Kiwi expected to hatch in Auckland

A bird sanctuary is expecting the first kiwi born in the wild in the Auckland Region in 60 years to hatch this weekend.

Because of predators, kiwi have been extinct between lower Northland and the Bay of Plenty for more than half a century.

In 2006, kiwi born in captivity began being released into the Tawharanui Open Sanctuary, marking the return of the North Island brown kiwi.

Sanctuary Co-ordinator Matt Maitland says there are now two nests, each with a male bird incubating an egg. He says it is likely they will hatch this weekend.

- NEWSTALK ZB