Maternal Health in New Zealand — A Guide for Pacific and African Communities
Quick answer
Pasifika mothers in New Zealand can access free midwifery care, Plunket visits, Well Child checks, and in many areas, Pacific health teams through their DHB. Some regions also have Pacific-specific maternal health programmes. Contact your GP or Plunket (0800 933 922) to find services in your area.
What support is available for Pasifika mothers in New Zealand?
Pasifika mothers in New Zealand can access free midwifery care, Plunket visits, Well Child checks, and in many areas, Pacific health teams through their DHB. Some regions also have Pacific-specific maternal health programmes. Contact your GP or Plunket (0800 933 922) to find services in your area.
Pregnancy and new parenthood in New Zealand involve a system of care that can be unfamiliar to those coming from other countries. This guide outlines what to expect and how to access support as a Pacific or African community member.
Antenatal (pregnancy) care
In New Zealand, midwives are the primary carers for most pregnancies. When you find out you are pregnant, your first step is to register with a Lead Maternity Carer (LMC) — usually a midwife. This is free under New Zealand's public health system.
Contact your GP or call Healthline (0800 611 116) to find a midwife in your area. In some areas, midwives book up early — it is recommended to register as soon as you know you are pregnant.
- Your midwife will:
- Provide regular antenatal appointments
- Order blood tests and scans
- Attend your birth (or arrange cover)
- Provide postnatal care for up to 6 weeks
Birth in New Zealand
You can choose to birth in a hospital, a birthing unit, or at home. Most births in New Zealand take place in hospital. Epidurals and other pain relief are available. You have the right to have a support person present.
Postnatal care
After birth, your midwife will visit you at home several times in the first 2–6 weeks. They will check on your recovery and your baby's health.
After your midwifery care ends, a Plunket nurse takes over. Plunket provides free Well Child checks for your baby from birth to 5 years.
Pacific-specific maternal care
Several DHBs in New Zealand have Pacific health teams and culturally specific maternal health programmes. These services understand the importance of family involvement, church community, and Pacific cultural practices in the postnatal period.
To find Pacific-specific services in your area, ask your GP, midwife, or call Plunket on 0800 933 922.
African community considerations
For women from East or Central African countries, some aspects of New Zealand maternity care may be different from what you experienced at home — particularly around family involvement in birth, traditional postnatal practices, and breastfeeding support. Your midwife should be open to discussing your preferences and cultural needs. If you feel you are not being heard, you can request a different midwife or ask your GP for support.
What is free and what is not
- Midwifery care: free
- Birth in a public hospital: free
- Plunket Well Child checks: free
- Postnatal GP visits for the baby: reduced fees (enrolled patients)
- Dental care during pregnancy: free for pregnant women enrolled with a dentist (ask your dentist)
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