12/10/2025
Kia Ora, ko Sheena toku ingoa
✨What made you want to become a midwife?✨
To be honest I tried not to be a midwife because my mum and Grandma were both trained midwives, in Ireland and Scotland. But then I always ended up working in partnerships, advocating, caring, health, and wellbeing focussed which then combined with studying women’s studies at Uni. The final push was birthing Cara, my oldest (27 years ago now). I had fabulous homebirth and loved every minute of it (I know I’m weird).
✨What do you like to do in your spare time?✨
I am a bit dog mad, I’m typing this with my border terrier boys cuddling in to me. So dog walking is key. I love to read, too. I am blessed to spend lots of time with my daughters. Christchurch is a great place, so much to do - movies, theaters, concerts, I’m never bored.
✨Where would your dream holiday be?✨
Since moving to New Zealand I feel like I have had so many dream holidays like walking the Abel Tasman. Where I am from, Dudley, beauty on this scale is a fantasy. I am truly blessed and try not to take it for granted. I think any holiday with my girls is the dream.
✨What’s your favourite thing about Rātā?✨
My favourite thing about Rātā is our passion for empowering the people we work with. Informed choice and consent are central to what we do. We work in small and big ways to make things better, to ensure the choices people make are respected. I believe the personal is political, and Rātā puts positive energy into all aspects of our birthing world.
Photo by
