20 Dec 2012

Nesting kaka found in Wellington's town belt

10:01 am on 20 December 2012

Kaka have been found nesting in Wellington's town belt for the first time in a century.

Wellington City Council says the kaka nest with chicks was found on the edge of Prince of Wales Park in the suburb of Mount Cook.

Council spokesperson Myfanwy Emeny says the nest is close to a small stream where there is a population of banded kokopu - a species of native fish.

Matu Booth, who runs a local community restoration programme and discovered the kaka nest, says the birds are part of a loose flock of kaka that has taken up residence in the town belt.

He says the birds are banded and are from Wellington's Zealandia sanctuary have not been there since they were juveniles.