A rare white kiwi chick has been born - the first to be hatched in captivity.

The chick, named Manukura, is not an albino but the rare offspring of some North Island brown kiwis from Little Barrier Island.

Hello world ... a rare white kiwi chick just days after being hatched. Credit:Getty Images

He was born at the Pukaha Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre, 24 kilometres north of Masterton, on May 1, weighing approximately 250 grams.

The Little Barrier Island kiwis were transferred to Pukaha in May last year.