About Iwaiwa
Our earliest formations
We first formed as Ngā Māia Māori Midwives ō Aotearoa in 1993, as a rōpū of Māori midwives, midwifery tutors, students and whānau to address the inconsistencies in maternity services for Māori in New Zealand.
By 2008 we received formal endorsement from the Midwifery Council of New Zealand (MCNZ), the New Zealand College of Midwives (NZCOM), and the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG).
Today heralds a new generation with over 450 members across 10 regions and a new name and brand Iwaiwa.
Ngāti Porou, Te Whānau-ā-Apanui
Te Kōpae
Te Kōpae embodies the cyclical nature of life: the transcendent transitions between mārama, kākano and hapūtanga.
At its heart is Iwaiwa. This name represents the enduring continuity of whakapapa; thus, our tohu evokes the swelling kākano: the seeds of life, knowledge and a legacy carried forth by each generation.
Its circular form has no beginning and no end. It reminds us that we do not possess this moment; we are kaitiaki within an enduring cycle. We preserve the wisdom of those who came before us, strengthen and grow it in our own time and entrust it to those who will follow.
When we gather, we come together for deep nourishment.
We acknowledge those who imagined this future.
We honour those who carried us here.
We accept that others will carry this kaupapa beyond where we have taken it.
This name waited for us.
This is not new, it’s a return.
A continuation in a new cycle.
The mission
We’re on a mission to weave ancestral wisdom, ceremony and practices into birth practice
Our values
Mana Motuhake
Lead, Advocate, Recognised
Whanaungatanga
Support, Mentor, Network
Manaakitanga
Engage, informed, responsive
He Tāonga Tuku Iho
Accountable, Resourced, Protected
Our board members
Professional portraits coming soon.
Our partners
