Kiwi half-pints the focus as local brewer hops on cause

Brewer Paul Croucher (left) andRainbow SpringsKiwi Encounter kiwi keeper BevWilkinson with the North Island BrownAle. PHOTO/STEPHEN PARKER

Rotorua's biggest beer brewer has teamed up with Rainbow Springs Kiwi Encounter to help save New Zealand's national bird.

Croucher Brewing director Paul Croucher said in the spirit of October's "Kiwis for Kiwi" movement, Croucher Brewing, Brew Craft Beer Pub and Rainbow Springs Kiwi Encounter had got together to help support New Zealand's iconic native bird.

This long weekend he is tapping a brand new keg of "North Island Brown Ale" which will help support local kiwi conservation efforts at Rainbow Springs.

For every large pour of North Island Brown Ale sold at Brew on Eat Streat $1 will go toward the Kiwi Encounter.

The featured beer is a 4.3 per cent brown ale that Mr Croucher said has a "healthy dose of fruity hops".

He said the concept behind the beer was inspired by Rotorua itself.

Croucher Brewing's Julie Howard said the beer was a great spring-time celebration.

"It's sessionable enough for an afternoon around the barbecue and it's a nice celebration of the kiwi hatchling season. We're excited to give people an excuse to have a pint and do some good at the same time."

A portion of each keg sold nationally will be donated back to the Rainbow Springs Kiwi Encounter and the North Island Brown Ale will be featured at the weekend's Pacific Beer Expo in Wellington, after which it will be available for national distribution. North Island Brown is a limited release and available in kegs only.

The Kiwi Encounter at Rainbow Springs is New Zealand's largest and most successful kiwi conservation centre, having hatched and nurtured more than 1350 eggs since 1995.

-Visit www.kiwisforkiwi.org for more information about how you can help save the kiwi from extinction.