KEY POINTS:
A sick baby girl has been returned by her mother after she was whisked away from Whangarei Hospital early today.
A big search was launched after four-month-old Riot Cameron Martin, who had an antibiotic drip in her arm, was removed from the emergency department by her mother Jessie Martin just after midnight.
The mother's family was alerted to the incident by publicity and the baby was returned around 10am, police spokeswoman Sarah Kennett said.
Riot was reported to be safe and well.
Sharon Thom, acting northern regional director for Child, Youth and Family, said the service would "work closely with the family and the hospital to determine what is best for the baby".
Police said the incident was not being treated as a kidnapping.
- NZPA
