Midwife
Also known as
Work environment
- Usually work shifts, including nights and weekends and may be on call
- Usually work in hospitals and birthing centres, and may travel locally
- May do emotionally demanding work
- Need to make decisions, work well under pressure and communicate well
Salary information
Typical tasks
- Give pregnancy care and advice
- Monitor the health of mothers and babies
- Care for women during pregnancy and childbirth
- Deliver babies safely
- Identify problems before and during childbirth
- Refer women to specialists
- Teach newborn care skills
- Care for mothers and babies after birth
- Develop medical treatment plans
Outlook
Midwifery remains central to maternity care in New Zealand, with continuing focus on safe, equitable and culturally responsive support for whānau. An ageing health workforce, changing population needs and efforts to improve access in rural and underserved areas are shaping the sector. Digital health tools are increasingly used to share information, but personalised continuity of care remains an important part of maternity services.
What employers and industry want in graduates
- Compassionate, respectful communication with women and whānau
- Ability to build trust and support informed choices
- Cultural safety and responsiveness to diverse communities
- Sound clinical judgement and attention to safety
- Calmness and adaptability in changing situations
- Teamwork with other health professionals and services
Professional registration
Midwifery Council of New Zealand
04 499 5040
AUT programmes
The above is a suggestion only and a starting point. You may need to meet other criteria or take additional steps to work in this career.
Further study options
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This data is sourced from the Tertiary Education Commission through the Tahatū Career Navigator website (www.tahtu.govt.nz) and used under the CC BY 4.0 licence. Some of the information has been modified by AUT. TEC has not approved, endorsed or tested these modifications. TEC will not be held accountable for any errors within this data.