Model Rachel Hunter has helped release a kiwi called Takamoana into the wild to highlight the work of a privately funded kiwi breeding project.
The kiwi was the 100th hatched and released by the Forest Life Force Restoration Trust and it was placed in thick bush in Maungataniwha Native Forest, in northern Hawke's Bay.
Ms Hunter has become a trust patron.
Takamoana, named after a Maori chief, is a one kilogram juvenile male North Island brown kiwi.
Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson said the private kiwi breeding project made an important contribution to conservation.
"Their work demonstrates the co-operation that is developing all over the country between private land owners, the business sector, like-minded restoration groups and the Department of Conservation," she said.
NZN