Baby girl born in Taranaki is first New Zealand baby of 2017

A baby girl born at 12.01 this morning is likely to hold the title of first New Zealander born in 2017.

In fact, she could be the first child born this year in the world.

Ella Whitehead was born at Taranaki Base Hosptial just after midnight, Fairfax reported.

Her parents Sarah and Lewis Whitehead are reportedly speaking to media later today.