The Salvation Army was a maternity provider for many years and offered services to pregnant women in Auckland, Gisborne, Napier, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin. These private hospitals for married and unmarried mothers were called Bethany Hospitals and operated for many decades. The Gisborne hospital's official name was Edward Murphy Memorial Maternity Hospital; the Dunedin hospital was Redroofs Maternity Hospital.
We still hold some records of these hospitals. These records include some adoption records. If you were born at a Bethany Hospital to a married or unmarried mother, we may be able to undertake a record search for you pertaining to your birth and/or adoption. We may also be able to assist you in your search for your birth parent. Please call (0064) 04 802 6269 ext 24603 to speak with a case worker or email bethanyrecords@salvationarmy.org.nz.
Alternatively, you can call Oranga Tamariki’s Adoption Unit on 0508 326 459 for information on adoptions for other places and providers.