31150 (2023). Hon Ginny Andersen to the Minister of Health

31150 (2023). Hon Ginny Andersen to the Minister of Health: On what date will the Awakairangi Birthing Centre in Lower Hutt be utilised for neonatal care and primary birthing?

Hon Dr Shane Reti: I am advised that Te Ao Marama Midwifery Tapui started operating from the former Te Awakairangi Birthing Centre in Lower Hutt in December 2023. They currently offer ante-natal and post-natal services and plan to offer primary birthing services to woman under their care within the first quarter of 2024. The range of services provided at the Te Awakairangi Birthing Centre, which could include neonatal care, will be considered as part of work to improve access to primary birthing services more generally across the Central Region. A date when any additional services will commence cannot be provided until this work is completed.