Cyclone Gabrielle hero midwife Corrina Parata banned for year over false pay claims

Corrina Parata, the only midwife serving the remote East Cape region, has been banned from practicing for one year after admitting to stealing more than $100,000 from her employer, Ngāti Porou Oranga.

Parata's actions came to light despite her recognized efforts during Cyclone Gabrielle. She famously walked for an hour through the storm to deliver supplies to a pregnant woman in distress, showcasing her dedication to her patients in a challenging environment.

However, the court heard that Parata struggled with her mental health due to the demanding nature of her role. Working long hours and experiencing professional isolation as the sole midwife within a 200km radius contributed to her difficulties. These challenges reportedly led to her developing a gambling addiction, which in turn fueled the thefts.

While her heroic actions during the cyclone were acknowledged, the severity of the financial misconduct led to the disciplinary action. The ban means the East Cape community will face further challenges in accessing essential midwifery services, exacerbating existing healthcare access issues in the region.