Heartbreakingly, at 11 months, Mina was too young to be vaccinated and within days of coming down with a fever, she succumbed to one of the most contagious diseases on the planet.
For high-school sweethearts Nick and Nicole Stanley, dreams of having a large brood were cut short when they learnt Nick was paralysed from the chest down. But then came little baby Thomas.
''When you came into the world a year ago today, you changed our lives in the best possible way and each day you bring us so much love, laughter and happiness.''
It's been a dream year for the sporting star and new mum. And none it would have been possible without the unwavering support from her husband Richie McCaw.
Maddi and Rawiri Cherrington, both of whom have dwarfism, didn't know if they would require medical help in falling pregnant or even if their dream to have a family would become a reality.
There's so much expectation to have a great time at family gatherings on Christmas Day. People invariably crumble and drink or say too much. Here's how to avoid that this year.
Psychologist and author Darcy Lockman says men are as biologically geared to be caregivers as women, but deep-seeded notions about gender roles have held us back.
The Donate Your Kit campaign was inspired by research which showed that one in eight Kiwi kids felt excluded from sport because they didn't have the gear.
It's been 15 years since the tragic loss of their beloved daughter Natasha Hayden, but to Lynette and Brian Brown, it remains as raw as that dreadful summer’s afternoon.
''We're just so in awe of this guy that every tough day is totally worth it," beams proud dad Art. ''Milo's the biggest sweetheart and Matty and I feel so lucky he's all ours.''
The Westside stars fell instantly in love with their gorgeous boy, with the new dad telling, “He was lifted out and held up like a little Simba. It was the most amazing moment.”
''I might look like a tough person, but when it comes to my kids, I just fall over,'' says a doting Valerie of her adorable children Kimoana and Kepaleli.
For the first-time dad, being away from his family was heart-wrenching. "I really started to appreciate how much I need Sarah and Brando in my life, and how big a part of my heart they are," he says.
Before their first date, Mary-Ann Moller excitedly typed Paul Wood’s name into Google and two words jumped out at her: convicted murderer. ''Obviously I wasn’t expecting that.''
''I find that having little kids is more physical and it's just really hard on your body, so I am glad that I had kids kind of young," the Hollywood star has said.
In characteristic Matilda Green style, she focused on thanking those who had sent messages of support, saying, "There are far more kind people in the world than otherwise."
''And now as I see my husband with our little girl, I witness the love and pride beaming from his face every day. She really is the apple of his eye.''
Mum Kendall says thanks to the aid from their "village" of helpers, she's managing to make it through. So it was only fitting that the village got a chance to celebrate.
"I always laughed when I was on a reality TV show and the other contestants would be crying because they missed their kids. I was like, 'Harden up!'" he chuckles.
Women in the ‘sandwich generation’ are spread too thin caring for both their parents and their kids. Kiwi expert Miranda Smith is urging Kiwis to be better prepared for this reality.
Tyler Veint's courageous actions were recognised at a school assembly with a Super Saver Bravery Award, complete with heroic golden cape and certificate.