The kārearea has kept its talons latched onto first place in the race to be crowned Bird of the Year 2025 – however the battle behind it is heating up.
It’s the same 10 birds on the leaderboard today, but positions have shifted amongst the middle five.
Manu making moves since Friday’s update include the karure black robin, which has flown up the chart to secure fourth position, moving tawaki piki toka Eastern rockhopper down to number five. The kea has strengthened its hold on second place. Kākāpō is still in third, but for how long with the black robin on the move?
The takahē is the biggest mover, coming up from eighth place to sixth, with ruru, pīwakawaka, toroa and hihi making up the rest of the top 10.
“Friday’s update showed the kārearea out in front – and it hasn’t budged,” says Rebecca Hatch, Forest & Bird’s Group Manager, Growing Support.
“But what’s really exciting is how the middle of the pack is shuffling. Birds like the ruru, karure, tawaki pika toka and takahē are showing just how strong their campaigns have become. None of these birds have won before, although black robin came close. It was pipped at the post last year by hoiho.
“For the first time this year, 100% of birds have dedicated campaign managers busy making noise for their manu. With campaigns, partners and endorsements this year, the reach has been immense, which is a perfect way for us to celebrate 20 years of this beloved avian election.”
A new creative tradition, Waiata Manu, was announced this week, which will see the winning bird honoured with a song produced by acclaimed NZ musician and multi-disciplinary artist, Delaney Davidson, with a different songwriter each year. The 2025 songwriter will be Troy Kingi.
Comedian Robbie Nicol also hosted our first election-debate, which went live yesterday on YouTube.
With more than 80% of our native birds in some level of trouble, Bird of the Year is more than a popularity contest – it’s a way to spark conversations about conservation, and to rally people behind unique species that need our urgent support.
Voting is open until 5pm, Sunday 28 September, with the 2025 Bird of the Year winner announced the following day.
Vote for up to five birds at birdoftheyear.org.nz