Supporting whānau through loss

Every year in Aotearoa, hundreds of whānau experience the heart-breaking loss of a baby, and thousands more face the pain of miscarriage. These losses have a deep and lasting impact on physical and mental health and wellbeing, making it essential that appropriate services are available to support the health and well-being of bereaved whānau.

To address this need, Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is developing a national Perinatal Bereavement Care Pathway, guided by a Technical Advisory Group (TAG). This pathway aims to ensure whānau across the country can access high-quality, culturally responsive care, no matter where they live. It reflects recommendations from the Perinatal and Maternal Mortality Review Committee and builds on previous research and discovery work.

The pathway is being designed to support consistent, compassionate care during one of the most challenging times in a family’s life. It will map out all aspects of care required, from initial diagnosis and support to transitioning back into the community and navigating subsequent pregnancies.

Sixteenth Annual Report of the Perinatal and Maternal Mortality Review Committee - Health Quality and Safety  Commission

Perinatal Bereavement Support Environmental Scan Report

Triennial Maternity Consumer Survey – Bereaved Whānau (Technical Report 2)

Who is guiding this work?

The Technical Advisory Group, or TAG, is made up of 13 members with diverse expertise, lived experience, and cultural perspectives. Together, they are helping shape this pathway to ensure it meets the needs of all whānau.

The group includes clinicians, bereaved parents, and representatives from Māori, Pacific, Indian, Rainbow, and Disability communities. Their collective knowledge ensures this pathway is grounded in empathy, cultural understanding, and a commitment to improving equity.

Meet the Technical Advisory Group

The members of the group are:

  • Dr Vicki Culling (co-chair)
  • Dr Kendall Stevenson (co-chair)
  • Dr Kay Jones
  • Fay Selby-Law
  • Nerissa Walters
  • Melanie Tarrant
  • Rose Torau Martin
  • Claire Turnham
  • Dr Jaynaya Marlow
  • Frankie Karetai Wood-Bodley
  • Poonam Rishi
  • Joy Sipeli
  • Rawa Karetai Wood-Bodley

TAG announcement and biographies (PDF 10MB)

The TAG is also supported by an ex-officio group of cross agency partners with representation from the Department of Internal Affairs, New Zealand Police and the Health Quality and Safety Commission.

The work is expected to be completed by March 2025. Implementation will be determined following the completion of this work.

Stay connected

We understand how important this mahi is to our communities, and we’re committed to keeping you informed. If you’d like to learn more, please reach out to us at bereavementcarepathway@tewhatuora.govt.nz.

Together, we can create a health system that provides the care, respect, and support every whānau deserves.