NZ plane birth charges 'likely'

A woman who allegedly abandoned her baby after giving birth on a flight to Auckland from Samoa may face criminal charges, New Zealand police said.

"Police are currently investigating the mother's actions... A likelihood of this investigation is a criminal prosecution," a statement said.

Reports say the infant was discovered in an onboard toilet compartment as the new mother tried to leave the airport.

Police said the woman had since been reunited with her baby.

The child's gender has not been disclosed.

Immigration officials are examining information provided by the woman on her visa application and how she boarded the plane at such an advanced stage of pregnancy, said a spokesman for the Pacific Blue airline.

Labour

The woman, who is believed to be a 30-year-old Samoan, gave birth on board a flight from the Samoan capital Apia to Auckland on Thursday, the airline said.

Airport staff became suspicious when they noticed her blood-stained clothing as she tried to leave the airport in Auckland, according to local media reports.

The newborn was found shortly afterwards by an airline worker. One source said the baby was found in a toilet rubbish bin.

It was not immediately clear whether any of the 150 passengers or crew on the flight were aware that the woman was in labour.

Pacific Blue says passengers who are more than 36 weeks pregnant must have medical clearance to fly.