Warning: This article contains images that some people may find distressing.

A kererū has been found dead from what appears to be a gunshot wound.

The bird was discovered by a member of the public, who alerted the Department of Conservation (DOC) after finding the bird on Park Island, Napier, during the long weekend.

Due to a large hole in the breast of the bird, DoC suspects that the bird was shot. Kererū are protected under the Wildlife Act, and it is an offence to shoot them.