A woman has been given bail without plea after the discovery of a dead newborn baby in Albert Park yesterday morning.

But the 36-year-old woman, who appeared by video link, was asked to surrender her passport to police when she appeared in the Auckland District Court charged with concealing the dead body of a child .

The charge document alleges the offence took place on Saturday.

The woman, who has interim name suppression, was next due to appear in court on August 27.

Earlier Auckland City CIB Detective Senior Sergeant Ash Matthews said police were called to Albert Park in central Auckland around 7am on Sunday after a park worker discovered the infant.

“This investigation remains ongoing and police are speaking with a number of people to establish the circumstances around what has occurred.

“This is a tragedy for everyone concerned and we understand this will be quite confronting information for the community to hear.”

Mathews said a post-mortem would take place today to determine the next steps in the investigation.

Police were not looking for anyone else in connection with the matter.

Police conducted a scene examination and spoke to a person believed to be the baby’s mother.

Auckland Council confirmed a park maintenance contractor found the baby’s body.

“We are aware of this incident and the matter is currently with police for investigation,” a council spokesperson said.

The infrastructure company supplying park workers for the council, Ventia, declined to comment.

The body of a newborn baby was found in Albert Park, in central Auckland. Photo / Dean Purcell

Auckland Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson said she was shocked and saddened by the discovery and had made inquiries with staff regarding the next steps.

“This is extremely distressing and my thoughts go to all concerned.

“Our contractors reported this to police and this is now within their hands - both council staff and me personally have been in contact with the contractor to ensure they have the support they need.”