Saria Newton is the first new addition to the Wairarapa population for 2024, and she’s already stolen the hearts of her parents and doting big sister, Amaia.
Born at 2.43pm on January 2, Saria is the second child for the Newtons, who moved to the region about two years ago to be closer to family and experience a quieter provincial lifestyle.
Times-Age spoke with Saria’s mother, who was bursting with joy talking about her newborn and the special relationship already formed between 18-month-old Amaia and her new baby sister.
“Amaia adores her,” she said.
“She’s bringing her gifts and trying to see her whenever she’s in her cot or crying.
“She’s actually been really amazing with her, it’s really sweet to see.”
The parents hope the bond between sisters will remain strong and that they can grow up as good friends.
The Newtons were surprised to learn that Saria was the first baby born in Wairarapa.
Saria had been due on New Year’s Eve but didn’t make her debut until a few days later, her parents and Amaia waiting patiently until it was time.
“I wouldn’t say the birth was easy, but it was definitely fast,” Newton said, explaining that they’d gone for a pre-scheduled midwife appointment on the morning of January 2 and within three or four hours of returning home baby Saria was ready to meet the world.
“She decided she wanted to come, and then she came,” Newton said.
The Newtons moved to Masterton after living in both Wellington and Auckland.
“We really wanted to be a part of the community and somewhere a little more laid back than other places we’ve lived in.”
