Meet Kath
The first birth she witnessed was that of her gorgeous nephew... 25 years ago! What struck her was what strength a woman has within in her and is able to tap in to, especially when supported to do so. Her sister's midwife was kind, skilled and ultimately her biggest cheerleader. Empowering her to birth her baby. She was hooked - and wanted to be that for women too!
Kath Metz, a practicing registered midwife since 2003; with clinical experience working in the community and hospitals across New Zealand & Australia. Her roles have been varied, including working as an LMC midwife & diabetes midwife educator. She has studied adult education and held dual roles as both a Midwife and Clinical Midwife Educator. This facilitated her desire to inform, inspire & motivate midwives to promote quality evidenced based care to the women and babies we care for. But all the while empowering women to be the best that they can be.
Over the years, Kath has observed a significant shift in the landscape of women’s health, particularly around childbirth. We are increasingly recognising the profound impact a woman’s health has on the future well-being of her children. It’s essential for women to understand that their health and happiness are vital—not only for themselves but also for shaping the future of their families.
Modern lifestyles, with their emphasis on convenience and speed, have contributed to a rise in chronic health conditions such as diabetes, obesity, stress, and anxiety. These challenges are impacting women's health, affect women’s ability to conceive naturally, experience healthy pregnancies and births, and transition into menopause with ease.
Accessing timely healthcare in New Zealand is becoming more of a challenge. Often, it lacks a holistic, whole-person approach, focusing on symptom management rather than addressing root causes. This can lead to a cascade of interventions, where additional medications are given to manage the side effects of the first, perpetuating a cycle of dependency.
Balanced Health for Life
Balanced Health for Life is a culmination of over 20 years of experience in the health industry passionately supporting women's health in the very privileged and humbling role as a midwife and educator. Health and wellbeing have been central to her life after losing her mother to cancer at the age of just 52. She has been reminded again of its importance after experiencing burnout as a frontline healthcare worker and following the COVID-19 pandemic and which has contributed to a turbulent journey of her own into menopause.
Kath turned to studying herbal medicine, nutrition, and health coaching to reclaim her own health and happiness. Like many women, she's faced the challenges of managing hot flushes, poor sleep, overwhelming stress, burnout, and anxiety—realities shaped by years of shift work, under-resourcing in healthcare & lack of understanding of the menopause transition. Along the way, she's learned, and continues to learn, how to integrate strategies and tools to improve her well-being. It’s not always easy, but it’s absolutely worth it.
Herbal medicine and holistic healthcare offer a powerful and safer alternative, with far fewer side effects. This has motivated Kath as a Naturopath and Medical Herbalist, drawing on her experience as a Women’s Health Coach and Midwife, to help her clients create vibrant, balanced lives. By supporting and educating women, she empowers them to recognise the importance of their own health—for themselves now and in the future and for the future of their children.
Kath's passion is still to empower & educate women to be their best selves. She's here to help you improve your health, enhance your ability to conceive, nourish your growing baby, thrive in motherhood, and transition into menopause with greater ease. Kath looks forward to walking alongside you on your journey to balanced health, integrating powerful strategies and changes into your everyday life.
Kath loves walking and mountain biking in the Whakawerawera forest in her hometown of Rotorua, New Zealand, with her husband and friends; and away adventures in their caravan exploring their beautiful country. She also enjoys the benefits of practicing yoga regularly; she finds it helpful for her biking, mental well-being and resilience.
Kath very much enjoys developing the land of their home section with lots of regenerative native plantings & trees, fruit trees, vege garden and her 6 chickens. She just LOVES coming in from the garden with fresh veges, herbs and eggs and creating something yummy and healthy for them.
Kath holds the following certifications:
Bachelor of Natural Medicine (South Pacific College of Natural Medicine, NZ)
Bachelor Health Science (Midwifery) (AUT, NZ)
Certificate Adult Teaching (Wairakei Institute, NZ)
Certified Health Coach (Institute Integrative Nutrition (IIN) USA.
Certified Life Coach (Life Coach NZ)
Certificates in fertility & women's hormones (Integrative Women's Health Institute (IWHI) USA)
