Three women face abduction charges after baby taken from Palmerston North Hospital

The baby was found safe. Photo / File

Three woman have appeared in the Palmerston North District Court this morning charged with the abduction of a child.

Tara Jade Taputoro, 28, Jamie Rowena Henry, 37, and Ta Arohanui Taupotoro, 21, appeared before a registrar.

It was alleged the baby was abducted from Palmerston North Hospital on December 14 but found the next day and returned to hospital.

The charge carries a maximum penalty of seven years' imprisonment.

A Midcentral District Healthboard spokesman confirmed a newborn baby girl was taken from the neonatal unit on December 14.

"Police were informed immediately. They located the baby and those allegedly involved, returning the baby to Palmerston North Hospital the next day. As the matter is now before the courts we are unable to say anything further."

The three women made no pleas and were remanded on bail until January to reappear before a registrar.

They were charged with depriving "the chief executive of the Ministry of Social Development of the young person".