A maternity revolt is unfolding in Waikato now it's emerged a second birthing unit in less than a week is to close in the region.
Locals in Waihi have launched a petition to save the Waihi Lifecare Birthing Centre, which will close at the end of November.
Meanwhile, Huntly's Birthcare will close October 31.
Waihi mother of five Bridget Meares, who last stayed in the unit in January with newborn Irie, says she fears for rural women having babies in the future.
"It's very sad, I would describe the annexe as being like Disneyland for mums. It's been incredibly important as it gives me the ability to bond with the pēpi I've just had, and for me to bring all my whānau in to have around me. Koro, aunties, the whole whānau. You can't do that in a hospital."
A shortage of midwives is to blame for the closure of Waihi. Prior to COVID-19 it had eight midwives - now it has three.
Only 37 women gave birth there last year, and a total of 70 used the post-natal service.
"It's devastating. Waihi's [birthing centre] has been here 80 years, now women will have to travel to Tauranga or Waikato to see a midwife and deliver their babies," said Waihi Birthing Centre manager Ashley McKay.
For some as far away as Whangamatā, that could mean a two-hour drive through the Karangahake Gorge "which is often closed in winter" for twice weekly antenatal checks and to give birth.
"What about the mamas that can't afford to get there, then there's the time. I feel like there is a disaster waiting to happen," Meares said.
Waihi midwife Belinda Beetham told Newshub the phone has been running hot with anxious women who she fears will opt-out of antenatal care altogether.
"They're saying they'd rather [give] birth at home than go to a hospital in a city. Many of our women are high-risk, [so] that may not always be their best option. Where are women and babies on our priority list in New Zealand?" she said.
Midwives, whether they're community or hospital-based, are funded by Te Whatu Ora.
In a statement Te Whatu Ora said: "It is acknowledged there is a sector-wide shortage of suitably qualified staff and we are currently working to address this in our Health Workforce Plan."
In the case of Huntly's Birthcare which closes next month, it received a flat rate of funding from Te Whatu Ora as a care provider, but this was still not enough to make staying open viable.
Birthcare's owner Evolution Healthcare also blames staff shortages and lack of patronage.
It said this year had only seen 40 parents use its facility, and of them, only six went into labour and gave birth.
Te Whatu Ora told Newshub it has not received an application for additional funding from Birthcare Huntly.
"Te Whatu Ora is now working with Te Aka Whai Ora - Māori Health Authority and key stakeholders to explore options for supporting expectant mothers in the Huntly area," said Lisa Gestro of Te Whatu Ora Waikato.
The College of Midwives says New Zealand is 1050 midwives short, and Te Whatu Ora's funding model needs a rethink.
"For some areas like Westport, where there are only two midwives, you only need one to leave and your service is unsustainable. So it highlights the critical nature of these services," said Alison Eddy, chief executive at the College of Midwives.
"We've been asking for a long time for an update to the funding model, it's not just what they are paid, [but also] it's the support around them we need to improve."
Eddy said work is underway to recruit more midwives due to an ageing workforce "but this should have happened 10 years ago".
