Te Uru Pā Harakeke – healthy women, children and youth clinical executive Dr Jeff Brown said the aroha and meaning of the gifted names had brought tears to the eyes of charge nurses.
"These are much more than just names, there is such a depth of meaning," he said.
"We offer the best science-based care and modern obstetrics in our maternity and delivery wards, while now acknowledging the rich knowledge that has been there well before obstetrics was even a word.
"We thank Pae Ora for holding the torch and shining the light on our practice and making sure we are absolutely true to the gift of these names."
MidCentral DHB chief executive Kathryn Cook said the move was significant for the DHB.
"It says a lot about who we are and what we stand for. It's as much about our commitment to Tiriti o Waitangi as it is about celebrating our community," she said.
The entrance to the children's and maternity wards have also recently changed, and these are marked by lines on the floor from the main hospital entrance on Ruahine St.