A group of Wanaka mums have come together to film a video they hope will persuade the Southern District Health Board and government to install a primary birthing unit in Wanaka in the future.
The video, released today, shows nine different mothers, some emotional, telling their often frightening tales of going into labour in Wanaka and the important role midwives play in that scenario.
It comes as the town is set to be down to just one lead maternity carer from April 1 to cover an area expecting close to 200 births this year. It also follows the SDHB's Primary System of Care proposal that said a non-birthing unit would be installed in Wanaka.
However, Kristi James, head of the Facebook page Save Our Wanaka Midwives, said a birthing unit was "absolutely necessary" for the growing town.
Videographer Bel Jones, who created the video, said not having a birthing unit would be "ridiculous" and cited the rapid growth in the area as a reason for providing such a facility.
The DHB announced earlier today that due to the large amount of interest in the proposal, it would extend its consultation period to April 6. It was originally going to close today.
