21st WONCA World Rural Health Conference, 10-13 April 2026: Read More – WONCA 2026 | Home
We advocate for, promote, and support a sustainable rural midwifery and primary maternity workforce that is committed to providing culturally safe and appropriate maternity care to rural communities. We promote and contribute to research and initiatives that enhance our knowledge and understanding of rural midwifery and maternity care needs, and work with Hauora Taiwhenua Council, Chapters, and members to positively influence birthing and health outcomes of rural communities. Our work will also help to identify Government strategic and policy issues impacting on rural midwifery and maternity services to be considered by the Hauora Taiwhenua Council.
Below you can learn more about rural midwifery from Kendra, one of our Chapter Co-Chairs.
Rural midwifery is facing workforce shortages that are threatening the sustainability of rural midwifery practice and access to quality primary maternity services for rural communities. We are currently focussing on creating a database of midwifery service delivery models from around the motu. The goal of this project is to identify commonalities for success that can contribute to a healthy and sustainable rural midwifery workforce that could be adopted nationally. You can learn more about two case studies below.
June 24th, 2025
In April, ten midwives from across rural Aotearoa gathered in Dunedin for a pilot workshop in Point of Care Basic Early Pregnancy Ultrasound for Midwives. Hosted by the University of Otago’s Department of General Practice and Rural Health, this workshop has been specifically designed for midwives working in rural settings in Aotearoa.
The workshop is the product of a nine-month collaboration between the New Zealand College of Midwives, the University of Otago and the Rural Midwifery and Maternity Chapter of Hauora Taiwhenua I Rural Health Network. It is a proactive response to a pressing issue—the substantial barriers many rural whānau face in accessing early pregnancy ultrasound, a fundamental aspect of safe and responsive maternity care.
Timely access to ultrasound in early pregnancy can be used for assessing fetal viability, confirming gestation and planning appropriate care, including abortion care. Yet, access remains inconsistent. While rural hospitals and clinics are often equipped with portable ultrasound machines, a national shortage of trained sonographers has impacted rural communities where access to local ultrasound services were already limited. Long travel distances, waitlists and limited appointment availability can result in delayed or missed scans, making this a rural health equity issue.
In September 2023, the Midwifery Scope of Practice was expanded to include Basic Early Pregnancy Ultrasound. This was intended to improve care access; however, uptake of this expanded scope has been hindered by the lack of a New Zealand-based training pathway, and by the fact that midwives are not currently able to claim for the service via the Primary Maternity Services Notice (2021). As such, the potential of this scope change remains unrealised.
The ultrasound training pilot seeks to address the training pathway, offering both theoretical and practical components of the Certificate of Allied Health Performed Ultrasound (CAHPU) in New Zealand via the Australasian School of Ultrasound Medicine (ASUM), which is the accreditation pathway approved by the Midwifery Council of New Zealand. Participants in the pilot hail from Te Tai Tokerau to Southland and will use their training to provide early pregnancy ultrasound in areas with known access issues. In a rural setting, where an urban-based appointment can involve hours of travel or logistical planning, this is a game-changer.
The potential benefits for rural communities have also been recognised by rural primary care organisations and Health NZ | Te Whatu Ora. Midwives’ course and attendance costs have been generously supported by Health Workforce New Zealand, Pinnacle Health, Palmerston North City Council, Waitaha Primary Health Trust and WellSouth Primary Health Network. If successful, it is hoped that the University of Otago workshop will evolve into a regular offering, helping to grow a workforce of ultrasound-capable midwives across Aotearoa.
Ultimately, the vision is clear: equitable, local, midwife-led care that meets the needs of rural whānau—ensuring that they are supported in the earliest and most vulnerable stages of pregnancy.
For over thirty years, I have had the privilege of working as a midwife, primarily in the remote rural areas nestled in the heart of Te Ika-a-Māui, Te Aotearoa. This extensive experience in diverse settings has given me a deep understanding of the unique challenges and rewards of providing care in these communities.
Currently, I am managing the maternity service at Dannevirke Community Hospital. I am incredibly fortunate to lead an amazing team of midwives who are deeply committed to serving their community with compassion and expertise. It’s truly inspiring to work alongside such dedicated individuals.
Throughout my career, I have also been closely involved with the College of Midwives. This long-standing association has been invaluable in nurturing my passion for women’s health and wellbeing on many different levels. I have greatly appreciated the opportunities for professional/governance growth and the strong sense of community that the college provides.
Thank you for taking the time to read about my background.
