Media release – Otago Polytechnic
For immediate release, May 3, 2017
Otago Polytechnic students celebrate International Day of the Midwife
Otago Polytechnic’s School of Midwifery is embracing celebrations for this Friday’s “International Day of the Midwife”.
In Dunedin, Midwifery students and staff will attend a celebratory shared morning tea at the Otago Museum Reserve.
Mothers and families are invited to join with midwives to celebrate the day. Pippity Pop, the balloon lady, will
entertain the children while all will share morning tea.
Megan Walker is a Senior Lecturer at Otago Polytechnic’s School of Midwifery, as well as the Chairperson for NZ College
of Midwives Otago. She says the key message for Friday is that supporting midwives supports women, mothers and families.
“Investing in maternity services and the midwifery workforce is an investment in the wellbeing of New Zealand now and in
the future. It is evident in media reports that women are increasingly worried about the under resourcing of midwifery
services in New Zealand and would like more priority given to the profession” she says.
In Wellington, Otago Polytechnic midwifery students will take part in a picnic rally at Parliament Gardens in support of
midwives. They’ll have placards, balloons and banners on hand to show their support for the profession.
ENDS
EVENT: Shared Lunch to celebrate Midwives on International Day of the Midwife
WHERE: Otago Museum Reserve (First floor atrium if wet)
WHEN: Friday May 5, 10am-12pm
WHO: Otago Polytechnic Midwifery students, mothers, families and, of course, midwives.
NB Otago Polytechnic has satellite classes in Dunedin, Central Otago, Wellington Palmerston North and Whanganui.