Education

Overview

Midwifery education in New Zealand has undergone extensive development since 1990. A unique feature of this development has been the involvement of midwifery practitioners, maternity consumers, the NZCOM and other relevant stakeholders in the planning of programmes, the writing of curricula and the ongoing implementation and monitoring of the programmes.

These partnerships have contributed to the integrated midwifery education model that has developed in New Zealand whereby education reflects the needs and directions of practice, and educators and practitioners share responsibility for the preparation of all midwifery practitioners. (Further discussion of partnerships in midwifery education can be found in Sally Pairman’s paper below. It was also published in the Journal: Pairman, S.(2001). International trends and partnerships in midwifery education. New Zealand College of Midwives Journal, 24, 7-9).

The NZCOM supports and encourages this integrated model of midwifery education. Its facilitation of regular national meetings of all stakeholders are important factors in the ongoing development of this model.

NZCOM Midwifery Education Framework

NZCOM has developed a framework and guidelines for midwifery education at both pre-registration and post-registration levels.

It is acknowledged that this framework will evolve in response to changes in the context of midwifery practice and education in New Zealand.  The document will be revised and updated as required.

Section One sets out the role of the New Zealand College of Midwives (NZCOM) in relation to midwifery practice and education in New Zealand, and the relationship of the NZCOM to other organisations with responsibilities for midwifery education.  It also addresses the relationship between midwifery and nursing education in the context of the New Zealand maternity service.

Section Two provides background to the development of the framework, including the consultation process and discussion of some of the contextual issues that have impacted on the development of this framework.

Section Three sets out the National Framework for Midwifery Education.  It provides direction for midwifery educators and educational institutions offering midwifery programmes and represents the consensus view of NZCOM midwife-members of the focus they wish to see for midwifery education.

The framework document can be downloaded from the link below. It was also published in the NZCOM Journal. (Pairman, S. (2000). NZCOM education framework. New Zealand College of Midwives Journal, 22, 5- 14).

National Midwifery Education Forum

NZCOM convenes an annual meeting of all midwifery education providers, both those in tertiary educational institutions and those in District Health Boards. Educators meet with midwifery practitioners, representatives of the NZCOM National Office and National Committee, representatives of women’s health managers, consumers and other relevant organisations such as the Midwifery Council of New Zealand and the Ministry of Health.

This meeting provides an opportunity for networking and discussion of midwifery education issues from all perspectives to promote consistent standards and approaches to education throughout New Zealand. It also works to support the integrated midwifery education model between education and practice that is fundamental to the success of New Zealand’s midwifery education programmes.