Ms Thomson, of Dunedin, said the pay boost for lead maternity carers announced last week by Health Minister Dr Jonathan Coleman amounted to about $1000 in the hand per year. Midwives were advised of the pay rise last May.
The profession is pushing for more pay through an equal pay legal case brought by the College of Midwives, which argues midwives are paid less because of their gender.
With a court date for the case approaching, Ms Thomson believed the timing of the announcement suggested attempted ‘‘political manipulation''.
Ms Thomson said the pay rise did not apply to all services lead maternity carers provided. It only applied if they had cared for a woman throughout the whole pregnancy.
‘‘It goes nowhere to meeting the expenses that midwives have in running a practice.''
In a statement, Dr Coleman said the pay rise was an acknowledgement of the important role played by midwives.
‘‘We know that midwifery continuity of care contributes to improved outcomes for women and their babies.
‘‘Postnatal care is also vital for all new mothers and babies.''
The pay rise applies from this month, backdated to July last year.
In 2014, there were 3068 midwives with annual practising certificates on the Midwifery Council of New Zealand's register, up from 2823 in 2009.
