Whangārei midwife who worked in Gaza calls for global action to end war
Since leaving in March, Harris-Studdart has remained in touch with colleagues still on the ground.
'They are now exhausted, constantly terrified and barely surviving on one meal per day.
'These people, my Palestinian colleagues and now friends, are among the many dedicated health professionals who keep coming to work despite their own families being at risk and under fire.'
MSF, and other international organisations including the UN and Amnesty International, have labelled the situation in Gaza a 'genocide', calling for immediate global action.
Bullet-proof vests and helmets aren't normal garb for midwives, but were essential for Shelley Harris-Studdart when she worked in Gaza.
Harris-Studdart echoed their concerns and called for Kiwis to speak up.
'As individuals and communities, with a democratic government, we need to show-up, speak-up and do everything we can to end this genocide.'
New Zealand has joined 25 Western countries calling for an immediate end to the war in Gaza, saying that suffering there had 'reached new depths'.
The signatories urged for a negotiated ceasefire, the release of hostages held by Palestinian militants and the free flow of much-needed aid.
Foreign Minister Winston Peters said New Zealand needed to keep putting the pressure on, to end the war now.
In a speech to the UN in April, Peters called the war in Gaza 'an utter catastrophe' and accused the Security Council of failing in its responsibility.
During her time in Gaza, Harris-Studdart worked at Nasser Hospital, where nearly 1000 babies were born each month, despite the facility facing direct attacks and critical shortages.
Whangārei midwife Shelley Harris-Studdart chats with a senior midwife of the delivery unit in Gaza's Nasser Hospital.
She drew inspiration from her team who provided postnatal care, breastfeeding support and trauma counselling in three community clinics.
Amid the loss and suffering, Harris-Studdart said she found deep human connection.
'One woman and her newborn baby stand out in my memory: This was the woman's fourth baby and her only living child.
'An airstrike had destroyed her home and, of the four generations living there, only herself and her husband survived.
'Now, her healthy, pink, newborn lay in her arms covered in her tears.'
Today, Nasser is one of only two functioning hospitals south of the Netzarim Corridor, which splits Gaza in half.
Staff continue treating mass casualties and delivering babies, even as supplies are critically low and threats persist, she said.
Harris-Studdart was able to witness how a ceasefire allowed human resilience to shine through, among a landscape reduced to dust and shattered concrete.
'Everywhere I looked, there was grey — the tents, the rubble — but in the markets, I saw colour again,' she said.
'Fresh vegetables. Children flying kites. These colours and basic essential commodities, [were] the result of the ceasefire and 600 trucks per day entering Gaza.'
Denise Piper is a news reporter for the Northern Advocate, focusing on health and business. She has more than 20 years in journalism and is passionate about covering stories that make a difference.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scoop
17 hours ago
- Scoop
New UC Book Explores An Urgent Issue For NZ's Justice System
Mental Health and Criminal Justice: A New Zealand guide is the first New Zealand multidisciplinary book on mental health law and policy in our criminal justice system. Dr Marozane Spamers, a lecturer in the Faculty of Law at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC), edited and co-wrote the book with colleagues from a wide range of disciplines including law, criminal justice, psychology, political science, and Māori and Indigenous studies. The ground-breaking publication will support a new Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Criminal Justice course, 'Mental health and criminal justice', being offered at UC from Semester 2 this year. The course is open to third year and postgraduate students from a range of pathways including, criminal justice, psychology and law. In an endorsement of the book, UC Director of Criminal Justice, the late Professor Helen Farley says: 'Mental health in Aotearoa New Zealand's criminal justice system is a crisis hiding in plain sight – and this book lays it bare.' Early chapters contextualise the intersection between mental health and criminal justice and contrast a Western history of mental health treatment in the criminal justice system with a Māori perspective. Criminological theories of crime, the philosophy of punishment and human rights considerations are also covered. Subsequent chapters examine responses to mental health in specific areas of the criminal justice system: police, the criminal trial process, criminal law, expert evidence and prisons. The mental health of victims and criminal justice professionals is also investigated. Outside an academic context, Dr Spamers believes this comprehensive book constitutes a valuable resource for individuals and agencies working at the intersection of mental health and criminal justice: lawyers, policy makers, forensic experts, corrections, police, victim advocacy and citizens advice services, and mental health services. 'My vision is that if professionals working in criminal justice settings have a deep understanding of the wide-ranging impacts of mental health concerns, that will lead to better policy making and implementation. I also believe that if criminal justice professionals become better at recognising, responding to and appropriately supporting or diverting people with mental health concerns, that will lead to better outcomes for both offenders and victims of crime.' Cultural responsiveness is another major focus for the book. A chapter co-written with lecturer Jessica Maclean from the Aotahi School of Māori and Indigenous Studies emphasises the need for culturally competent practice and gives context for subsequent material examining the inequities and biases that can occur in the criminal justice system, not only for Māori, but for other communities in Aotearoa. 'We wanted to emphasise that if we privilege a Western model in criminal justice, law, policy making, and mental health diagnosis, that can result in real inequities for the different cultures living in New Zealand.' Published by Canterbury University Press, the book is now available as an open access digital edition supported by funding from The Michael and Suzanne Borrin Foundation. Dr Spamers hopes the accessibility of this free digital model will also assist lay people navigating the criminal justice system. 'While there is quite complex theory in the book, we've really tried to write it in clear language that's easy to understand. I'm pleased that it can be downloaded by anyone, whether they are students, criminal justice professionals, the victims of crime, or the family and whānau of someone charged with a crime.' Mental Health and Criminal Justice: A New Zealand guide is co-written by Dr Bethany Growns,Jessica Niurangi Maclean,Associate Professor James Mehigan,Dr Linda Mussell,Professor Robin Palmer, DrJayson Ware andProfessor Debra Wilson. It can be downloaded from the UC Research Repository via the Canterbury University Press website, A4 format, 270pp, ISBN 978-1-98-850348-6. A hard copy will be available later in the year.
Scoop
3 days ago
- Scoop
MNZM And NZ Innovator Of The Year Dr John Hyndman Stands For ACT Local
Press Release – ACT New Zealand John brings decades of medical and governance experience to the table. He served for many years at Wairau Hospital and was instrumental in establishing the Churchill private hospital and Hospice Marlborough. ACT Local has selected Dr John Hyndman, a retired Specialist Anaesthetist, award-winning medical innovator, and recipient of the New Zealand Order of Merit – as its candidate for the Blenheim Ward in the upcoming Marlborough District Council election. Dr Hyndman was recognised in 2016 as NZ Innovator of the Year and appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for developing a low-cost anaesthesia machine used in developing countries. John brings decades of medical and governance experience to the table. He served for many years at Wairau Hospital and was instrumental in establishing the Churchill private hospital and Hospice Marlborough. He also chaired the Marlborough Health Trust and now co-directs a medical immigration business helping bring overseas doctors and nurses to New Zealand. Dr Hyndman recently moved to his new home in Picton and is standing to bring a calm, constructive voice to the council chamber – one that focuses on oversight, sound infrastructure, and ratepayer value. 'I'm standing because I believe ratepayers deserve better. In tough times, every dollar counts. I want to be a positive influence around the council table – not to throw stones, but to make sure promises are kept. That means delivering on infrastructure, keeping rates down, and making sure council spending stays grounded in reality.' – Dr John Hyndman Dr Hyndman says ratepayers deserve more than good intentions, they need councils that stick to the basics, keep costs under control, and stop wasting money. 'After a career in medicine and running businesses, I know how important it is to be organised, take responsibility, and focus on outcomes. That's how councils should operate too. I want to bring common sense and steady oversight to the Marlborough District Council.' – Dr John Hyndman Earlier this year, ACT New Zealand announced it would be standing Common Sense Candidates for local government for the first time — after hearing from New Zealanders across the country who are sick of rising rates, ballooning budgets, and councils that ignore the basics while chasing ideological vanity projects. When you vote ACT Local, you know what you're getting: Fixing the basics Lower Rates Cutting the waste Stopping race-based politics Restoring accountability Ending the war on cars ACT Local Government spokesperson Cameron Luxton says: ' ACT Local candidates are community-minded Kiwis who've had enough of wasteful councils treating ratepayers like ATMs. It's time to take control on behalf of ratepayers — to restore accountability and deliver real value for money. ACT Local is about getting the basics right: maintaining roads, keeping streets clean, and respecting the people who pay the bills. Our candidates won't divide people by race or get distracted by climate vanity projects. They're here to serve, not lecture.' – Cameron Luxton
NZ Herald
6 days ago
- NZ Herald
Whangārei midwife who worked in Gaza calls for global action to end war
On March 18, bombing resumed with increased intensity and Gaza's humanitarian crisis spiralled, once again, into catastrophe, she said. Since leaving in March, Harris-Studdart has remained in touch with colleagues still on the ground. 'They are now exhausted, constantly terrified and barely surviving on one meal per day. 'These people, my Palestinian colleagues and now friends, are among the many dedicated health professionals who keep coming to work despite their own families being at risk and under fire.' MSF, and other international organisations including the UN and Amnesty International, have labelled the situation in Gaza a 'genocide', calling for immediate global action. Bullet-proof vests and helmets aren't normal garb for midwives, but were essential for Shelley Harris-Studdart when she worked in Gaza. Harris-Studdart echoed their concerns and called for Kiwis to speak up. 'As individuals and communities, with a democratic government, we need to show-up, speak-up and do everything we can to end this genocide.' New Zealand has joined 25 Western countries calling for an immediate end to the war in Gaza, saying that suffering there had 'reached new depths'. The signatories urged for a negotiated ceasefire, the release of hostages held by Palestinian militants and the free flow of much-needed aid. Foreign Minister Winston Peters said New Zealand needed to keep putting the pressure on, to end the war now. In a speech to the UN in April, Peters called the war in Gaza 'an utter catastrophe' and accused the Security Council of failing in its responsibility. During her time in Gaza, Harris-Studdart worked at Nasser Hospital, where nearly 1000 babies were born each month, despite the facility facing direct attacks and critical shortages. Whangārei midwife Shelley Harris-Studdart chats with a senior midwife of the delivery unit in Gaza's Nasser Hospital. She drew inspiration from her team who provided postnatal care, breastfeeding support and trauma counselling in three community clinics. Amid the loss and suffering, Harris-Studdart said she found deep human connection. 'One woman and her newborn baby stand out in my memory: This was the woman's fourth baby and her only living child. 'An airstrike had destroyed her home and, of the four generations living there, only herself and her husband survived. 'Now, her healthy, pink, newborn lay in her arms covered in her tears.' Today, Nasser is one of only two functioning hospitals south of the Netzarim Corridor, which splits Gaza in half. Staff continue treating mass casualties and delivering babies, even as supplies are critically low and threats persist, she said. Harris-Studdart was able to witness how a ceasefire allowed human resilience to shine through, among a landscape reduced to dust and shattered concrete. 'Everywhere I looked, there was grey — the tents, the rubble — but in the markets, I saw colour again,' she said. 'Fresh vegetables. Children flying kites. These colours and basic essential commodities, [were] the result of the ceasefire and 600 trucks per day entering Gaza.' Denise Piper is a news reporter for the Northern Advocate, focusing on health and business. She has more than 20 years in journalism and is passionate about covering stories that make a difference.
