Due to the population spread in Northland, most births take place at the secondary unit, Te Kotuku, at Whangārei Hospital. The remainder occur at the 3 primary units attached to hospitals in Kaitaia, Kawakawa and Rawene. Postnatal care is provided in all facilities and also at Dargaville Hospital. Approximately 10% of births in Northland are planned homebirths. The ideal place for women to give birth is agreed on an individual basis by women and their midwives with input from obstetricians when indicated.
Northland employs midwives to work in the maternity facilities across the region. In addition, self-employed midwives, working as Lead Maternity Carers (LMC), provide continuity of care throughout the pregnancy, labour and birth and postnatal period. This service is based in the community and takes place in midwives' clinics or at home. Obstetricians work in Whangārei Hospital and also attend clinics at various locations throughout Northland.