A body, understood to be a newborn baby, has been found in a reserve in south Auckland.
At about 8.30am on Thursday a member of the public was walking through a reserve on Mona Ave, Mangere Bridge, when they discovered the body of a baby.
Detective Senior Sergeant Karen Bright said officers were yet to confirm details but the baby is believed to be very young, possibly a newborn.
"We have serious concerns for the well-being of the baby's mother and our initial focus will be on identifying who she is," she said.
The scene at Mona Ave, which backs onto mangrove swamps, has been cordoned for a forensic examination to be carried out.
Police staff removed the body from the scene about midday.
Neighbours of the small waterfront reserve are shocked by the tragic find.
Mona Ave resident of 15 years Andrew Fong said the reserve was used as a local party spot, with many people coming and going but the discovery of the body was unnerving.
"I feel bad for whoever it was that left the baby," he said.
Mother and son Hastie Ave residents Melanie and Sam Keenan said they had noticed "quite a few dodgy individuals" at the reserve since they moved in two years ago but last night was quiet.
"You start to ignore it after a while, it starts to become the norm," Melanie Keenan said.
"It was actually quiet last night, no music, nothing".
Police ask anyone who has any information that could assist to contact them.
"Anyone who wishes to speak with us can do so in confidence and we would reiterate that our main concern as this stage is the welfare of the mother."
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