HealthInfo Waitaha Canterbury
Money matters in pregnancy
Ngā take pūtea ki te hapūtanga
Financial help is available for women when they are pregnant and after their pēpi (baby) is born.
GP, midwife, and specialist care
Health care while you are pregnant (maternity care) is free if you are a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident. It is also free if you have a work permit and can stay for 2 years and in some other situations. You might also get free maternity care if you are not eligible, but your partner is.
You can find information about who can get publicly funded health services on the Te Whatu Ora website.
If you are eligible for free maternity care and your pēpi is born in New Zealand, they can get free health care. General practice visits for children under 14 are free. If you are not sure if you can get free maternity care, call freephone 0800-686-223.
Paid parental leave
Paid parental leave is money paid to parents when they take parental leave from their jobs to care for their newborn pēpi or an adopted tamaiti (child) under the age of 6. The IRD has more information about paid parental leave, including who is eligible, how to apply and how you get paid.
Working for Families
Working for Families gives tax credits (meaning you pay less tax) to low- to middle-income families with tamariki (children). You can get more information about Working for Families from the Ministry of Social Development and Inland Revenue.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
- SmartStart
This interactive website helps you to get the information and services you need to help you and your pēpi.
- Community Law – Pregnancy Rights
A booklet explaining your legal options before, during and after pregnancy. It covers sexual health, health care, education for people under 18, housing, work, caring for a child, legal aid and where to go for more support.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed November 2024.
SourcesReview key: HIPRC-41255
