I am my own client, and I make illustrations that appeal to me.

What’s the ideal day for you?

Here are my key ingredients for a good day: Strong coffee; good work; time with family; and a pint of local beer.