Pātiki and Waharua Kōpito patterns
The He Piripono Waiū Human Milk Bank Human Milk Bank, located at Whangārei Hospital, was officially opened today marking the fifth public human milk bank to open in Aotearoa New Zealand.
He Piripono Waiū Human Milk Bank joins existing facilities in Christchurch, Wellington, Nelson, and Blenheim. There are two privately run milk banks, one in Christchurch and one in Palmerston North.
Donated, pasteurised breastmilk can be used to feed babies when mothers who wish to breastfeed are unable to produce enough milk to meet their baby’s nutritional needs.
“Breastmilk is especially important for babies who are born prematurely or are unwell and require admission to the Neonatal Unit,” Sue Bree Director of Midwifery and Service Manager, Maternity says. “These babies have higher nutritional and immunity needs.”
The Northland Neonatal Unit provides specialised care for unwell or premature babies born in Northland who are more than 32 weeks' gestation. In 2024, the average length of stay in the Neonatal unit was 18.3 days.
“The establishment of He Piripono Waiū ensures a safe and readily available supply of pasteurised donor human milk for our most vulnerable infants in Northland,” Ms Bree says. “Mothers with an oversupply of breastmilk who meet specific health and lifestyle criteria can donate. The milk is then processed, pasteurised to eliminate harmful bacteria and viruses, and safely stored for later use.”
A remarkable community fundraising effort, led by Rotary Whangārei South and City clubs, Whangārei Lions, and local supporters raised $32,900 to purchase a pasteuriser.
Jenni Moore, past President of Rotary Whangārei South, says the group fundraised for a year by selling artwork bequeathed by Valerie Hunton and hosting a quiz night. “People were happy to donate to such a great cause. The publicity helped bring in more support with Whangārei Lions contributing $5,000, and Whangārei City Rotary Club added $1,000. It was amazing. Service clubs working together can achieve incredible things.”
Hāpai Te Hauora has also generously supported He Piripono Waiū, along with many anonymous donors, whose contributions we are deeply grateful for.
He Piripono Waiū is based at Whangārei Hospital, with a milk drop-off centre at Te Puawai Ora Maternal Health Centre on Commerce Street. The milk bank is a free service, and Health NZ is developing a system to transport donor milk to other parts of the district. “Donated breastmilk is a precious resource, gifted by healthy breastfeeding mothers with milk to spare,” Ms Bree says. “Thanks to our extraordinary community, we can now pasteurise and distribute this milk to support our sick and preterm babies.”
Health New Zealand Northland supports the running costs of the Human Milk Bank. If you have a donation or gift you would like to share with healthcare services in Northland, please contact us. The Health Fund PLUS partnership between Health New Zealand and Northland Community Foundation benefits the health needs of all Northlanders by focusing on giving for the good of many.
Email: info@northlandcommunityfoundation.org.nz to learn more about becoming a human milk donor, He Piripono Waiū Milk Bank – Whangārei webpage.