Midwives and families will march through Wellington on Thursday 3 May celebrating International Midwives’ Day and bringing a Delivery for Dear David – a petition for the Minister of Health, David Clark, to support urgent sustainable funding for midwifery.

“The Ministry of Health and the NZ College of Midwives have together produced a funding model that solves the issues of gender pay equity and shortages of community midwives– the Government just needs to fund it in the budget”, says Siobhan Connor, Chair of the Wellington Region of the College of Midwives. “With average take home hourly income for rural midwives of $7.23 and for urban midwives of $12.80 urgent action is needed. We love our work and know we make a huge difference to women but our families suffer when our dedication and skill is not financially recognised. Midwives are leaving the profession because of this and then women lose access to maternity care. The solution is ready – so fund it.” Information about the new funding model and background information on community midwifery in New Zealand is attached.

Connor says, “We usually celebrate Midwives’ Day with a get together lunch but it is three years since we launched our pay equity case with the High Court and the issue is still not solved so we are in the mood for a Day of Action.”

The March will be a colourful event with costumes and performances. The picnic at Parliament will be MCed by Pinky Agnew with speeches from Karen Guilliland, CEO of the NZ College of Midwives, Emily Writes, parenting author, Charlie Ferris, Cromwell midwife, Marama Davidson, Co-leader of the Green Party and Jenny Marcroft, health spokesperson for New Zealand First.

Gathering at Civic Square at 11am, marching at 11:30 down Lambton Quay to Parliament arriving 12/ 12:30, picnic til 2pm. For further information: Andrea Sarty, Registered Midwife, Deputy Chair Wellington Region NZ College of Midwives, 021304448.

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