Koro the Kiwi by Jane Parlane

A beautifully illustrated story celebrating courage, nature, and New Zealand wildlife

Koro the Kiwi, a beautifully written and illustrated new children’s book by Waiheke author Jane Parlane and Lyttleton artist Gill Hay.

The story follows eight-year-old Ruby, who lives by the sea on Waiheke. When illness keeps her home from school, she begins to notice the native birds in the bush around her cottage. One night, she hears a mysterious call — could it really be a kiwi?

This is a gentle, uplifting tale for 3–9-year-olds that celebrates family, curiosity, and the magic of New Zealand’s native wildlife. The story also connects beautifully with recent conservation efforts — ten kiwi were released on Waiheke Island in May 2025, marking the first time the birds have been reintroduced to an urban area in Auckland.