Parakeets breeding near Auckland surprises expert

The native parakeet, the Kakariki, has caused excitement amongst researchers after breeding on Motutapu in Auckland's Hauraki Gulf.

The population of Kakariki was released on near-by Motuihe and researcher Luis Ortiz Catedral said a group of the birds were spotted on Motutapu last week.

"I trust parakeets will become the most noticeable bird in the Hauraki Gulf in no time," he said.

(By Edward Gay)