DHBs are looking to the United Kingdom to recruit midwives in the face of a severe shortage of midwives which is exacerbated by falling numbers of students studying midwifery. Jill Ovens, co-leader of MERAS, the midwifery…

“It was like we had little control over our own bodies.” That’s how one Auckland woman describes her experience of childbirth in the 1970s and 80’s That all changed 30 years ago (22 August 1990),…

Saturday, 22 August, marks the 30th anniversary of the Nurses Amendment Act 1990, providing statutory recognition for midwives as “safe and competent practitioners in their own right.” In addition, midwives won the statutory right to…

The unexpected resignation of Auckland Central MP Nikki Kaye has put a spotlight on the contest between Helen White, MERAS lawyer, and Chloe Swarbrick, who is a Green MP and highly placed on the Green…

Government announcements today have been applauded by MERAS, the midwives’ union. However, Co-leader, Jill Ovens, is urging politicians not to stop there. She says the 9.6% increase in the starting salary for Early Childhood Education…

Today provides an opportunity for midwives to celebrate being a midwife and the value of our role. We hope that you all have the chance to do something special as part of that celebration at…

Ministry of Health guidelines released on Friday are causing considerable anxiety and stress for hospital midwives who feel they are putting themselves, the women they care for, and their families at unnecessary risk. MERAS, the…

Most New Zealanders are expressing relief at the latest steps announced yesterday by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern to slow the spread of COVID-19 and reduce the pressure on our health services. We are now at…

Employers have a responsibility under the Health and Safety Act to provide a safe workplace. However, unions have been advised that health professionals should not be at risk of contracting COVID-19 at work if clinical…