Vote manu this year 

Whether you’re in a fowl mood, right wing or left wing, or think it’s just a hoot, make time to give the bird your vote in Forest and Bird's annual competition showcasing the plight of New Zealand’s native manu in its 20th anniversary.

Our friends at Zealandia Te Māra A Tāne are putting the kiwi pukupuku (little spotted kiwi) at the top of their pecking order, and Te Nukuao Wellington Zoo is putting all its eggs in one basket for the kororā (little penguin) – and to avoid ruffling feathers, we’re backing them both.

Wellington City Council has provided on-going support for both birds for decades, from the development of Zealandia to protect our native manu, to building safe spaces for kororā to breed and thrive around coastal sites, promoting penguin aversion training for dogs, financially supporting Predator Free Wellington and Capital Kiwi, as well as providing resources and advice to hundreds of organisations, and help facilitating thousands of volunteers.

Te Nukuao Wellington Zookeeper Kristen Buckley is leading the kororā campaign.

“Kororā are right at home along the coastlines of Te Whanganuia-a-Tara and it’s a real privilege for Wellingtonians to live alongside these beautiful manu,” says Kristen. 

“Right now, Wellington Zoo is home to eight kororā that were cared for at animal hospital, Te Kohanga The Nest, after they were found in the wild with severe injuries. Our veterinarians worked their magic to help them recuperate however they will never be able to be released back into the wild because of their injuries.

“As a bird keeper and a penguin lover, it’s a joy to work so closely with these birds. They all have such wonderfully unique personalities, the kororā that we have at the Zoo have gone through so much, and our visitors love seeing them splashing around in the water – all excellent reasons to vote kororā for Bird of the Year!”

Kororā live and breed along the Wellington coastline. To keep them safe, always keep your dog on a lead and away from known penguin colonies. 

“As much as we love our kororā, we prefer them to be in their natural habitat so please keep your distance and keep them safe!”

Dr Danielle Shanahan, CE of Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne says: “We here at Zealandia think it’s the perfect time for kiwi pukupuku to strut onto the Bird of the Year podium (it might need a hand because it’s only little). 

“They are our national namesake, Wellington’s most notable nightlife, and full of surprises with this year’s discovery of a previously unknown population on the West Coast of the South Island. Right now, this vulnerable wee kiwi needs all the backing it can get. Wellingtonians, make this election count! Vote kiwi pukupuku.”

Paul Ward from Capital Kiwi adds: "To quote Mākara local legend Ted Smith (97): 'If we can't look after the animal that has gifted us the name by which we're known as a people, then we deserve to be renamed idiots’. Vote kiwi!"

Things look a bit different this year, with First Past the Post ruling the roost. Simply swoop on to birdoftheyear.org.nz, click on your favourite candidates, and vote for them there. You can vote for up to five native birds, and there’ll be no ranking system this year – so each vote gets 1 point regardless of order.

Forest & Bird has also launched Birdle this year – a daily test of your feather-brained knowledge.

Voting for this year's Bird of the Year competition opens at 9am on Monday 15 September and closes 5pm on Sunday 28 September. The winner will be announced on Monday 29 September.

While you’re in a voting mood, don’t forget to check your letterbox for your local Council voting papers arriving next week if you’re already enrolled, and head to the wellington.govt.nz/elections hub for all you need to know about candidates, voting, special votes, the Māori Ward poll, and key dates.

Kororā

Kiwi