A rare white kiwi, which died a fortnight ago, has been farewelled in a heartfelt ceremony today.
Manukura, a famous resident of the Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre near Masterton, died after complications during surgery in December.
Around 150 people gathered to say their goodbyes, forming a procession for the nine-year-old kiwi.
"One of the many things our tamariki have always commented on is the fact they got to see Manukura, so she definitely deserves the send-off we're giving her today," Mike Kawana, Rangitāne o Wairarapa, told 1 NEWS.
Manukura was so popular she had her own Facebook page and was the subject of a book by Joy Cowley.
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