A woman and her newborn baby were rushed to hospital by helicopter after she unexpectedly gave birth prematurely today.
The 28-year-old Whakatane woman started having sudden contractions so her partner took her to the medical centre at Te Kaha, near Opotiki.
She gave birth to a boy shortly after their arrival.
The Trustpower TECT Rescue Helicopter was dispatched to rush them to Whakatane Hospital.
Mother and baby were admitted to the hospital for observation.
