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Kārearea New Zealand Falcon Wins 2025 Bird of the Year in Record Engagement Vote

In its 20th year, the contest served as a conservation call, as Forest & Bird noted most of the leading species are in trouble.

FILE - JJ from Austria stands on the stage with the trophy after winning the Grand Final of the 69th Eurovision Song Contest, in Basel, Switzerland, May 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner, File)
FILE - A man rides past a mural celebrating John Oliver's New Zealand's 2023 Bird of the Year campaign in Wellington, New Zealand, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Charlotte Graham-McLay, File)

Overview

  • Forest & Bird reported more than 75,000 votes, the highest turnout since the overseas-driven surge in 2023.
  • Organizers said 87% of ballots were cast in New Zealand and the falcon received more than 14,500 votes.
  • Officials estimate only 5,000 to 8,000 kārearea remain, with risks including habitat loss, introduced predators and electrocution on power lines.
  • All 73 entrants had volunteer campaign managers this year, fueling a wave of memes, posters and grassroots promotions.
  • Anniversary extras include a Troy Kingi waiata for the winner, a retrospective book, and the Birdle NZ daily game.