Songbirds are returning to their morning branches

Matagi Vitolio  

Nō Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Pūkenga, Ngā Pōtiki, Tūhourangi, Ngāti Wahiao, & Ngāti Hāmoa 

Biodiversity is a core characteristic of New Zealand. This is especially confronting when your international flight makes  landfall and they deploy their routine aerosol sprays down the aisles, getting into every corner and crevice of the cabin. This treasuring of Aotearoa’s biodiversity is not unwarranted—it deserves the manaaki and support that is eternalized. Birds have been a core aspect of Aotearoa’s identity. Long before humans settled into the landscape of New Zealand, the birds filled the forests, hills, and streams with their songs and calls. 

Over the past few centuries though, we have seen a rapid recession in populations across many species of native birds. This is due to habitat loss, the introduction of foreign predators, and excessive hunting. Though, hope does glimmer in the conservation efforts made by tangata whenua and tangata tīriti, Forest & Bird, and the Department of Conservation. Predator control programs, island sanctuaries, fenced ecosanctuaries, and community trapping groups have all helped turn the tide for many species. Alongside these practical efforts, something unexpected has helped capture public attention: the annual Bird of the Year election.  

Over time, the election has become a national and competitive cultural event here in Aotearoa. It reminds people that conservation is not only about scientists and government agencies, but also depends on public interest, community action, and a sense of pride in the natural world. New Zealand’s birds still face real challenges. Many species remain threatened, and ecosystems continue to recover slowly. Yet the growing excitement around Bird of the Year reflects something hopeful; it shows that people care deeply about the unique wildlife of Aotearoa. It’s important to recognize the efforts of both bird conservationists and Forest and Bird. I compiled a short list of manu who have previously won Bird of the Year, and had a look at how their resultant notoriety helped support the endeavors of their species. 

The Kākāpō, which won the competition in 2008 and again in 2020, is one of the most famous conservation recoveries in the world. Almost facing the similarly tragic fate of the dodo, the Kākāpō have navigated intensive management and care. As a result, their population rates have risen from a few dozen to just over 236 parrots. After each of theirBird of the Year campaigns, public interest in the Kākāpō grew significantly—we saw increased media coverage, donations to conservation initiatives, and stronger engagement with the recovery effort.  

The Hoiho has won twice, first in 2019 with a second victory in 2024. The Hoiho has faced severe decline in population due to disease, fisheries interactions, and habitat pressure. Post-campaigns, conservation groups reported an increase in public interest in penguin conservation. Their win highlighted the work of researchers and volunteers who monitor the Hoiho populations and protect nesting areas during the breeding season. 

National interest for the Mohua increased after its win for BOTY. A victim to the introduction of mammalian predators, the Mohua suffered great loss due to the vulnerability and accessibility of their breeding nests. Their Bird of the Year win resulted in greater visibility for the species, and stronger backing for conservation work in beech forests. In areas where predator control has been sustained, Mohua populations have shown signs of recovery.  

The general interest in Bird of the Year consistently brings attention to the greater conservation efforts for native birds in Aoteaora. Ngā manu are returning to the lush forests and bringing balance. Here in Wellington, we are seeing the effects;  the short melodies of the Tūi filling our hills, the many heavy flutters of the Kererū swooping, . the abundance of cheeky squawks from the Kākā. A soft charm has returned amongst the outskirts of green around Te Whanganui-a-Tara.