Returning to Midwifery practice in Aotearoa New Zealand


The Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 (the HPCAA) requires Te Tatau o te Whare Kahu | Midwifery Council (the Council) to restrict the issue of an annual practising Certificate if there are reasonable grounds to believe the applicant:

  • has not held an annual practising certificate within the three years immediately preceding the date of the application; or
  • has not, within the three years immediately preceding the date of the application, lawfully practised midwifery.

You must provide a current police report from your country of residence and from every country where you have resided for a period of 12 months or more from the age of 18 years. The police report(s) in support of your application must be produced by the National Police Authority for the country, not a local or state office, and sent directly to the Council. This is completed through our provider Fit2Work

  • Click HERE to go to the Fit2Work website portal and request a police report from the Australian Federal Police.
  • Click HERE to go to the Fit2Work website portal and request any other police report(s).

Fit2 Work will send the report(s) directly to the Council.

If Fit2Work is unable to provide a police report for a country you have resided for a period of 12 months or more from the age of 18 years, you will need to go to the New Zealand Immigration website to obtain a relevant police certificate that is of the standard acceptable to the Council. Applicants are advised that these police checks must be sent to the Council directly from the issuing authority.

If you do not follow this process the Council may not accept your evidence of police vetting.


There are three categories of Returning to Midwifery Practice in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Category A Midwives who have taken a break from New Zealand practice for less than three years
Category B  Midwives who have taken a break from New Zealand practice for between three and five years
 Category C Midwives who have been out of New Zealand practice for more than five full years


The Council recommends that you read the Re-entry into New Zealand Practice Policy and Returning to NZ Practice information sheet before making your application.

If you are ready to begin or have any questions, please contact us either by email or on 04 499 5040.