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The breeding of the grey-backed storm petrel (Garrodia nereis) at Houruakopara Island in the Chatham Islands (44° 06′ S, 176° 31′ W) was investigated and the nest site, egg, and chick are described. Both parents incubated the egg in poorly synchronised shifts averaging 1.9 days. generally followed by a desertion period of 2.7 days. Eggs hatched from mid-November, and the chick was brooded by either parent for up to 4 days after hatching. Chicks were fed on average every 1.6 days and the size of each feeding increased with age.  The average daily increase in body weight was 12.6%, and by 17 days the weight of the chicks equalled that of the adults. Evidence of competition for nest sites within the species and with broad-billed prions (Pachyptila vittata) and little blue penguins (Eudyptula minor) is discussed and a list of food items taken from regurgitations is presented.