New Zealand Nurses Organisation celebrates International day of the midwife
The New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) celebrates International Day of the Midwife on Monday 5 May. We take the time
to thank midwives in Aotearoa New Zealand who are working with women and their families in our communities and
hospitals, and renew our commitment to advocating for a safe, quality, well-resourced midwifery workforce.
NZNO professional nursing adviser, Kate Weston says, “A well resourced professional midwifery workforce supports safe
pregnancy, labour and birth. Those things give babies and children the best start in life. And this, in turn, works on
achieving Millennium Development Goals 4&5 – reducing child mortality and improving maternal health.”
“The International Confederation of Midwives 2014 theme this year is "Midwives - changing the world one family at a
time", which sends a strong signal that midwives provide care that changes families, communities and the world by saving
the lives of mothers and babies.”
Weston says, “NZNO has recently released its priorities for the up-coming General Election – prompting us all to think
about voting for a public health friendly government that will consider issues of safe clinical environments, social
health and equity and the best start for babies and children. These key elements support midwives to be able to practice
safely and protect the future and health of the nation.”
Ends.