Meet the kororā
Meet the world’s smallest penguin with a big place in New Zealanders’ hearts, and one of our most beloved coastal residents. Marching out to sea each morning, returning at dusk after a hard day’s fishing, this penguin is a true-blue worker.
Standing only 25–30 centimetres tall, the kororā may be small, but it has a huge presence along our shores. With its slate-blue feathers and snowy white belly, this nocturnal seabird spends its days out at sea hunting for fish, and its nights returning to burrows along the coastline. Social and noisy, their distinctive calls can often be heard after dark in coastal communities.
Why the kororā matters
For generations, the kororā has been a familiar sight around Aotearoa’s coasts. It is a taonga species, important to Māori and coastal communities alike. Ecologically, it plays a vital role in marine ecosystems, and culturally, it is one of the most recognisable symbols of our connection to the sea. In places like Wellington and Oamaru, spotting kororā returning home at dusk has become a much-loved experience for locals and visitors.
Challenges they face
Despite their resilience, kororā face serious threats. Introduced predators like stoats, ferrets, and even domestic cats and dogs can wipe out nesting colonies. Coastal development and erosion are shrinking their natural burrow sites, while climate change is warming the seas and reducing the fish they rely on for food. Human activity also adds pressure including boat strikes, plastic pollution, and bright coastal lighting which can impact their life and habitat.
Protecting the little penguin
Fortunately, communities around the motu are stepping up to help. Predator control programmes, safe nesting boxes, and marine protection areas are giving kororā a fighting chance. Conservation groups, iwi, and volunteers play a key role in monitoring colonies, restoring habitats, and teaching people how to coexist with these taonga.
Why vote kororā for bird of the year
The kororā isn’t just the smallest penguin in the world, it’s a symbol of resilience, adaptability, and the importance of protecting our coasts. Voting for kororā is a vote for the health of our oceans, the strength of our communities, and the survival of a species that has lived alongside us for centuries – and we want that to continue.