New mums in Waihi will have to travel further to give birth in busy hospitals as another birthing suite is forced to shut shop.
Rural NGO's across the country are under immense pressure to match the economic sustainability of urban public hospitals.
The NZ College of Midwives chief executive, Alison Eddy, says the closure of the Waihi Birthing Centre will take away the option of a home-like birth setting for expectant mothers.
Eddy spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
