Party Leader Graham Capill and his wife, Judith, were blessed with the safe arrival of their ninth child during the weekend.

Esther Jerusha weighed in at 7lb 9½oz and was delivered by Mr Capill at his home in Christchurch.

Mr Capill said, “They were delighted with their new arrival and are thankful to God that all went well. It was special to share the event intimately at home just between the two of us.

Mr Capill expressed some concern about the current maternity arrangements. He said, “While the medical staff looking after my wife during her pregnancy were marvellous, maternity services are highly political. It is wrong that doctors are no longer promoted as primary health providers, shunted to one side in the midwife bun fight.”

The family have enjoyed their precious bundle over the weekend and there are no shortage of hands to cuddle their daughter and sister.

Contact: Party Leader Graham Capill (021) 661 766

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