About our region

As a health board we cover the southern region of Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, and look after more than 10% of the country’s population, a third of which are of Maaori and Pacific Island descent. This makes us one of the most diverse health care providers in Australasia. Our service is unique with over 8200 births per year with a strong midwifery focus. Our vaginal birth rate of 83% reflects our philosophy of keeping birth normal, and we boast the lowest caesarian rates in New Zealand. The Counties Manukau population is growing at 2-3% per year, an additional 8-12,000 or so residents each year!!!!

Our Maternity Services

We are one of the largest maternity services in Australasia, meaning that – as a midwife - you get the challenge of a busy facility along with the lifestyle benefits that are part and parcel of living in New Zealand. We care for a unique, fascinating and culturally diverse community focusing on providing women-centered care, and promoting natural childbirth.

Our supportive and vibrant team - many of whom are from oversees - thrives within a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Not only are we midwifery-led, we also offer excellent in-house professional development and a 15 month new graduate programmes for all of our Midwives.

Our Services at Primary Birthing Units

CMDHB has 3 midwifery-led primary birthing units in our community which all offer a full range of pregnancy and birthing services for over 1300 low risk women per year. Water pools are available for use in labour and birthing, and all three facilities are Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (breastfeeding) accredited.

Our Services at Middlemore Hospital

This is our base hospital and tertiary centre, where we provide primary, secondary and tertiary care to over 6800 women per year. This service moved into new facilities in October 2007 and now includes:

Assessment, Labour and Birthing Unit – a midwifery-led unit offering 17 birthing rooms, 4 flexi-rooms and 5 day assessment rooms. There is a great working relationship with the wider multi-disciplinary team, including private providers
Dedicated obstetric/gynae ultrasound department
Maternity Ward – a 45 bedded antenatal/postnatal floor
Neonatal Unit - a modern 26 to 36 cot level II and III unit
Links between Women’s Health and Paediatric (Kidz First) services through a shared management structure.