A Shy Penguin Wins New Zealand’s Bird Election Amid Memes and Tattoos

By Jurassic JennSep 17, 2024 19:08 PMCuriosity
Share:
 A Shy Penguin Wins New Zealand’s Bird Election Amid Memes and Tattoos
Yellow-eyed penguins. Source: islands.com

New Zealand's Bird of the Year, the hoiho, or yellow-eyed penguin, emerged victorious. This shy, smelly bird offers hope to its supporters and highlights the need for awareness of this endangered species.

The election campaign stood out this year. It avoided the foreign scandals of previous polls. Campaigners focused on traditional tactics, like launching meme battles, securing celebrity endorsements, and getting tattoos to show loyalty.

 A Shy Penguin Wins New Zealand’s Bird Election Amid Memes and Tattoos
Yellow-eyed penguins. Source: hakaimagazine.com

Over 50,000 votes were cast this year. This number dropped by 300,000 compared to last year, when a campaign run by British host John Oliver humorously pushed the pūteketeke to a landslide win. This year, the votes cast reflected about 10% of New Zealand's population, emphasizing the country’s strong love for native birds.

"Birds resonate deeply with us," noted Emma Rawson. She supported the ruru, or a small brown owl, which placed fourth. The nation's only native mammals are bats and marine animals, leaving birds as the prominent focus for many residents.

The hoiho, directly translated to "noise shouter" in Māori, is the world’s rarest penguin. It only resides on New Zealand's South and Chatham islands and nearby subantarctic islands. Its numbers have decreased by 78% within just 15 years.

"This spotlight comes at a crucial time," said Nicola Toki, chief executive of Forest & Bird — the organization overseeing the poll. The hoiho faces drowning in fishing nets and struggles to find food. Toki expressed hopes that this campaign raises tangible support for the species.

Charlie Buchan, the campaign manager, echoed Toki's sentiments. He mentioned that while the bird's situation is dire, several high-profile endorsements, including Jane Goodall and two former prime ministers, boosted visibility.

Bird campaign managers, including power companies and high school students, applied to Forest & Bird for participation. The coalitions supporting the hoiho featured wildlife groups, a museum, and even a brewery — all based in Dunedin — which also serves as the penguin's habitat. Their diverse support characterized the year’s most robust campaign.

Emily Bull, spokesperson for the karure, felt like an underdog. The karure, a small black robin unique to Chatham Island, reached second place. Bear in mind, the students’ association at Victoria University of Wellington directed this bid.

 A Shy Penguin Wins New Zealand’s Bird Election Amid Memes and Tattoos
Karure. Source: wikimedia

A fierce rivalry sparked on campus. The student magazine campaigned for the kororā, little blue penguin, leading to a spirited meme war. Bull described the experience vividly, noting that several participants got tattoos for their cause.

 A Shy Penguin Wins New Zealand’s Bird Election Amid Memes and Tattoos
Kororā. Source: squarespace-cdn.com

As Rawson concluded her campaign for the ruru, outreach efforts took her to a local dog park for votes. She earned her best-ever result with fourth place. The seasoned manager felt that this year's election had a quieter, more focused tone.

 A Shy Penguin Wins New Zealand’s Bird Election Amid Memes and Tattoos
Ruru. Source: predatorfreenz

Rawson, who has experience in promoting various birds over the years, appreciated the fundraising benefits and awareness such campaigns generate. She expressed relief that this year's contest was free of international interference, reminiscing about the excitement surrounding Oliver’s past campaign.

Looking at past controversies, Forest & Bird has changed some voting rules. After experiencing Welsh interference, voters must verify their ballots. In 2018, Australian pranksters cast fraudulent votes, prompting criticism.

While elections continue to foster competitive energy, campaign managers likened tactics used to elements found in scripted pro wrestling rather than typical contentious politics. "Community support is lively and warm," Bull shared, emphasizing the camaraderie among campaign managers.

Top Articles
The spiritual meaning of the Bluebird

Azure Bird Symbolism: meaning of meeting and spiritual meaning

Oct 9, 2024 20:44 PM
Animal-spirit snail - symbolism

Meaning of the snail spirit animal: symbolism of your leisurely meeting

Oct 8, 2024 16:29 PM

Meaning of Angel number 333 visionary Angel number 333. What to do and how to understand in a spiritual sense?

Oct 4, 2024 16:32 PM

Meaning of the name Lydia: spiritual meaning

Oct 4, 2024 16:03 PM
More News
Zodiac Signs Facing Family Conflicts Ahead

Zodiac Signs Facing Family Conflicts Ahead

Oct 11, 2024 09:08 AM
Three zodiac signs will embrace a more relaxed outlook: horoscope for October 11

Three zodiac signs will embrace a more relaxed outlook: horoscope for October 11

Oct 11, 2024 08:47 AM

Oakhurst Rock Shelter: A Continuous Story of Genetic and Cultural History

Oct 11, 2024 08:26 AM

JLo breaks silence on divorce and makes huge admission about future romances

Oct 11, 2024 08:04 AM
Three zodiac signs will find themselves brimming with curiosity: horoscope for October 11

Three zodiac signs will find themselves brimming with curiosity: horoscope for October 11

Oct 11, 2024 07:43 AM
Fitbit

Fitbit app will now use Gemini to help you with your health and fitness data

Oct 11, 2024 07:23 AM
A sense of satisfaction and accomplishment for three zodiac signs: horoscope for the end of the week

A sense of satisfaction and accomplishment for three zodiac signs: horoscope for the end of the week

Oct 11, 2024 07:04 AM
Raccoon Causes Chaos at Denver Broncos Game

Raccoon Causes Chaos at Denver Broncos Game

Oct 10, 2024 21:59 PM
5 Most Anticipated Anime of Fall 2024

5 Most Anticipated Anime of Fall 2024

Oct 10, 2024 21:37 PM

Stranded Calf Rescued from the River Thames

Oct 10, 2024 20:54 PM

Microsoft Announces a Number of New Functions for OneDrive

Oct 10, 2024 20:35 PM
Alisson Becker

Liverpool Goalkeeper Alisson to Miss One Month Due to Injury

Oct 10, 2024 20:12 PM
Hurricane Milton: A Close-Up from Space

Hurricane Milton: A Close-Up from Space

Oct 10, 2024 19:52 PM
Justin Timberlake Postpones New Jersey Show Due to Injury

Justin Timberlake Postpones New Jersey Show Due to Injury

Oct 10, 2024 19:09 PM
Three Zodiac Signs Poised for Unexpected Financial Windfall

Three Zodiac Signs Poised for Unexpected Financial Windfall

Oct 10, 2024 18:25 PM

Disinformation Poses New Challenges in Hurricane Recovery Efforts, FEMA Says

Oct 10, 2024 17:43 PM

Three zodiac signs poised to broaden perspectives in the next few months

Oct 10, 2024 17:23 PM
Raccoons Overrun Washington Woman’s Property

Raccoons Overrun Washington Woman’s Property

Oct 10, 2024 16:59 PM
SpaceX Seeks Mid-October Starship Launch Amid FAA Approval Disagreement

SpaceX Seeks Mid-October Starship Launch Amid FAA Approval Disagreement

Oct 10, 2024 16:38 PM
The Greatest Movies About Singing

The Greatest Movies About Singing

Oct 10, 2024 16:17 PM
Wales Aim for First WXV2 Win Against Japan with Key Lineup Changes

Wales Aim for First WXV2 Win Against Japan with Key Lineup Changes

Oct 10, 2024 15:56 PM
Three zodiac signs to form stronger bonds with their loved ones in the next few weeks

Three zodiac signs to form stronger bonds with their loved ones in the next few weeks

Oct 10, 2024 15:36 PM

Top 10 Celebrities Used for AI Scams the Most Are Named

Oct 10, 2024 15:14 PM

Three Zodiac Signs Reconnecting with Their Past

Oct 10, 2024 14:51 PM
All 9 The Conjuring Universe Movies, Ranked By Scare Factor

All 9 The Conjuring Universe Movies, Ranked By Scare Factor

Oct 10, 2024 14:29 PM
US Department of Justice Considers Google Breakup as Antitrust Remedy

US Department of Justice Considers Google Breakup as Antitrust Remedy

Oct 10, 2024 14:09 PM