Two of New Zealand's youngest national birds have been made living memorials for two Australian greats.

After the removal of kiwi chicks and eggs from burrows in Taranaki, Brockey, named after motor racing legend Peter Brooke and Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin's namesake Irwin have hatched at Rainbow Springs' Kiwi Encounter in Rotorua. Irwin, is the 100th kiwi chick be born during the current breeding season which runs from August to April.

Spokesman Rob Finlayson says the chicks are proving popular with visitors. They will be returned to their Taranaki home once they are big enough to survive on their own.

Last year, a record 108 eggs were hatched at Rainbow Springs and it is hoped that total will be exceeded this year.