Young royal northern albatross are expected to start leaving the Taiaroa Head colony after what has been described as a successful breeding season.
While 22 chicks were banded this month in preparation for their fledging, one had since died, Department of Conservation ranger Lyndon Perriman said.
A preliminary autopsy report indicated the chick could have had a renal problem and had parasites.
It was one of three receiving supplementary food - two because they were not getting enough food from their parents and another which lost its father.
"It is a little unusual for us to have to supplementary feed two of these chicks when we know all four adults are still around."
As a result of the information gained from examining the dead albatross, staff had wormed the other two chicks to ensure they did not suffer from the same parasitic problem.
"Hopefully, it'll help those guys out and get their average weight up."
The survival of 21 chicks made it the third most successful breeding year at the head, he said. This was expected as the colony increased in size.
Recent bad weather had not affected the albatrosses as they were "well insulated" but they did become vulnerable in constant drizzle.
From now on, in a good southwesterly wind, the chicks would begin to leave the colony, he said.
