Police assist ambulance with critically ill baby in Awakino Gorge

Wednesday 15 October 2025 · 5 outlets · 5 reports · updated Wed 15 Oct 2025, 6:14pm

In this story Hato Hone St John, Health New Zealand, Waikato Hospital

An ambulance carrying a critically unwell newborn was blocked by flooding and slips in Awakino Gorge on Monday. A police officer assisted the medical team as they navigated the impassable road. The baby was eventually flown to Waikato Hospital by air ambulance.

How they headlined it

4:35pm5:19pm

1. 1NewsWed 15 Oct 2025, 4:35pm

   Police escort ambulance with critically ill baby through flooded gorge (opens in new tab)

2. NZ HeraldWed 15 Oct 2025, 4:42pm

   Ambulance with critically ill baby trapped by Awakino Gorge floods (opens in new tab)

3. StuffWed 15 Oct 2025, 5:19pm

   Critically unwell baby taken to hospital after getting stuck by Waikato flooding (opens in new tab)

4. RNZWed 15 Oct 2025, 5:54pm

   Police help ambulance with mother and newborn blocked by floods in Awakino (opens in new tab)

5. Otago Daily TimesWed 15 Oct 2025, 6:14pm

   Critically ill baby on board ambulance blocked by slips (opens in new tab)