Bird of the Year 2026 - The manu who won my votes!
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Bird of the Year is in full swing and watching the party debates on Instagram has been an entertaining break from the usual politics I spend too much time watching.
This year I am backing the Takahe and Team Floor bird, with an equal sprinkling of Tree and Sea bird. As the only bird to unextinct itself twice, and still somehow never claim the Bird of the Year crown, I think takahē is overdue for the win.
My voting rational:
Takahē
I genuinely thought takahē had won Bird of the Year before. They are flightless, a little bit silly, and after coming back from the brink of extinction twice, they feel like a true symbol of hope.
Kiwi
I have been doing a lot of kiwi research recently, for reasons that will become apparent in the coming months, so it’s safe to say I am currently a little obsessed with them. They are adorable, completely unique, and a wee bit feisty with one another. As I currently find myself based in North America, I am often asked why New Zealanders are called Kiwis. Every time, people assume we are named after kiwifruit. While kiwifruit are cute, brown and fuzzy, I think we need to raise kiwi birds international profile.
Kākāpō
This giant, bright green night parrot has always been one of my favourites. Their faces make them look so inquisitive and friendly, and I hope that one day they are common enough to spot on a night hike. After years of sustained conservation mahi, the kākāpō has just had a record breeding season, with 90 chicks. Wooop!
Kororā
The world’s tiniest penguin and the only blue penguin. How has kororā not taken out the Bird of the Year crown before now?
Pīwakawaka
An adorable, friendly little tree bird. I miss seeing pīwakawaka from my window in Auckland. Their flirty little movements and aerial agility are unmatched.
Big thank you to forest and bird for putting on this election every year. Whoever came up with this year’s bird political parties deserves an award. Voting closes September 20, so make sure you cast your vote!