Latest issue

by Meredith Gee - Hypnobirthing practitioner at Mama Gaia Birth

Queenstown is a place of paradox. We are a town, not a city, with an international airport and world-class ski resorts. And despite our fast population growth, when it comes to bringing new life into the world, our local hospital is more similar to a birth centre than a full maternity hospital.

Navigating birth in Queenstown is complicated. And now expectant parents are being faced with a new policy that means if medically needed, they are transferred to Dunedin hospital via helicopter (or ambulance), rather than to Invercargill as part of a trial that started in late December 2025. Unfortunately, the public aren’t quite sure what the trial is trialling, and the emotional impact is clear. For many new parents, this policy change has unlocked a new fear.

Pregnancy is, by its very nature, a lesson in understanding that there are only parts of our lives we can control. But birthing in Queenstown and surrounds adds a layer of logistical uncertainty that can feel overwhelming. Many residents, myself included, didn’t grow up with this medical or maternity system. It can be a shock to realise that a helicopter flight might be part of your birth plan. However, while we cannot control hospital infrastructure or staffing capacities, we can control how we prepare. And prepare you should, as living in this district is most probably going to involve travel.

Our job as parents and whānau is to nurture ourselves and our babies. To move from being paralysed by the “what ifs” to being empowered by our options. That confidence begins with curiosity and preparation for the pieces we CAN control. I encourage every expecting family to sit down with their Lead Maternity Carer (LMC) and map out the possible pathways of birth and their preferences.

Firstly, think about if a transfer occurs, and the parts that they can plan in advance. Know that Dunedin’s postpartum rooms are shared - a contrast to Invercargill where partners can pull out a mattress. This means your support team may need accommodation. So, if you’re the birthing partner, make sure to research short-stay accommodation in Dunedin so you aren’t scrambling at 2am. And think about keeping the car fully fuelled (or the EV charged), especially given the current fuel situation.

If you’re planning to give birth in Invercargill, discuss your midwifery continuity of care with your LMC. Knowing who will be by your side, can personalise your birth support. No matter where you are birthing, you can set up your environment to feel safe and comfortable. Whether you are at Lakes District Hospital, at home, or in a hospital further afield, you can influence your space and your choices. Music, movement, dim lighting, and familiar scents are tools to help your body feel safe and progress through labour. Remember you can ask more questions, some time to consider your choices and to advocate for yourself.

Every birth is unique, and by arming ourselves with information and confidence, we can trust our instincts and our decisions. Remember: you have the strength to navigate whatever path your birth may take, even in paradoxical Queenstown.