Free and publicly funded services for pregnancy, birth, postpartum and babies.
All services are public or nonprofit and available to Hawke's Bay whanau.
Free & Public Support in Hawke’s Bay
Pregnancy
Kōpū Antenatal Wānanga
Free, supportive antenatal classes covering birth, newborn care and early parenting.
022-4915372
11 Kauru Rd, Waipatu, Hastings, Wednesday
Free Antenatal Classes – Hastings & Napier
Free pregnancy, birth and early-parenting education, with ongoing connection after birth.
021 225 2350 whanaketekura@ttoh.iwi.nz
Hastings: Tue 6–8:15pm Napier: Mon 6:15–8:30pm
Maternal Wellbeing & Service Navigation
Free mobile support helping pregnant and postnatal māmā connect with health, wellbeing and social services.
Napier, Hastings & Central Hawke’s Bay
Mobile – can come to you
Free Pregnancy & Baby Essentials – Hastings
Free maternity and baby clothes, nappies, bassinets and other practical essentials.
022 342 0914
215 Railway Rd, Hastings
Tue, Wed & Fri 9:30am–12:30pm
Free Pregnancy & Baby Essentials – Central Hawke’s Bay
Free pregnancy and baby support, clothing and essential baby equipment for local whānau.
Waipukurau, Mon 10am–1pm
Support for Teen Parents
Education, parenting and wraparound support for young parents, including childcare and transport.
William Colenso College, Napier
Birth
Waioha Birthing Centre
Primary birthing unit with private rooms, birth pools and support for physiological birth.
06 878 8109 ext 6045
Hawke’s Bay Hospital, Gates 3–4 Canning St, Hastings
Ata Rangi Maternity Unit
Hospital maternity unit providing specialist obstetric and higher-level care during labour and birth.
06 878 8109 ext 6045
Hawke’s Bay Hospital, Hastings
Pregnancy & Baby Loss Support
Peer support for parents and whānau after miscarriage, stillbirth or the death of a baby.
0508 726 372
Hawke’s Bay Hospital, Hastings
Baby Loss Support
NZ-wide care packages, practical resources and one-to-one peer support for mothers and whānau after baby loss.
stillmums@outlook.com
Online & NZ-wide support
Breastfeeding
Antenatal Breastfeeding Class
Free class to help parents prepare for breastfeeding and the early days with their baby.
Education Centre, Hawke’s Bay Hospital
First Mon monthly, 5:30–7:30pm
Breastfeeding Drop-in – Wai Ū Wenerei
Free drop-in breastfeeding support for māmā and pēpi with breastfeeding kaiāwhina.
027 407 9931
Waioha, Hawke’s Bay Hospital
Wed approx. 10am–1pm
Hawkes Bay Breastfeeding Service
Free specialist breastfeeding support, including home visits for eligible Hawke’s Bay families.
De 027 249 0647
Jo 027 292 4949
Napier & Hastings
Miraka Māmā Breastfeeding Support Group
Free breastfeeding support and connection with other mums, with a Lactation Consultant and Kaiāwhina available for support.
Flaxmere Plunket rooms, 1 Peterhead Ave ·
Thursdays, 9:30 am–12 pm
24/7 Breastfeeding Support
Free breastfeeding advice by phone, Please ask for a virtual appointments with a lactation consultant when needed.
0800 933 922
24/7
Online Breastfeeding Peer Support
Free breastfeeding information and online peer support from trained La Leche League Leaders.
Online nationwide
Breastfeeding Support App
Free NZ app with practical, evidence-based breastfeeding information, videos and guidance on common breastfeeding challenges. Download the app.
Free app for Apple & Android
Breastfeeding Information App
Free NZ app with visual breastfeeding information covering feeding cues, positioning, milk supply, expressing and common challenges. Download the app.
isabella.crewsswell@hbdhb.govt.nz
Free app for Apple & Android
Postpartum
Māmā & Baby Drop-in Support
A welcoming place to eat, rest, talk, get help with baby and connect with other māmā.
022 491 5372
11 Kauru Rd, Waipatu, Hastings
Mon–Thu 9:30am–3:30pm
Postnatal Coffee Groups
Free coffee groups connecting new parents with other whānau and local support.
021 225 2350
whanaketekura@ttoh.iwi.nz
Free Meals for Families
Free cooked meals for families with babies or children who are going through a difficult time.
0508 235 5938
Hawke’s Bay delivery area
Affordable Children’s Clothing
Donate, swap or buy affordable pre-loved clothing for children aged 0–5. Items cost 20c–$2.
027 250 0661 rhian.tamanui@plunket.org.nz
62 Flanders Ave, Napier
Mon & Wed 9:30am–12pm
Specialist Maternal Mental Health Support
Specialist public mental-health support during pregnancy and up to 12 months after birth.
06 878 8109 ext 5989
398 Omahu Rd, Hastings
Mon–Fri 8am–4:30pm
In-home Family Support
Free in-home support for families needing extra help during pregnancy and their child’s early years.
0800 TAIWHENUA / 06 871 5350
821 Orchard Rd, Hastings
Postnatal Support Group
Free 6–8 week programme supporting mothers experiencing challenges adjusting after birth, with professional support and connection with other mums. Babies are welcome.
06 843 7280
0508 678 910
info@weavehb.org.nz
Hastings or Napier
Free Parenting Helpline
Free confidential parenting support and advice by phone.
0800 568 856
Daily 9am–11pm
Baby Health
Well Child Tamariki Ora
Free Well Child checks and support with feeding, development, parenting and health from birth to five.
0800 184 803
Hastings Plunket Drop-in Clinic
Free drop-in Well Child support and immunisation services for babies, children and pregnant women.
0800 184 803
309 St Aubyn St West, Hastings
Wed 8:30am–12pm
24/7 Baby & Parenting Advice
24/7 nurse advice about feeding, sleep, crying, development, health, parenting and baby care.
0800 933 922
24/7
Kaupapa Māori Well Child Checks
Free baby health and development checks at home or clinic, with nurses and kaiāwhina.
0800 TAIWHENUA / 06 871 5350
Kaupapa Māori Well Child Support
Free kaupapa Māori Well Child/Tamariki Ora health and development support.
Hawke’s Bay
Support for Twins & Multiples
Support, information and connection for families expecting or raising twins, triplets or other multiples.
027 315 4026 / 0800 489 467
info@multipleshb.org.nz
Support for Families of Children with Additional Needs
Free confidential support for families raising a child with disability, health conditions or neurodivergence.
0508 236 236
Free Car Seat Checking
Free professional check to make sure your child restraint is installed and used correctly.
24/7
Monday 8.30am - 12noon
Hastings
24/7 Health Advice
Napier Plunket Drop-in Clinic
Free nurse and paramedic health advice for babies, parents and the whole whānau.
Free drop-in Well Child support and immunisation services for babies, children and pregnant women. Follow their Facebook page for regular updates.
0800 611 116
Baby Activities
Rhythm & Rhymes – Havelock North
Free songs, movement and rhymes for babies and toddlers, with a chance to meet other local parents.
Havelock North Library, 30 Te Mata Rd
Tue 10–10:30am
Baby Bounce – Taradale
Free songs, rhymes and movement for babies and toddlers with parents or caregivers.
Taradale Library
Tue 10–10:30am
Sensory Playtime – Napier
Free sensory play supporting babies’ movement, language, development and social interaction.
Napier Library
Play, Learn, Connect
Free play sessions for babies and young children supporting development and parent-child connection.
Hastings District Libraries
Ages 0–5
Play and coffee group
A place for families to build relationships with other parents and a safe, child led environment for their children to play
027 248 7737
Havelock North, Mon–Fri
Morning and afternoon sessions
Music & Play for Babies & Preschoolers
Free music and play sessions for babies and preschoolers to enjoy with their parents or caregivers.
admin@hastingselim.org.nzHastings Elim Church, corner of Victoria and Miller street.
Thursdays from 9:30 am
Play & Support for Babies and Young Children
Parent-led play sessions for children from birth to 6 years, with some centres also offering specialised sessions for babies under one and their parents
havelocknorth@Playcentre.org.nz
027 700 1426
29 Porter Drive, Havelock North · Mon–Thu 9:15am–12:15pm · Fri 9:30am–12pm
Free Baby Swimming Lessons
Free swimming lessons introducing babies aged 3–6 months to the water with a parent or caregiver. Places are subject to availability and a waitlist may apply.
(06) 877 7202
havelocknorth@hiltonbrownswimming.co.nz
15 Donnelly Street, Havelock North