She has lost count of the number of babies she has brought into this world, but after 30 years of being there for mothers she's taking great pleasure from seeing some of the women she helped bring into the world now using her as their midwife.
"[Being a midwife] can be an emotional roller coaster at times, but having women who I have delivered as babies now wanting me to be their midwives is really special. It's wonderful to see that whole circle."
And she had some advice for anybody considering a career in midwifery. "It's the most fabulous job imaginable. It's a very rewarding and satisfying career."
As one of the first self-employed midwives in Northland, with clients drawn from largely rural, unemployed or socially disadvantaged sectors, Ms Bree has served the region in several capacities - she's the midwifery member of maternity-related committees, was chairwoman of the Northland region of the NZ College of Midwives and was pivotal in making Northland's midwives a cohesive group. She was also made an elder of the college in 2008 and has served three terms as president.
She is also an Asia-Pacific representative on the International Confederation of Midwives.
