A baby taken from the emergency department of Whangarei Hospital by her mother has been returned to hospital by her whanau.
Police believe the four-month-old infant was taken by her mother shortly about 10pm on Thursday.
The infant was said to have an intravenous line in her arm and to have been in a dehydrated condition, needing antibiotics and treatment.
Police say they are speaking to the 23-year-old mother but have not arrested her.
Whangarei Hospital says the incident is now a matter for Child Youth and Family.
