Te Whatu Ora progresses in restoring Whakatāne maternity services

Progress is well under way to restore full obstetrics and gynaecology (O&G) services at Whakatāne Hospital, with the first international doctor set to begin work this month. Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora expects the department to be fully operational again by early 2026. The O&G unit was downgraded to a primary care birthing facility in January after four of the hospital’s five obstetricians resigned within six months in 2024.

The sole remaining obstetrician and a locum were not retained due to safety concerns. The downgrade, initially described as a temporary measure for 12 to 18 months, sparked strong community opposition, including a public protest march through Whakatāne..