Changes to Whakatāne maternity service | Te Whatu Ora | Health New Zealand | Hauora a Toi Bay of Plenty

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Changes to Whakatāne maternity service

05 February 2025

Whakatāne Hospital’s Ko Matariki maternity service has changed while we recruit additional specialist doctors.

You can still give birth with the care of a midwife at Ko Matariki, but if you are going to need help from a doctor with your birth, you will need to go to Tauranga Hospital for Caesarean sections, inductions of labour (medication to artificially start the birth process), epidurals or if you have had problems during birth previously.

More information including frequently asked questions.

If you are pregnant and are not currently enrolled with a midwife or Lead Maternity Carer, we encourage you to enrol as soon as you can at findyourmidwife.co.nz  or call 0800 429 328. This number is available 24 hours/7 days per week and a midwife at Ko Matariki, Maternity Unit can kōrero with you.