Police are urgently appealing for information about a two-year-old child who has been taken from Tauranga Hospital by family members.
Wayne Hauwai, also known as Wayne Kohu was being treated in hospital for an asthma condition. Both parents were present at the hospital during this morning's ward round. They are believed to have removed the child shortly after that ward round.
Police have been advised that the child was not ready to be discharged and his health may quickly deteriorate if he doesn't receive medical attention.
Police are appealing urgently for any information which will assist in having the child returned to the hospital. Family and friends of the child's parents, Jason Kohu, aka Jason Jones and Lucy Pearson, are also being urged convince them to return Wayne to hospital for medical treatment.
Jason is a 29-year-old Maori, Lucy is 27. Police have no further details at this stage with regard to possible vehicles. Further updates will be provided as information becomes available.
It is understood Jason and Linda have legal custody of the charge; the priority for police is the safety and wellbeing of the child.
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Kim Perks on 027 234 8256.