'Deliberate attack': One penguin chick dead, another missing at Piha beach

One penguin chick is dead and another missing from North Piha in Auckland, in what the Department of Conservation says was a deliberate attack.

DoC says the nest of two kororā/little penguin chicks was “intentionally disturbed” around midday on Monday.

A witness alleges a female in a red-and-black checkered top and bottoms and a male in a yellow jacket were involved.

Principal wildlife compliance officer Tapua Hori has called on the public, especially West Aucklanders, for information.

“We need your help to bring justice for two kororā/little penguin chicks.

“The two individuals handled the birds without authority, and their subsequent harassment of the animals likely contributed to the confirmed death of one of the chicks.”

The witness described the alleged offenders’ demeanour as “unpredictable”.

A penguin chick was found dead at Auckland's North Piha. Photo / Department of Conservation