Health New Zealand's being accused of compounding midwife shortages, with inadequate funding

Midwifery union MERAS says budgets haven't increased for two years in a row, and wards haven't been able to fill neccessary roles.

Health New Zealand says it has the "right tools in place to resolve the issue", but admits some regions have gaps in specialist roles.

The union's co-leader Caroline Conroy says it's a disappointing situation.

She says the workforce has gone so long without new workers, which now can't be employed.