“Help us name our next kiwi!”

That is the plea from kiwifruit company Zespri in a recent social media post.

“We’re proud to be entering into our seventh year of partnering with the Bay of Plenty’s Ōtanewainuku Kiwi Trust, a group of community volunteers who take amazing care of our native kiwi,” says a Zespri spokesperson.

“We’re excited that we’re soon going to be welcoming another chick to the Zespri whānau!”

So far, Zespri have named several kiwis including Toddy, Manawa, Koura, Izzy and Sonny who are all thriving at Ōtanewainuku Forest just beyond the kiwifruit heartland of Te Puke.

“Let us know what you think our next chick should be called.

“Comment here with your name or send us a message by Sunday, January 14.

“We don’t know our chick’s sex yet so neutral names are best.”