The itinerary tochoosing a leaderis never simple and as the closing of an election looms , tension can uprise . The same , it seems , is true for New Zealand ’s annualBird of the Yearevent . Having run for 15 year , what began as a light - hearted contest celebrating the nation ’s rich diversity of bird species has gathered momentum over time , break rise to a spate of well - humored but fiercely crusade debates as to which should take home the title .

In a world that is still reeling from the outcome ofFat Bear Week 2020(you were robbed , Chunk ) , the result will no doubt reignite animal partisan who could perhaps use some scant relief from theother election . Te Manu Rongonui oxygen Te Tau 2020will run from November 2 - 15 and asks you to vote for your top five favorite bird native to New Zealand .

Across its two islands , New Zealand is family to a rich variety of flightless and fly razz but perhaps most renowned of all has to be the New Zealander . These brown fuzzballs run on their two legs across the forest floor but have been labour to dear - extinction in the past tense as they came under attack from reason - dwelling and invasive predators .

Unfortunately , endangered mintage is a theme that underpins the rival as the organizers highlight that presently 75 per centum of land birds and 90 pct of seabirds are threaten or at risk of extinction in New Zealand . From climate modification to habitat destruction there are a host of reasons to explain the shuttlecock ’ “ In some fuss ” labels , but by celebrating their beingness the competition hop to fire conservation efforts that could see their most endangered nominee saved from an unsealed future tense .

vote is capable all workweek , closing on Sunday , November 15 , so be indisputable to vote and make your voice learn . Last year ’s master was theyellow - eyed penguin , known also as hoiho or tarakaka , which is endemic to New Zealand . Other desirable winners admit the kererū , kōkako , and perhaps the country ’s most lovable vandal , kea .

However , just because it ’s New Zealand does n’t mean the election has n’t had its fair share of scandals over the days . Previous years have seen slander campaigns against other player , elector fraud , and even accusations ofRussian interference .

As the rivalry heats up , so too do tempers .

There arefive notable eventsto date in its account that triggered the organizers to bring in an independent canvasser from Dragonfly Data Science to prevent further ballot scandals . Over the year the competition has seen nominated hoot taking toTwitter , Tinder , andFacebookto campaign their corner . Let ’s just trust proceedings   can stick above plank this class .