A Christchurch schoolboy who killed a kea by throwing stones at it deliberately targeted the bird, but will avoid a harsh punishment.
The 12-year-old, who was on a school trip with Chisnallwood Intermediate at Porters Ski Field, near Christchurch, threw stones at the rare bird on Friday.
Department of Conservation Arthur's Pass field centre supervisor Chris Stewart told Radio New Zealand the attack was deliberate.
However, it was unlikely any action would be taken against the boy or his school.
Only 5000 kea remain in New Zealand, and killing them is a crime under the Wildlife Act, punishable with a fine of up to $100,000 or six months in prison.
Chisnallwood Intermediate principal Richard Paton says the boy regrets his actions.
"I don't think there was anything specifically malicious about it," he told Fairfax.
"He threw the stone at the kea; it hit the kea and unfortunately the kea died."
Mr Paton was planning to meet with the boy's caregivers on Tuesday to arrange for him to do community work in the area of conservation.
The kea's body was being stored in the school's fridge, and would be handed over to DOC on Tuesday.
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