A member of the Waikato District Health Board is outraged to learn of the death of a baby, as it was being born.

It happened when a planned caesarean for the mother was pushed down the list, because an emergency C-section came in.

DHB board member David Macpherson told Rachel Smalley he's outraged management didn't forewarn members, until just before news media reported the case.

"They're sort of acting under instructions, you know keep it positive, don't release any bad news."

LISTEN ABOVE AS DAVID MACPHERSON SPEAKS WITH RACHEL SMALLEY