Maternity and newborn — Tairāwhiti

Tairāwhiti maternity and newborn services offer high quality care during pregnancy and after birth.


Contact us

To contact Puawai Aroha maternity and newborn services at Gisborne Hospital:


Where to find us

The Gisborne Hospital maternity and newborn services unit is to the right of the main entrance at:

Puawai Aroha Maternity
421 Ormond Rd
Gisborne 4040


Gisborne Hospital map


Services we provide

Learn more about what to do when you think you may be pregnant.

Pregnancy and maternity

Midwives and lead maternity carers

You should midwife or lead maternity carer as early as possible in your pregnancy. If you cannot find a midwife or need advice, call Puawai Aroha Maternity on 06 869 0562.

Lead maternity carers and midwives (internal link)

Quit smoking

Smoking during pregnancy affects your pēpi and can cause health problems. It is never too late to quit for your pēpi. There are many services to help you to quit smoking.

Quitting smoking (internal link)

Te Hiringa Matua addiction support

Te Hiringa Matua is a pregnancy and parenting support service for hapū  māmā who are struggling with drug and alcohol problems.

The Te Hiringa Matua team is based in Customhouse Street.

Phone: 06 986 1696

Puawai Aroha maternity ward

Puawai Aroha Maternity offers a warm, modern environment staffed by our team of friendly and professional core midwives, obstetric and paediatric teams. Support service staff can also provide Māori cultural support, breastfeeding support and quit-smoking support.

Puawai Aroha Maternity has:

  • antenatal beds
  • birthing suites
  • a birthing pool room
  • private (not shared) postnatal rooms
  • anaesthetic services for epidural pain relief during labour.

Puawai Aroha Maternity at Gisborne Hospital has been certified by the Ministry of Health and the maternity ward has been accredited as a Baby Friendly hospital which means it meets the highest standards of maternity care in New Zealand.

Neonatal unit

If baby comes early or is unwell, they might go to the Gisborne Hospital neonatal unit.

Neonatal unit (internal link)

Breastfeeding support

Puawai Aroha maternity unit is proud to be part of the international Baby Friendly Hospital initiative. This means that breastfeeding is encouraged and core midwives will advise and support you. However, if you choose not to breastfeed, you will be equally supported.

Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (external link)

Other local support services