Information from Forestandbird.org states that the New Zealand Bird of the Year started as a newsletter poll in 2005 to bring attention to the conservation of endangered New Zealand birds.
Many birds have been celebrated as the victor over the years, from the first winner, the tui, to the controversial "bird", the long-tailed bat.
This year, the Waitaki District Council is getting in on the fun. As local body elections loom, and with the launch of the the Oamaru blue penguin colony’s new upgrades this month, the council says "there’s never been a better time to ensure the korora wins New Zealand Bird of the Year for the first time".
It is officially backing the local bird as a candidate for the competition.
"You can’t do better than vote for the korora," Waitaki District Mayor Gary Kircher said.
Bird of the Year voting opened on September 15 and will close at 5pm on Sunday.
The results will be released by Forest & Bird on Monday.
Votes can be cast on the Bird of the Year website.
