Why should kākā be the next Bird of the Year?

Zealandia is proudly backing kākā!

Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne is proudly backing kākā for Bird of the Year 2024!

Kākā are more than just a beautiful sight in Wellington—they’re a success story for Zealandia, Aotearoa New Zealand, and conservation as a whole. It all started 25 years ago when Zealandia's fence went up and so did the hopes of bringing wildlife back to Wellington. Today, kākā are seen thriving throughout the city, but they still need our support. By voting for kākā as Bird of the Year, you’re helping to highlight the importance of conservation and the incredible work that’s been done to protect our native wildlife.

In 1999, Zealandia's ground-breaking predator-proof fence went up and so did the hopes of bringing wildlife back to Wellington. Starting at just 14 kākā translocated to Zealandia between 2002 and 2007, the population has boomed and even grew by a whopping 250% between 2011 and 2020. Wellington has become one of the only places in the world where biodiversity is increasing and nature is returning.

Your vote for kākā is a vote for continued conservation efforts across Aotearoa. Make sure to cast it before 5pm 15 September at the Bird of the Year website.

Photo credit: KM-G "Kim"