DNA analysis has uncovered the evolutionary history of New Zealand's kokako, huia and tieke saddlebacks. 

Researchers from the University of Otago explored the origins of the wattlebirds by analysing their DNA and found the birds' ancestors arrived in New Zealand about 20 million years ago.

Joe spoke to Dr Nic Rawlence, from the Paleogenetics Lab at The University of Otago, on the matter.