2:52pm - The Prime Minister receives congratulations and a gender prediction

from her fellow hospital patients

Far north man Albert Topia and his wife Pamela Popata are also in Auckland Hospital, and have wished Jacinda Ardern and Clarke Gayford all the best for their new arrival.

"I was hoping it was going to be a Gemini like me," Mr Topia told Newshub.

"I hope I'm the godfather to their baby, I'd love to be."

Ms Popata says there's a "bit of a buzz" throughout the hospital today.

"I went up to the ward to have a look, I'm not allowed in but just to know that she's there. I love her very much and I wish her all the best...we're really excited that she's up there."

She says she thinks the couple are having a boy.