Publicly Funded Maternity Services in New Zealand

From the 1st January 2006, there will be a change to the Department of Internal Affairs Policy on New Zealand Citizenship eligibility.

The current situation is every baby born in New Zealand is deemed to be a New Zealand citizen, and thus eligible for publicly funded health and disability services.

The changes that take effect from 1 Jan 06 will mean that a baby born in New Zealand will only be a New Zealand citizen if (at least) one parent has either New Zealand citizenship or permanent resident status. Proof of relationship status will need to be demonstrated.

Women who are not eligible for publicly funded health servies may be charged for antenatal, labour and postnatal services provied to them. Further more if you baby is not eligible to be a New Zealand citizen - any costs for the baby's health care will also have to be paid.

For further information on eligibility and or entitlements:

Contact your Lead Maternity Carer i.e.
Midwife, GP, Specilist.

They have been asked to determine woman's eligiblity for publicly funded maternity services and will be able to refer individuals for further advise where required.

Information for this article was obtained from The Ministry of Health

For further information go to www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexmh/eligibility-guidehome

or contact

0800 MUM 2 BE - 0800 686 222
email mum2be@moh.govt.nz