The genetic code of the kiwi has been mapped out by European scientists - giving clues as to how the our national symbol evolved.

The study published today shows how kiwi developed special smell detectors to help them navigate the dark of the night.

The North Island Brown Kiwi now has one of the largest recorded bird genomes sequenced to date.

The study also found the birds could once see in colour and even suggests moa were what drove them to forage at night.