Celebrating Midwives Across Aotearoa This International Day Of The Midwife

Midwives across Aotearoa will be recognised and celebrated on International Day of the Midwife, 5 May 2026, with a nationwide campaign acknowledging the vital role they play in the lives of whānau every day.

The New Zealand College of Midwives | Te Kāreti o ngā Kaiwhakawhānau ki Aotearoa is marking the day with a public “Thank you, midwives” billboard campaign, alongside a series of social media stories shared throughout the day, highlighting the voices of those entering the profession.

The campaign aligns with the global theme set by the International Confederation of Midwives, calling for “One million more midwives” worldwide, and brings this message to life in a local context by celebrating the next generation of midwives in Aotearoa.

College Chief Executive Alison Eddy says the day is an opportunity to both recognise the profession and look to its future.

“Midwives play an essential role in supporting women and whānau through some of life’s most significant moments. International Day of the Midwife is a chance to acknowledge that contribution and to celebrate the commitment, skill, and care midwives bring to their work every day.”

The billboard campaign will feature simple, high-impact messages of appreciation in main centres as well as regional locations, ensuring the public has an opportunity to recognise and thank midwives for the care they provide.

Alongside this, a curated series of social media tiles will be released throughout the day, sharing reflections from new graduates about why they chose the profession and what it means to them.

“These voices are an important reminder of the strength and future of midwifery in Aotearoa,” says Alison. “Supporting those entering the profession, and ensuring they feel valued and connected, is critical to sustaining the workforce.”

Midwives across the country will also be coming together in their regions to mark the day, recognising both the collective strength of the profession and the relationships that underpin midwifery care.

The College represents almost 95 percent of midwives in Aotearoa and continues to advocate for a strong, sustainable midwifery workforce that can meet the needs of women and whānau now and into the future.

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