Rebekah wears the Alexis in Biscotti and Atlas backpack throughout. 

Meet Rebekah, a familiar face from Shortland Street, as she shares with us her journey from a small town to the big city. From a young performer with big dreams to navigating the hurdles of the industry, Rebekah's story reflects perseverance and hard work. Now, balancing acting with the joys and challenges of motherhood, Rebekah is gracefully embracing both worlds.

Tell us about yourself, your journey and what led you to become the women you are today?

It's only when asked these types of questions you really stop and reflect on the last 31 years of your life and how far you have come. I grew up on a Dairy Farm in Opoutere (not far from Whangamata) and found a passion for performing at a young age. I never really wanted to do anything else other than be an actor. My parents thankfully welcomed this for their spirited middle child and always believed that if I could do anything I set my mind to.

Moving to Auckland, I had to become resilient very quickly – I didn’t really know anyone here and I knew that to make it in the film / television industry there would always be knock backs. I was stubborn. I worked hard, seven days a week at times to put myself though additional acting classes and keep a roof over my head. My bestie and I lived together and scraped by calculating every item at the supermarket to the highest cent just to make sure we had enough at the checkout.

For a while there I started to believe that acting was a pipe dream that may never happen for me. I was 22 and had done small roles here and there, but nothing to really elevate my career and achieve the dream I’d been manifesting since I was seven years old. It was around this time I met Bevan (my now Husband) and I made a decision to just be happy with my life the way it was. I was with the most incredible man in the world, I had a great job (still within the film industry, just not in front of the camera), a wonderful network of friends, and when I became satisfied within my own situation funnily enough, that’s when I got the biggest opportunity of my career. The role of Dawn (on Shortland Street) was only every meant to be a three month contract, but to my delight was extended to a year, which in the end became seven years as a full time actor.

My upbringing has always kept me humble, as proud as my family are, they would never let any role go to my head. My years before Shortland Street taught me to be grateful for what I have and that happiness often comes from being at peace with what you have, rather than dwelling on what you don’t.

And as for my years on screen, well that taught be that dreams do come true. If you work hard you can achieve anything you set your mind to. I just hope, now as a Mother, I can install everything I have learnt into my children.

What does Motherhood mean to you?

Motherhood is everything. It’s a heart so full, it could explode at any moment. It’s the greatest gift and privilege I’ve ever experienced. There is nothing more selfless, yet fulfilling all at once.

Something you love and admire about your own Mother?

How she just managed to do it all – three kids and a farm to help run, yet she never missed a prize giving, a school trip, a dance performance. She gave everything to her kids and supported us wholeheartedly in our dreams without wavering. I hope, as a mother myself I can support my children as she did us. I can only imagine the sacrifices she made to do so.

Your journey to motherhood has been filled with both heartbreak and joy. How has the experience of welcoming your baby changed your perspective on life?

It's really shown me what is truly important. How blessed we are in the little moments watching our wee girl grow. And that we, as a family unit are now our own little unit and nothing is more important than that. I love spending time just the three of us and nothing makes me happier than this slower, quieter pace.

Your role on Shortland Street has made you a familiar face to many New Zealanders. How do you balance the demands of your career with being a new mother?

Currently the most I’ve really experienced with balancing my career with motherhood is the odd self-tape audition while Isla naps. There will absolutely be a time where it’s not as simple as that, but when that do go back to work, being intentional with my time at home with Isla will be my goal to enjoy motherhood and my career in harmony.

Every mother's journey is unique. What advice would you give to other women who may be going through similar challenges on their path to motherhood?

Be kind to yourself. I spent a lot of time beating myself up with all the “what ifs” that come with losing a baby. Don’t do that, its not conducive to the cause. Be gentle in your recovery, whatever that looks like, and just know, when you finally hold your baby in your arms, your heart will heal a hundredfold.

As Mother's Day approaches, how do you plan to celebrate this special day with your baby?

I haven’t put in any requests yet – But I’ll be more than happy with a coffee in bed with my loves and maybe a little family walk.

How do you prioritize self-care and maintain your own well-being amidst the demands of motherhood and your career in the entertainment industry?

Self care looks so different these days! I use to be the appointment queen but its much harder to get to appointments with a baby. It makes me feel good to have my hair, nails, face etc done so I’ll use my evenings for a facemask, or to paint my own toenails rather than dragging Isla to appointments.

The gym is a non-negotiable for me and my mental well-being. I’ll get myself to a gym class before Isla wakes a few days a week. Its not ideal when I’m exhausted but I’m making it work -  I always find I come back a better Mum after doing something for myself before the day has even begun.

Saben Style – What Saben bag is always by your side?  And what’s next on your wishlist?

The Milan Carry-All is my Baby Bag which I could not be without! There’s a compartment for everything and easily fits all I need (plus the “might needs that’s”) for busy days out with Isla in tow. Next on my list is the Juliet mini bag – I feel like it will be the perfect accessory for all events and occasions. Spoil them with Saben, shop the Mother's Day Gift Edit.

Rebekah wears the Alexis in Biscotti and Atlas backpack throughout. 

Spoil them with Saben, Shop the Mother's Day Gift Edit.