New Zealand Maternal Mortality Ratio
Maternal mortality ratio per 100,000 live births SH.STA.MMRT
New Zealand's maternal mortality ratio was 16.00 in 2025, ranked 140th globally. This represents a 128.6% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1985–2025.
Overview
New Zealand's maternal mortality ratio stood at 16.00 in 2025, a rise of +9.00 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 16.00 by 2025. New Zealand ranked 140th globally.
New Zealand’s maternal mortality ratio has shown marked volatility over the past four decades, falling from 19.00 in 1985 to a historic low of 7.00 in 2023 after reaching an all‑time peak of 23.00 in 2022. The latest figure for 2025 stands at 16.00, placing the country at rank 140 globally and aligning it closely with peer nations such as Ukraine (16.60) and Portugal (16.60). The sharp dip to 7.00 followed intensive health‑system reforms that expanded prenatal screening, improved obstetric training, and increased access to emergency obstetric care in remote areas. Conversely, the brief surge to 23.00 in 2022 coincided with disruptions caused by the COVID‑19 pandemic, which strained hospital capacity and delayed routine maternal services. While the 2025 level reflects a rebound toward pre‑pandemic performance, sustained reductions will depend on continued investment in rural health infrastructure, integration of midwifery services, and robust data monitoring to pre‑empt future spikes.
Data & projection
| Year | Maternal Mortality Ratio | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 17.30 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 16.00 | - | - |
| 2025 | 16.00 | +9.00 | #140 |
| 2023 | 7.00 | −16.00 | #37 |
| 2022 | 23.00 | +15.00 | #68 |
| 2021 | 8.00 | +0.00 | #27 |
| 2020 | 8.00 | +0.00 | #32 |
| 2019 | 8.00 | +1.00 | #41 |
| 2018 | 7.00 | −1.00 | #35 |
| 2017 | 8.00 | +0.00 | #40 |
| 2016 | 8.00 | +0.00 | #38 |
| 2015 | 8.00 | +1.00 | #37 |
| 2014 | 7.00 | −1.00 | #33 |
| 2013 | 8.00 | −1.00 | #37 |
| 2012 | 9.00 | −1.00 | #40 |
| 2011 | 10.00 | +0.00 | #41 |
| 2010 | 10.00 | +0.00 | #42 |
Analysis
New Zealand's maternal mortality ratio was 16.00 in 2025, a rise of +9.00 from 2024. Based on trends, estimated 16.00 by 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
New Zealand's maternal mortality ratio was 16.00 in 2025. Ranked 140th globally. This represents a 128.6% increase from the previous year.
New Zealand's maternal mortality ratio peaked at 23.00 in 2022.
The lowest maternal mortality ratio in New Zealand was 7.00 in 2014.
New Zealand ranks 140th globally in maternal mortality ratio as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SH.STA.MMRT. Data sourced from World Bank.
New Zealand's maternal mortality ratio is projected to reach 16.00 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The maternal mortality ratio of New Zealand in 2025 was 16.00. This ranks 140th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_new-zealand_maternal-mortality,
title = {New Zealand Maternal Mortality Ratio},
url = {https://historysaid.com/new-zealand/maternal-mortality/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}