About Us

Kapiti Midwives has provided midwifery care to women on the Kapiti Coast since 1992.  We are a group of 4 midwives who share similar philosophies surrounding labour and birth.  We support each other professionally and personally and work well as a team.

Our People

Anne MacMillan

I have been with Kapiti Midwives since 1995, juggling a full-time caseload and a growing family. 

Originally from Scotland, I returned to the UK in the 1970's to train as a midwife. Before coming to Kapiti to live, I worked in Delivery Suites in various hospitals in NZ.  I am married with one teenage son still at home.

I believe that the NZ model of midwifery care is ideal for women and midwives - it is a hugely rewarding and challenging profession.

Pauleen Norman

I am a Registered General Nurse and Midwife and have been a practising midwife since 1974.  I worked in Wellington Hospital for many years and became an Independent Midwife in 1992.  For the last 4 years I have been living on the Kapiti Coast and enjoy the relaxed lifestyle and delivering at the local birthing unit.  I am married and have 2 grown up children.

Gina Woodward

I have been a midwife in Wellington since 1994, and am currently in Independent Practice as an LMC.  I also work a few shifts at the Paraparaumu Maternity Unit.  I live on the beautiful Kapiti Coast and have 4 grown children.

The longer I do this job, the more I know that childbirth is a normal and immensely joyful time for most women and their families.  Wherever this occurs - be it in hospital or at home - I see my role as supporting her safely through this experience, so that she brings her baby into the world with much delight and happiness.

Gwen O'Neill

My philosophy:

"Birth is a normal life event and I believe all women are entitled to the most holistic and natural childbirth experience that is appropriate for them.”

I have worked with Kapiti Midwives since January 2008. This year I will be taking part in a mentorship programme for my first year of practice and will be well supported by the other members of the group.

Every birth is different so whether this is a woman’s first birth or subsequent birth I will support them through the whole journey which can be terrifying, challenging, ecstatic or all three. I believe in a woman’s ability to naturally birth her baby in the setting of her choice. The partnership between a midwife and a woman and her family/whanau is one that cannot be mirrored in any other way and I believe in respecting the choices, values and beliefs of each woman individually.

The place of birth is the woman’s choice – home, birthing unit or hospital. I believe the place of birth is of utmost importance and I hope to work together with women, providing information, to choose the place of birth best suited to each individual. I feel completely comfortable in the primary birth settings: either home or the Paraparaumu and Kenepuru Maternity Units. I am also familiar with the tertiary hospital setting in Wellington, and plan to provide care to women choosing any of these environments. Supporting women to achieve a normal, natural birth in any setting is my ultimate goal.

I have also successfully completed a Certificate in Midwifery Acupuncture and a homeopathy workshop for labour and birth. I believe these are valuable tools in helping women toward natural childbirth.

Noreen Roche

I am a Scottish trained registered nurse and midwife. I was a founding member of Kapiti Midwives in 1992 and have worked with the group for various lengths of time since then.

I have also worked in the local maternity unit and in Wellington Womens Hospital. I am also an International Board Certified  Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).

I provide care to women wherever they choose to birth and provide postnatal care in the home environment.  I am married with three adult children.