On Friday  afternoon the 8th of November 2019, a group of the original members of the College met at Burwood Hospital to celebrate the 30 year anniversary since the establishment of the New Zealand College of Midwives.

Current regional members were delighted to host a good sized group of the original membership list, and we enjoyed hearing stories of what it was like to be a midwife back then, and how the College got started.

The group were welcomed by regional chairperson Davina Geddes, and Karen Guilliland, Alison Eddy, and Norma Campbell all spoke too. Others shared their memories and stories, and we were all amazed by some of the recollections.

It was clear to everyone there that our existing model of care came about for a reason, and has unquestionable benefit for the women and babies we work with. Midwifery has changed a lot over the past 30 years, but it is important that we continue to stay strong together as a profession, and protect the continuity model of care.

Huge thanks to Ange Hewitt, Bex Harris, and Sonya Gray, who worked tirelessly over the past month to track down the original members, send invitations, and arrange the catering for the afternoon tea. All original members will be gifted with a special 30 yr commemorative pin.

Many thanks to everyone that came along to help celebrate this milestone, and honour these wonderful midwives from our region.