He's a sheep farmer from Dipton, but Prime Minister Bill English looked right at home as he cradled a kiwi chick in Rotorua today.
English was visiting Rainbow Springs to learn about the park's kiwi conservation work.
Donning a blue park jacket, the PM cradled the tiny chick, named Empy, which hatched 24 days ago in the Maungataniwha Native Forest.
Ngāi Tahu Tourism chief executive Quinton Hall said it is fantastic to have the Government's support for kiwi conservation.
"To have the Prime Minister visit and experience this and hold a kiwi chick is great."