People think I'm crazy...but I've never felt such peace

She has no idea how she'll cope with having her fourth child at age 41, but weather presenter Renee Wright tells writer Sophie Neville this unexpected blessing has brought a real sense of calm,

- Sophie Neville

Moments after giving birth to her precious third child back in 2016, Renee Wright turned to her husband and breathed an elated sigh of relief. "Thank God I'll never have to do that again,” she said, certain her family was complete with the arrival of little Arabella.

Six years later and seven months pregnant with a surprise fourth baby at age 41, Renee can only laugh about those famous last words. “I genuinely believed we were done,” she grins, welcoming us into the beachside home she shares with husband Charlie Waide and their children, Leo, 10, Gigi, eight, and six-year-old Arabella.

While this wasn't quite how the broadcaster had envisaged her 40s, " embarking on a pregnancy at this stage of her life has been one of the most life-affirming things Renee has ever done.

“So many people have said to me, 'Are you crazy?' But I feel totally calm and at peace about adding to our family. To me, this is what life is all about and I really am so grateful to get the opportunity again. It feels like a gift.”

It's 9.30 am on a Thursday when we arrive at Renee's new home in Devonport, on Auckland's North Shore, and she looks immaculate despite having just got back from the school run. Her stunning home, which the family moved into last year, is picture-perfect too. Candles flicker on almost every surface, stylish black-and-white family photos adorn the walls, vases of fresh blooms are dotted around the room and, most striking of all, everything is spotless.