Rare kiwi hatches

Newborn kiwi Richter. Photo / Supplied

One of the kiwi eggs at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve that survived the Canterbury earthquake has hatched on cue at the start of Conservation Week.

Named Richter, the newborn kiwi is from the critically endangered rowi population. Willowbank is caring for 17 kiwi eggs as part of BNZ Operation Nest Egg.

"Our first egg hatch this year is one breakage that is a welcome relief after the recent quakes," said Minister of Conservation Kate Wilkinson.

The eggs had rolled around in the incubator during the big quake but were kept safe by rubber matting.

Richter will be transferred to the safe island of Motuara in the Marlborough Sounds before returning home in about a year to Okarito Kiwi Zone, near Franz Josef on the West Coast.