A new primary birthing unit has officially opened in central Auckland, providing expectant mothers with greater choice and increasing maternity capacity in one of New Zealand’s busiest birth regions.
Lst week, Associate Health Minister Casey Costello opened Whānau Ngā Uri, Health New Zealand’s first primary birthing unit in central Auckland. Located in Parnell, the facility will operate around the clock and is expected to support up to 400 women and their families each year.
Costello said the opening marked an important milestone in improving maternity services.
“Today marks an important milestone in helping to deliver more choice for women giving birth,” she said.
“I want to acknowledge the clinicians, midwives and partners who have worked tirelessly to bring this service to life.”
The new unit offers a midwifery-led, home-like environment while remaining close to Auckland City Hospital, allowing rapid transfer should specialist medical care be required.
The facility includes three birthing suites, all equipped for water births, as well as a shared family space. It will be staffed by 10 Health New Zealand midwives, with two onsite at all times.
In addition to supporting births with both Health New Zealand and community midwives, the service will provide acute maternity assessments, antenatal and postnatal care, vaccinations, anti-D treatment, iron infusions and primary assessments.
Metro Auckland records around 65 births each day, making it one of the country’s highest-demand maternity regions. Health New Zealand says the new facility will provide dedicated primary birthing capacity while supporting a more distributed model of maternity care.
The unit will also serve as a clinical training centre for midwifery and medical students, while providing structured support for newly graduated midwives entering the workforce.
Women who give birth at Whānau Ngā Uri will receive priority access to stay onsite for a funded three-day postnatal stay, delivered by Birthcare.
The opening forms part of the Government’s Budget 2026 investment in maternity services. The Budget includes $34.4 million over four years to expand maternity capacity and strengthen the workforce, while ensuring women continue to have access to up to three days of funded postnatal care.
“The days following birth can be intense and physically demanding. Mothers need time to recover, bond with their baby and build confidence — they shouldn’t feel rushed to leave,” Costello said.
She described the new facility as “a significant boost to maternity care in central Auckland” and a step towards giving mothers and babies “the best possible start.”
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