National Perinatal Bereavement Care Pathway Technical Advisory Group
The group helps support consistent, compassionate care during one of the most challenging times in a family’s life.
About the National Perinatal Bereavement Care Pathway Technical Advisory Group
The group helps develop the national Perinatal Bereavement Care Pathway. This pathway aims to make sure whānau can access high-quality, culturally responsive care, no matter where they live. It reflects recommendations from the Perinatal and Maternal Mortality Review Committee and builds on previous research and discovery work.
The pathway will map out all aspects of care required:
- from initial diagnosis and support
- to transitioning back into the community
- to navigating later pregnancies.
Our members
| Name | Role |
| Dr Vicki Culling | Co-Chair Researcher, Faculty of Law — Victoria University of Wellington Lay reviewer — Medical and Dental Councils of New Zealand Lecturer — Whitireia Polytechnic |
| Dr Kendall Stevenson | Co-Chair Senior Research Fellow, Te Tātai Hauora o Hine, The National Centre for Women’s Health Research Aotearoa — Victoria University of Wellington |
| Dr Kay Jones | Midwife Bereavement care specialist |
| Fay Selby-Law | General Manager — National SUDI Prevention Coordination Service (NSPCS) |
| Nerissa Walters | Director of Midwifery Lead Maternity Carer Tairāwhiti Perinatal Mortality Review Committee Coordinator |
| Melanie Tarrant | Chair — Sands NZ Layperson — Te Tatau o te Whare Kahu | Midwifery Council |
| Rose Torau Martin | Midwife Created and delivered the 'Safe Baby' Mā te Mātau programme |
| Claire Turnham | Founder — Birth and Beyond, and Only With Love |
| Dr Jaynaya Marlow | Obstetrician Maternal and Fetal Medicine, and Ultrasound specialist |
| Frankie Karetai Wood-Bodley | Barrister and solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand |
| Poonam Rishi | Project coordinator — The Asian Network Incorporation |
| Joy Sipeli | Executive Director — NET Trust |
| Rawa Karetai Wood-Bodley | Manager, Disabled peoples health — Health NZ |
The group is also supported by an ex-officio group of cross agency partners with representation from:
- Department of Internal Affairs
- New Zealand Police
- Health Quality and Safety Commission.
Stay connected
We understand how important this mahi is to our communities, and we are committed to keeping you informed. Stay connected with the latest updates in our Kahu Taurima pānui.
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Together, we can create a health system that provides the care, respect, and support every whānau deserves.