ABSTRACT
Midwifery autonomy in 1990 opened up the possibility for a radical change in the way maternity services were delivered in New Zealand (NZ). Today the model of caseloading1 midwifery in NZ is held up internationally as an ideal model. However, achieving autonomy required an enormous transition and significant changes within the maternity system and midwifery under - graduate education. At times changes have been so great that some midwives have not trusted nor understood the implications of autonomy. For new graduates entering the workforce this has created difficult tensions and times of disillusionment and feeling unsupported. This has seen a recent emphasis placed on how to mentor new graduates for autonomous practice.
