More than 350 people have taken to the streets in Southland protesting against plans to close the primary birthing unit in Lumsden.
The Southern District Health Board wants to downgrade the Lumsden Maternity Centre to a child 'hub', providing only antenatal and postnatal care.
Locals say it'll mean some mums-to-be travelling up to two hours to give birth.
DHB leader Lisa Gestro understands why people are upset but says the current situation just isn't viable.
She says, unfortunately, there isn't enough growth in the area to justify keeping the birthing unit open.
Clutha-Southland MP Hamish Walker was at the march in the town and says the community is bewildered by the proposal.
"My question is to the prime minister, would it be okay with having just gone into labour, then driving 130 kilometres, the distance between Morrinsville and Auckland."
"If it is not acceptable for her, it's not acceptable for rural mums."
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