News and notices Pānui

Changes to Whakatāne maternity service

05 February 2025

Whakatāne Hospital’s maternity service (Ko Matariki) has moved from a secondary birthing service to a primary birthing service while we recruit additional specialist medical officers.

This means:

• A full midwife-based service will remain available for women/pregnant people who are likely to have an uncomplicated birth.
• However, if you need or are likely to need help from a doctor with your birth, you will give birth at Tauranga Hospital.  This includes Caesarean sections, inductions of labour (medication to artificially start the birth process), epidurals or help for people who have had problems during birth previously.
• While you are pregnant, your care will continue at Whakatāne Hospital with the support of Tauranga specialists.

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.