Kakariki return to mainland Auckland

Kakariki or red-crowned parakeets, are today being released into the Tawharanui Open Sanctuary. Photo / Hawke's Bay Today

Kakariki are making a comeback.

Twenty of the red-crowned parakeets are being released into the Tawharanui Open Sanctuary at the Tawharanui Regional Park today.

Coordinator Matt Maitland says the birds have not been seen in mainland Auckland for more than a century.

They are coming from Little Barrier Island, and will join other recently released species, including the North Island brown kiwi.

Matt Maitland says another 20 kakariki will be released in April.

- NEWSTALK ZB