25/09/2025
So awesome to this dream up and running and helping our pēpi
New Northland milk bank having great success
Since opening in July 2025, He Piripono Waiū Milk Bank has helped nourish 38 babies. So far, 44 litres of donated human milk have been pasteurised, thanks to 13 generous donor mums.
Sue Bree, Director of Midwifery and Service Manager, Maternity, says the response has been incredible.
“We are overwhelmed by the generosity of our community. The donations meant we quickly needed more storage capacity, and we were fortunate to receive support from Health Fund PLUS for a new freezer. It’s a wonderful example of collaboration making a real difference.”
This heart-warming milestone marks Northland’s entry into a growing national network of public milk banks - joining Christchurch, Wellington, Nelson, and Blenheim in supporting the health and well-being of our tiniest and most vulnerable tamariki.
Bree reflects on the journey to opening, saying it was powered by community spirit and generosity.
“A fundraising campaign launched in 2023 saw Rotary Whangārei South and City clubs, Whangārei Lions, and passionate community members raise an impressive $32,900, enabling the purchase of a vital pasteuriser.”
“Their commitment reflects the deep care Northlanders have for whānau and pēpi,” she adds.
He Piripono Waiū Milk Bank is more than a facility, it’s a testament to aroha, partnership, and the power of community. Every donation, every dollar raised, and every baby helped is a reminder of what we can achieve together.
New mums can talk with their midwife or lactation consultant to find out more about He Piripono Waiū Milk Bank.
How to become a donor
If you would like to become a donor you will need to:
• complete a health and lifestyle questionnaire. This will include information about any medications you are taking, alcohol, to***co and v**e use, recent tattoos or blood transfusions and if you have been ill or around ill people during the donating period
• have a free blood test to screen for specific viruses and illness that can be passed through breast milk.
We accept milk from parents with babies up to two years old. If you want to become a donor, contact us on: Phone: 021 679 837
Email: Whangareimilkbank@northlanddhb.org.nz
Website: https://info.health.nz/locations/northland/maternity-and-newborn-services/he-piripono-waiu-milk-bank-whangarei
For more information about Health Fund PLUS and how to donate go to this website - https://www.northlandcommunityfoundation.org.nz/funds/health-fund-plus
Photo (left to right) :Janine Parsons, Lactation Consultant and Lou Rowden, Maternity Quality and Safety Leader checking milk to be stored in the new freezer.
