Health New Zealand welcomes the decision by Midwifery Employee Representation & Advisory Services (MERAS) members to settle their collective employment agreement.

The accepted offer is over 29 months and includes a 3.5% salary increase over the term of the agreement, alongside a members-only lump sum payment of $235.

We value the hard work and dedication of our midwifery workforce who collectively work together caring for women and their whānau. At Health NZ we employ 1728 midwives, and this workforce has grown by 111 FTE in the 12 months to March 2025.

Under the offer, a graduate midwife on Step 2, receiving a base salary of $82,642, would receive a pay increase of $7,986, or 9.7 %, in June 2026, once step progression is included.

Many midwives are on Step 7, the highest step, and receive a base salary of $108,008 a year. Under the offer, their salary would increase to $111,821 in June 2026, giving them a total pay increase of $3,813, or 3.5%.

The valued and important work of our midwives is reflected in the sizeable pay increases they have received in recent years.

Since 2018 the salary of a registered midwife on the top salary step increased by 36.4% or $39,250, including step progression via the creation of new steps, and pay equity.

The top step of the senior midwives’ scale has increased by 26.6% or $43,236 in the same period, including pay equity.

We would like to acknowledge the constructive approach MERAS has taken during this bargaining round which has helped to ensure a positive outcome for their members.