Midwifery

Te Ara ō Hine — Tapu Ora is a national programme that was created to help address the need for more Māori and Pasifika midwives across the motu. We provide resources to help you study and complete your midwifery qualification, so that Māori and Pasifika babies can be born into Māori and Pasifika hands.  

We provide services to all learners who whakapapa Māori or Pasifika—wherever you are on your whakapapa journey. 

Who we are 

Our Māori and Pasifika liaisons are also midwives who have been where you are. They are here to tautoko and awhi (guide, uplift and support) you every step of the way—from before you apply through to your graduation as a qualified midwife.

What we offer

• Pastoral care—an ear to listen when you need it 
• Whakawhanaungatanga—establishing relationships 
• Regional and national Hui/Fono so you can meet other Māori and Pasifika ākonga 
• Academic support 
• Cultural support (we have a dedicated Māori Support Centre, Te Punaka Ōwheo, and a Pasifika Support Team - all of these staff can offer you one-to-one academic, cultural and social support)
• Kaiarahi Teina—peer mentoring 
• Koha aroha—financial assistance 
• Scholarship support - particularly our Irihapeti Ramsden Memorial Scholarship for Māori students
• Referrals to other support services 
• Online groups to keep you connected with other midwifery students 

Get in touch 

If you would like to chat with a liaison about how you can become a midwife, what to expect from the programme, or to get help with your application, email TeAraOHineTapuOra@op.ac.nz with your name, your email or phone number, and whether you would like to speak with a Māori or Pasifika liaison. We would love to hear from you.