Highlighting NZNO midwives' concerns: this year has been one of unprecedented consultation with NZNO's midwife members. These members have had some particular concerns around demonstrating continuing competence to practise and NZNO has been advocating on their behalf.(Professional Focus)

This year--the centennial of midwifery regulation and the establishment of a new Midwifery Council to regulate midwives under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act--has been a year of celebration, change and some anxiety for midwives, particularly for midwives employed by district health boards (DHBs). For NZNO it has been a year of unprecedented engagement with our midwife members, through the NZNO Midwifery Network, written consultation with each midwife member on our database and worksite meetings. Input into developing NZNO's positions on issues has been significant and valuable. The key professional issues for midwife members this year have been:

* NZNO's safe staffing campaign: what are the appropriate levels in maternity units for effective midwifery care?

* Scope of practice and competencies for midwives and what these mean for employed midwives …