Midwifery In New Zealand

Midwives in New Zealand are either employed or Self employed. We work shifts through our hospitals or provide continuity of care as a LMC (Lead Maternity Carer), either as an employee or as a self employed Midwife. Midwives are paid by claiming to the government under section 88 or are paid by their employer. All Midwives have indemnity insurance and are members of their professional body - the New Zealand College of Midwives.

The Midwifery Council of New Zealand is responsible for the protection of the health and safety of women and babies during the childbirth process by providing mechanisms to ensure that midwives are competent and fit to practice midwifery

New Zealand midwives work in partnership with the woman and her family in a relationship of trust, shared decision making and responsibility, negotiation and shared understanding. All maternity care is free to women who are New Zealand citizens or permanent residents. The majority of woman in New Zealand choose Midwifery care only for their maternity experience. Women who require secondary care have their obstetric care provided free of charge, this comes from a different budget, which is funded by the government. Midwives and obstetricians have been working this way since mid 1990 when the Law was changed that enabled Midwives to work as autonomous practitioners. Women can choose to have private Obstetric care, which they must pay for themselves.