Kristin has been a practicing midwife for 30 years. Kristin grew up in Stokes Valley, in a family of six, and was introduced to natural childbirth at a very early age when her parents were fighting the authorities in order to have their sixth child by "natural childbirth". Trained as a general nurse at Wellington Hospital, Kristin spent a year working in A&E before spending three years overseas working and travelling. Returning to New Zealand in 1969 to do her midwifery training at St Helens Hospital Kristin has been hooked on the midwifery profession ever since.
Kristin last worked in the hospital setting as a midwife at the Otaki Maternity unit for 14 years prior to its closure. She has also worked as a nurse in public health. More recently she has been a midwife and nurse at the Waikanae medical centre. Kristin has worked as an independent practitioner for the last twelve years. She has a good working relationship with colleagues in the Wellington/Kapiti region as well as with specialist staff at Wellington Hospital. Kristin believes that she is a specialist in Normal Birth thus recognising complications and the need to refer on to other specialists as necessary.
Kristin feels that being part of a supportive group is also very important in being able to have designated time off and holidays. Nikau Midwives provide this environment at the same time as giving women good continuity of care.
Kristin has two adult children. The oldest, Sarah, a graduate from Canterbury University, is at present teaching English in Korea. Nick, who has a diploma in Adult Education and Outdoor Recreation, works as an Outdoor Pursuits Instructor at Peel Forest in South Canterbury.
Kristen's husband Mike, a source of great support, works at Farmlands in the rural farm retail trade. Kristin and Mike live on an established Tehoro rural horticultural farmlett, to which they devote much of their time outside their main jobs. When not involved in midwifery Kristin gets lost in her very large garden, plays golf and enjoys walking and taking in various shows. Her remaining time is spent keeping up with her large extended whanau.
