FROM THE CEO
ON THE CUSP OF CHANGE Once again, midwifery finds itself on the cusp of change, as our future (reformed) health system slowly takes shape. As a profession, we have been remarkably resilient in the face of such change in the past, and in spite of our present challenges, I am certain midwifery will display similar resilience in the future. The process of childbirth is inherently unpredictable, so as midwives, we are used to living with a certain level of uncertainty and can do so quite comfortably. Of all the health professions, midwifery understands that change is constant, and in order to succeed, we need to continually evolve and adapt to our environment. Midwives and midwifery cannot and do not exist in isolation from the rest of the health system, nor the wider political imperatives or priorities. Similarly, the profession does not exist outside of its historical context, and as we are constantly shown through te ao Māori, knowledge of, and connection to history is what provides us with the very insights and tools we need in order to develop effective strategies which enable growth and transformation in the future. Applying this to the recently announced reforms of our health system, I’m sure we can all agree that what history is trying so desperately to teach us is that when reciprocity, equity and mutual understanding are not honoured within a partnership, one party will always be worse off. The establishment of the Māori Health
Authority with co-commissioning rights, therefore, represents long overdue recognition of this failing, and the turning of a significant corner. As Nicole Pihema’s first term as College President draws to an end, I have been reflecting on how her influence, as the first Māori president, has changed the nature of many conversations and helped the College to better understand the journey we need to embark on. Crete Cherrington, as College kuia, and Nicole have a special relationship which precedes their appointments to their respective College roles, and the mutual support they have provided for each other thus far has amplified their collective voice. Sadly, from my perspective, this has also illuminated how much more lonely it is for Māori operating in what is still a very Pākēha world. This issue of Midwife sees a call for nominations for president and I am thrilled that Nicole has agreed to put herself forward for a second term.
Tūngia te ururua, kia tupu whakaritorito te tutū o te harakeke. Set the overgrown bush alight, and the new flax shoots will spring up. (In order to change and do things differently, we may need to leave old ways behind.)
ALISON EDDY CHIEF EXECUTIVE
In terms of the new health system, there is both good news and uncertainty. It is likely that national service frameworks (such as service specifications and funding amounts) will be negotiated nationally, but administered regionally. Below regional levels, localities will be the layer at which services like primary maternity are integrated. What this means in practical terms and how this will impact on midwives and maternity services remains unclear at this point in time.
ISSUE 101 JUNE 2021 | 5
