Conservation Socks is backing Team Floor Bird for Bird of the Year 2026

The annual New Zealand Bird of the Year election has been announced for September 4 to September 20, 2026. And already, it is clear that smear campaigns are becoming entrenched in the New Zealand political world.

Having carefully read through each of the newly formed political party manifestos, I have decided to back Team Floor Bird.

While the party name is nothing short of hilarious, Floor Birds represent our most uniquely New Zealand manu. I tried to explain the concept of a Floor Bird to a Canadian friend recently, and they were confused. How can a bird be flightless?

Takahē, kākāpō and kiwi are all species shaped by a land once free from mammalian predators. Each of these iconic native birds has faced the threat of extinction, but thanks to sustained conservation efforts, they now carry stories of recovery, resilience and hope.

This is the kind of story Conservation Socks was created to celebrate. Conservation Socks are designed, manufactured and packaged in New Zealand using sustainable materials, with $1 from every pair sold donated to conservation efforts across the motu. The socks are a practical way to celebrate the native birds we love while supporting the work being done to protect them.

At a time when our conservation lands are being challenged, I think it is important to hold onto hope and continue to fight for the environments and species that make this country unlike anywhere else.

So while the Shore Birds stretch their wings and migrate to warmer climates, I will be backing the Floor Birds who are found nowhere else in the world.

Let’s go Team Floor Bird!

Thank you to Forest & Bird for hosting this yearly election. It’s a great initiative and it's so cool to see that the schools are involved this year.