Tālofa lava, Mālō e lelei, Kia orana, Ni Sa Bula Vinaka, Namaste, Fakaalofa lahi atu, Mālō nī, Mauri, Noa’ia, Tēnā koutou katoa and warm Pacific greetings to all midwives and communities in Tāmaki Makaurau and Aotearoa, and to all those affected by the current Covid-19 outbreak.

The College of Midwives wishes to reiterate its acknowledgement of the vital work of midwives in this Covid-19 outbreak as they support women and whānau, particularly during the heightened worry and concern in Pacific communities in Auckland. A number of midwives and students are themselves members of these communities and have direct connections. The College recognises this outbreak’s effect on Pasifika people, and that there is a high level of concern about the potential Covid-related health effects for these groups, and for the psychological, economic and social impacts of the Alert Level 4 restrictions.  We acknowledge the stress and uncertainty that many whānau are experiencing, with several people being treated in hospital, while others are being required to move into quarantine facilities for the duration of their illness or period of isolation following exposure

The College once again stands in solidarity with the affected communities to decry the racist attacks that have been perpetuated against them in person and online, and shares the Director General’s sentiments that the problem is the virus and people are the solution. We express our gratitude to everyone who has continued to be vigilant by accessing health care for a Covid-19 test when they have had symptoms or been asked to test and self-isolate.  We will all benefit from your vigilance as we will hopefully yet again eliminate this virus.

The College is available to support its members in all areas of practice at a regional and national level during this outbreak and ongoing.