Two midwives from Kapiti have jointly won the Capital and Coast District Health Board Community Midwife of the Year award.
Lynley Davidson, from Nikau Midwives, and Noreen Roche, from Kapiti Midwives, received the award at a special function at Kenepuru Hospital.
Both women, who have extensive midwifery careers, were humbled and thankful for receiving the award.
And they were indebted to the support from their families, respective groups and various health board staff.
"They have been amazing," said Lynley, who helped establish Nikau Midwives.
They have been very passionate about their careers, despite the time demands and sacrifices needed as a midwife.
"There's a great sense of fulfilment when a new baby arrives and a family has begun," said Noreen, a Scottish trained midwife who was a founding member of Kapiti Midwives.
"It's a passion and has been a very fulfilling time with women and families," Lynley, who helped established Nikau Midwives, said.
Working at the Paraparaumu Maternity Unit had been enjoyable, with both saying the unit was safe, trusting, reassuring, friendly, peaceful and inviting.
"It's fantastic," Noreen said.
"Paraparaumu has always been a great hospital for women and families in the area.
"Birthing on the coast has always been safe because we have such a good cohesive community here."
Lynley started nursing in 1973 in Invercargill, then Wellington and a bit overseas before embarking on midwifery in 1984 at Wellington Women's Hospital before working at Paraparaumu Maternity Unit for the last 19 years.
Noreen started nursing and midwifery in Aberdeen in 1979, and came to New Zealand in 1982 where she worked in the Bay of Plenty, then Wellington Women's Hospital and lastly Paraparaumu Maternity Unit from 1990.
Lynley is stepping down from her lead maternity carer role next month, and Noreen is following suit in December.