Singer, nappy changer, mayor
Nappy changing and baby bathing is a breeze for new dad Nick Leggett although he admits he’s not so good at getting up in the middle of the night.
Life has just got a whole lot busier for the Porirua mayor and Wellington mayoral contender, but having a newborn is proving to have an unexpected side effect.
‘‘I’m surprised how relaxing it is looking after him, having Tane has actually forced me to slow down and take time.
‘‘People have said they’re surprised with how relaxed I am...I can waste a whole evening just looking at him.’’
Leggett credits his relaxed parenting to wife Emily who is experiencing motherhood for the second time and does the late night feeds of their son.
With his campaign for the Wellington mayoralty ramping up, he was enjoying the quiet time spent with his new baby.
‘‘I’m definitely taking my time with him, because you don’t get that time back.
‘‘I’m lucky because Emily knows what she’s doing and is so relaxed which rubs off on Tane and I.
‘‘I do the baths and change the majority of the nappies. I’m not so good at the middle of the night feeding, but we tag team a lot and share the work.’’
Tane was born on July 7, just hours after Leggett launched his Wellington mayoral campaign.
‘‘We got fantastic care at Wellington Hospital and the midwives really helped settle Tane into a routine.’’
The name Tane comes from Emily’s side of the family and all four of his grandparents are represented in the name.
‘‘He’s named Tane Frederik Pita Leggett, the names are Samoan, Maori and Pakeha because he’s a modern Porirua baby.’’
Emily said motherhood had been very different the second time around and Tane’s older sister Madi had been a willing helper.
‘‘I’m a lot more confident this time and more content with where my life is at which makes everything more relaxing.
‘‘Madi’s been the only child for 11 years, it’s been a big change for her, but she’s besotted with him.’’
She said Leggett was a handson Dad and sings his son to sleep, but her husband had a different view on the success of his lullabies.
‘‘He goes to sleep really quickly because he hopes the singing will stop.’’