Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

For the first time in more than 100 years, kakariki (red-crowned parakeets) have been breeding on Motutapu Island, in the Hauraki Gulf.

A family of kakariki has been spotted on Motutapu, including a fledgling about two weeks old, the Department of Conservation (DoC) says.

The male of the pair was released on nearby pest-free Motuihe eight months ago.

DoC's manager for the project, Richard Griffiths, says it's exiting that the kakariki are breeding so soon after most of the pests were removed, but it's important they're looked after.

The department began a two year campaign in June to rid Motutapu of pests.

Listen to Richard Griffiths on Morning Report