The midwifery care provided by Nikau Midwives is free for New Zealand citizens, women with permanent residency, and those who have a permit for a stay of two or more years. The Government pays LMCs to provide your care. Pregnancy tests and all referrals for laboratory tests and specialist  are also included in the service we provide. Similiarly the use of the birth pool and the loan of videos and reference books are all free of charge for Nikau clients.
COSTS
However, there are some choices which may involve a cost.

If you choose a private obstetrician, he/she is likely to charge you a fee. This is a copayment - the obstetrician collects a fee from you in addition to the fee which is paid by the Government.

When you are admitted to a hospital, which provides specialist services, you will be attended by the obstetrician, anaesthetist, and/or paediatrician on duty at the time if you require these services. Services provided by hospital specialists are free.

Ultrasound scans are a specialist service, and therefore, radiologists practising in private may charge you a copayment (a charge in addition to the fee paid to the radiologist by the Government). Scans for maternity related reasons and referred by Nikau Midwives are likely to incur such a fee (typically $25-35). However, if you choose to have a scan, and there is no medical reason for it, you will be charged the full fee for the service.

You may be charged a fee if you choose to have some laboratory tests which are not routine during pregnancy.

If you use an ambulance service to go from the community to a hospital then the ambulance company will charge you a fee if you are outside the Wellington Free Ambulance area - e.g. Otaki.

If you choose a Pregnancy and Parenting Education Programme that is not funded by the Government, it is likely that there will be a charge. The Nikau Midwives can provide information on available antenatal classes locally.

If you need to see your doctor during pregnancy or in the weeks following birth for any problems which are not maternity related, you will be charged the usual consultation fee. If you have any doubts about whether your query or problem is maternity related, check with your LMC first. Your LMC is responsible for providing or arranging all of your maternity care.