New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern gives birth to 'healthy baby girl'

New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has given birth to a baby girl.

Ms Ardern took to Instagram to announce the news, sharing a photo of herself and her partner Clarke Gayford with their new baby.

“Welcome to our village, wee one,” she wrote.

“Feeling very lucky to have a healthy baby girl that arrived at 4.45pm weighing 3.31kg (7.3lb).

“Thank you so much for your best wishes and your kindness.

“We’re all doing really well thanks to the wonderful team at Auckland City Hospital.”

“I’m sure we’re going through all of the emotions new parents go through, but at the same time feeling so grateful for all the kindness and best wishes from so many people,” Ms Ardern said in a statement.

There was no mention of a name, although Ms Ardern earlier warned the couple were struggling to pick one.

Her office said it would announce later when the family leave the hospital.

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They were expected to speak to a crowd of reporters who have been gathered at the hospital since Ms Ardern arrived at the hospital around 5.50am local time.

Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters is now acting Prime Minister for the next six weeks while Ms Ardern takes maternity leave.

Ms Ardern, 37, took office as New Zealand’s third female Prime Minister last year.

In January she announced she was expecting a baby with Gayford, a TV fishing show presenter.

She is the first woman in New Zealand history to give birth while in office.