Adriel Anise Louise Ah Fook, born at 11am, with parents Chris Ah Fook and Eleanor Faletagaloa. Photo / Nick Reed
Christmas brought bundles of joy for delighted couples around the country yesterday.
The parents of Tauranga's first Christmas baby said she was the best gift they could have received.
Mila Jay Clark was born at Tauranga Hospital at 3.39am, weighing 3.74kg.
Resting at the Bethlehem Birthing Centre, their newborn wearing a tiny Santa hat, Omokoroa Beach parents Sam and Rick Clark thought having a Christmas baby was "amazing".
"Her big sister just came to visit and thinks it's a pretty cool gift for Christmas," Rick Clark said.
"No excuse to forget when her birthday is either."
There were Christmas lights at the hospital and Mila was showered in presents on her arrival. Her cot was done up in tinsel and there were teddy bears and a Christmas blanket.
The Clarks were planning to have Christmas dinner in the birthing centre room, surrounded by family.
In Auckland, there was double joy for father Chris Ah Fook - he shares a birthday with his baby girl.
Adriel Anise Louise Ah Fook was born at Waitakere Hospital on her father's 23rd birthday. She arrived at 11.34am, weighing 3.5kg.
Chris said it came as a "big surprise" to him and his partner Eleanor Faletagaloa.
"I can't explain how it feels. It brought me to tears, it was very emotional," he said. "It was the best moment. All I could do was get down on my knees and thank God."
'We are increasing prices by as little as we can.'