PURPOSE:
To present an innovative collaborative process used to develop a graduate entry, Master of Clinical Practice (Midwifery) programme for registered health practitioners, leading to registration as kahu pōkai | midwife under Te Tatau o te Whare Kahu Midwifery Council of New Zealand. The programme aimed to mitigate workforce shortages in midwifery, opening access to existing health professionals, including nurses currently working in the maternity sector. This was a joint project between Te Whatu ora Health NZ and Auckland University of Technology as the Tertiary Education Provider.

DISCUSSION:
The collaborative approach that was employed in the design and development of the project proposal, the programme, and curriculum pedagogy is based on pūrakau (storytelling), reflecting the principle of whanaungatanga (relationships, sense of family, connection). It involved the learning and teaching being developed and delivered through a three-whare model, ensuring that different ways of knowing, being, and doing will be honoured. This approach aligns with the principle of whanaungatanga by fostering relationships and shared learning.

EVIDENCE WHERE RELEVANT:
The programme, approved by the Committee on University Academic Programmes, provides an additional education pathway for becoming a registered kahu pōkai midwife, and is anticipated to attract a culturally diverse cohort of ākonga (students) to the profession in Aotearoa NZ from a range of registered health professionals. It will offer a culturally safe ako (teaching) space that ensures a high level of successful completion for ākonga, preparing them for the kahu pōkai midwifery workforce. The programme delivers a unique transformative ako experience, emphasising safety and quality care that is whānau-centred across the kahu pōkai midwifery scope of practice. Learning and teaching aspects from a three-whare model, for Tangata whenua (Indigenous Māori) and Tangata Tiriti (non-Indigneous) alike, are embedded throughout the programme.

KEY MESSAGE:
The programme will help alleviate workforce shortages and further strengthen diversity within midwifery graduates, that hounors Cultural Safety Poster session 3 (Group B)