Whanganui MP Chester Borrows' lesser-known position as "Minister for Chicken Donating" has kept him busy lately as he handed out free chickens for young people and children to take care of.
Mr Borrows recently donated live chickens to children at Ramanui School in Hawera, as well as young people at Youth Justice residences in Palmerston North and Christchurch.
"I've been doing it for a while now," said Mr Borrows, who buys the chickens from a local breeder.
"I just think that chickens are great for kids and young people to look after. They respond very quickly to being well treated."
After donating the chooks to the Christchurch Youth Justice Residence, he had received a message from the next takers.