Helping hand for kiwi chick

This kiwi chick was given a little help to break out of its shell at Rainbow Springs. Photo / Supplied

One of the latest kiwi chick arrivals at Rainbow Springs in Rotorua needed a gentle helping hand after developing upside down in its egg.

"The breach chick was in danger of suffocating because its beak didn't have the pocket of air to breathe through as it was trying to hatch upside down," said Kiwi Encounter manager Claire Travers.

"Because of its position the chick couldn't push its legs down and shoulders up to break the egg shell, so we waited until it was ready to hatch and then gave a helping hand."

About one in 50 eggs that arrive at the park are breach.