The long, hot summer in Northland is having a devastating effect on the region’s kiwi population. Dry ground means the native birds are having trouble poking their beaks through, to find worms and grubs to eat.

Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre’s Robert Webb says kiwi are dying from starvation and dehydration. He has managed to rehabilitate seven of the birds which have been taken to him in the past month.

Mr Webb says although kiwi are nocturnal, they have started coming out during the day trying to find food but they are being ‘baked’ in the daytime heat.