Kiwi chick lovers have spoken and Kiwi Encounter's milestone 1500th kiwi chick now has a name.
Hundreds of suggested names for the chick have rolled in from around the country over the last couple of weeks since the chick hatched late on on Christmas Day at Kiwi Encounter, Rainbow Springs' kiwi hatchery.
Mighty Dash is the winning pick, recognising the chick's speedy one and a half minute hatch and MD representing 1500 in Roman numerals.
Rainbow Springs Kiwi Encounter kiwi husbandry manager Claire Travers said the chick was doing well and was now in the outdoor run along with a couple of other chicks, Messiah and Flounder, for company.
"Mighty Dash is very lively and wriggly and not that happy about being held."