John Oliver's pūteketeke wins Bird of the Century | TVNZ Breakfast

[@RechtmanDon]

The real story here is that John Oliver utilized his media status to help bring awareness of not only New Zealand's birds but of endangered birds and nature conservation globally. Hats off to NZ and JO for their commitment to the environment! 🌹

[@seanwebb605]

Nah I just laughed at New Zealanders with John Oliver. i learned almost nothing that I will retain about these birds.

[@RechtmanDon]

@@seanwebb605 It is a more general message, not about specific birds; it is about environmental awareness.

[@seanwebb605]

@@RechtmanDon Bah. Nonsense.

[@johnmavroudis2054]

@@seanwebb605 Thanks for your input, Mr. Grinch!

[@seanwebb605]

@@Yvette5489 Nonsense.

[@jeztravel]

Without John Oliver, I will never have known that there is a beautiful bird in NZ named Puteketeke. This is a win for conservation.

[@samuelzackrisson8865]

it's a subspecies of the Great crested grebe. very pretty birds, we have them in sweden for example

[@arysnaza9329]

Even some of new Zealanders doesn't know about birds

[@DvanderPluijm]

The moment I saw it I knew the puteketeke had to be related to 'our' Fuut, a Dutch water bird. They look strikingly similar and I love that this cousin of the Fuut has been crowned the Bird of the Century.

[@Crimethoughtfull]

I'm an American who has lived here in NZ since 2016...none of my workmates or my wife's friends knew about the Bird of the Year/Century competition. None of them knew about the Puteketeke. Of course many Kiwis DO know about these things, but not the majority. But they did end up getting 600K NZD in donations, compared with under 100K last year, so it has been a great thing.

[@samuelzackrisson8865]

@@Crimethoughtfull that is great to hear

[@PoggeB13]

We live in the US. We voted. We donated. John Oliver rocks. So does New Zealand.

[@deadboyzX8]

same

[@JuliaBl]

John Oliver for president😉😉

[@IronCurtaiNYC]

@@JuliaBl Unfortunately, he was born abroad, so he's ineligible.

[@JuliaBl]

@@IronCurtaiNYC i know. But still: John Oliver for president.

[@IronCurtaiNYC]

@@JuliaBl Fair enough! If an insurrectionist can be president, than so can foreign-born John Oliver!

[@HermitLady]

I love how she’s just thrilled for the publicity and sees it all as a positive. 🤟💞

[@nikzane]

That's literally the best part of this whole stunt! Her reaction is just so damn wholesome! ☺

[@titantim]

Nikola's attitude about the whole situation is just so perfect. She's overwhelmed, but she understands that there was some fowl play, but also that the amazing amount of publicity is all for the birds.

[@vanessaland5090]

haha love the pun

[@LUWiseguy08]

An American here! Just want to say that it's been incredible to learn more about NZ, this contest, and hope to donate again like I did when putting in my entry. Thanks to all who helped give nature a voice! Also - Contact The Rock to be the Rock Hopper's campaign manager and you're hitting 500K votes.

[@HenrythePaleoGuy]

I'm glad you could all learn more! :)

[@esteban280889]

Thank you for donating.

[@laughingoutloud5742]

Very true lol

[@christianepoirier7255]

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson

[@deanparkin4481]

Thanks for donating to our birds bro❤🇳🇿👍

[@AnnaCarlson-b9u]

I became aware of both the puteketeke and more importantly the conversation efforts of Firest and Bird in New Zealand because of John Oliver! Thank you!

[@Codetapper]

Official Top 10: 1. Pūteketeke Australasian crested grebe: 290,374 votes 2. North Island brown kiwi: 12,904 votes 3. Kea: 12,060 votes 4. Kākāpō: 10,889 votes 5. Pīwakawaka Fantail: 7,857 votes 6. Tawaki piki toka Eastern rockhopper penguin: 6,763 votes 7. Karure | Kakaruia Black robin: 6,753 votes 8. Huia: 6,467 votes 9. Tūī: 6,457 votes 10. Takahē: 6,292 votes Any attention to our unique birds is fantastic, and hopefully the incoming government decides not to slash the conservation budget that was proposed. Give nature a voice!

[@jimbeardsley222]

mercy, lol! The clear winners are Conservation, and Entertainment, and I'm eager to revel with JO's successful election interference.. But I must say, as one voice & vote from here in distant US, that my favorite result is the Kiwi, of all Kiwi's, proved a strong "2nd"! Defend your eminent dinosaur-descendant at all costs! 🥝🐦‍⬛🫶🫡

[@drlnielsen]

I hope the same. I'm so happy to have learned about these birds I didn't know, and seeing the success of conservation.

[@Linuxfy]

no kiwi? hahahaha

[@jimbeardsley222]

​@AzharilAziziPlus .. the brown kiwi was #2, as shown, if that's what you mean?

[@Linuxfy]

​@@jimbeardsley222 oh i miss read it for something else.. tq

[@chumark54]

Yes! Though the point, of course, is not who/which bird won, but bringing a huge attention and donation to the conservation effort of the birds in NZ. This is awesome; we humans need to remedy what we've damaged to the environment and the creatures.

[@adam88099]

I had no idea about this organisation. I voted and donated.

[@chumark54]

@@adam88099 me 2

[@BellaGoesJapan]

I think also a huge point of it is that don't underestimate how comedy and silliness can make people care more than you'd ever think they would - from all over the world. I'm Swedish, aside from the kiwi I'd never before heard of any bird from NZ. Now, because I find what JO did absolutely hilarious, I made the effort to vote and check out more about other birds from the top ten list. Getting people to make that effort, even when it sounds so simple and easy and low energy, is not that easy and it takes being creative because a lot of people have the mindset of "well, I kinda care, but someone else will vote on this I can't be bothered". Bring comedy, a costume, jokes, and over the top "aggression" into it and people will be more inclined to check it out. I'm very happy for NZ and I hope this does help their nature and environment!

[@chumark54]

@@BellaGoesJapan TRUTH!! JO is my religion. His LWT should be mandatory to everyone. Under all the jokes and silliness is serious investigative journalism and caring, voicing for those without a voice; it's fighting against injustice. I wish I could be like him; he's a hero.

[@BellaGoesJapan]

@@chumark54 I have learned so much from watching his show through the years. Things that are definitely important to know, but also things that aren't really, but still interesting to know about. It's also expanded my knowledge way outside my country/culture/race/etc and in many ways allowed me to realize how big of a deal some things are and what the real consequences can be of said things. Before I was like "I know this matters, and I care" but now it's more like "holy fuck EVERYONE should care about this and know about this and it doesn't matter where you are geographically and it doesn't matter whether it will ever affect you personally."

[@nonadeplume1145]

Lovely contest! John Oliver's commitment to these causes is next to none!

[@johngatewood4638]

Conjecture much?

[@burnyizland]

@@johngatewood4638 👎👎👎

[@marylyn3081]

I voted from NY. I did so to support NZ conservation efforts. My vote probably didn't get through as the site crashed the day after LWT aired. But I applaud all your efforts.

[@joanne4758]

What a delight to you all on board. (NZ)

[@Gooses_Pond]

im glad it did. Im not disappointed that other countries can vote but our opinions are more relevant considering we share a country with them

[@deanparkin4481]

Thanks for donating to our birds bro 🇳🇿👍

[@vivianjones9749]

Yes, I tried voting too the day after. Couldn’t get my vote through, now I know why.

[@marylyn3081]

@@Gooses_Pond Then give the money raised back and spearhead your own conservation campaign.

[@billhorton2564]

I'm an American who voted for the pūteketeke thanks to John Oliver.

[@Derfboy]

Same! Pretty sure if you emailed me in reference to this I'd donate a couple dollars. 😎🤘

[@Styphon]

John needs to come up with matching contributions

[@stephend3459]

it's the sort of thing he would do@@Styphon

[@corneliusdinkmeyer2190]

I, too, voted for the Pūteketeke thanks to John Oliver’s commitment to endangered birds! 🐧

[@NZRainbowGillian]

Thank you! These gorgeous birds live in my town! The Wanaka grebes have been our local celebrities long before John Oliver put them in the limelight, but we’re grateful!

[@wadecolbranthomas]

As an Australian I do take some joy in knowing that the NZ bird of the century is also located in Australia 😂😂😂 🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺

[@MadCatLady28]

You might have to send some over to preserve them 😊

[@shadowbanned5164]

Australia has amazing birds they always blow me away when I visit from NZ...highlight for me was the pelican feeding at labrador on the gold coast and just down the road at currumbin zoo the lorikeets swarming around as you eat lunch...Amazing.

[@cynthiatravers8757]

As an American my husband thought New Zealand was a state of Australia, like Queensland or Tasmania. He wanted to vote for a California Condor for bird of the century.

[@watchedgarden]

Good to know. They are sublime.

[@thomasneal9291]

@@cynthiatravers8757 I weep for the inevitable headaches your ignorant husband must cause you.

[@gunterzeninja4114]

I'm an American and I loved this! I read up on tons of the birds when voting, and would love to see this in the states!

[@Gooses_Pond]

No it doesnt belong there.

[@casualt2212]

@@argylewinters6447 The Gunnison Sage-Grouse? It's definitely my pick

[@UGNAvalon]

Millions of square miles of bird habitat, many of them at risk of urban encroachment, but we “don’t need” a campaign to raise awareness of these endangered birds? Sure, seems legit. I bet everyone’s thrilled to only know about bald eagles & Canadian geese. 🙄

[@zorohibiki]

I love this love-hate relationship between John Oliver and new zealand

[@HaikuBanter]

What do you mean love/hate? Kiwis don't have hate in them and Oliver turns hate into Adam Driver kink. They literally both can't produce the back half of the live/hate.

[@joanne4758]

Isn't it neat - both Stephen and John seem to have a soft spot for NZ. Great to have something to smile about these days.

[@nikzane]

@@joanne4758 Both Stephen Colbert and John Oliver have been a tremendous boost to NZ's global profile and deservedly so! It's great seeing humble little New Zealand receive positive exposure like this on a global scale! ☺

[@Milezor]

New Zeeland, even if I am from Europe, seeing your care for wildlife makes me happy. I have friends in NZ, my beloved videogame is made by a NZ company (Path of Exile) and i was crushed when the All Blacks lost the World Cup. Your birds belong to the world, as heritage sites belong to world heritage. UNESCO exists for monuments, the kiwi and now the puteketeke are living monuments of this beautiful planet we all call home.

[@fatbastard70]

Not as crushed as most of us :(

[@joanne4758]

What kind words - in these chaotic times, may you stay well and stay safe.

[@gordonhowell9701]

Now we need to get a puteketeke pet mtx in poe!

[@forshizzlemywizzle]

Never EVER underestimate John Oliver. One day the world will learn this.

[@CosplayCinematics]

I voted from the Netherlands, for the Pūteketeke of course. It's a beautiful and unique bird. The bird of the century had to be a very special bird. So it's well-deserved. It's so sad to hear that it's one of the many endangered species. Hopefully this raises awareness of the preservation of other endangered birds and animal species.

[@RAD6150]

John Oliver led me to NZ conservation and marble racing... he is a force for good.

[@CrystalLynn1988]

Ooh yes. The marble racing is incredible, I'm so happy he introduced me to it.

[@amyhayutin1738]

Another American who voted for the winning bird AND donated! Good work conservationists, best wishes to all the birds of New Zealand.

[@lyellclare9365]

You have zero idea what you are talking about . 99.9% of New Zealanders would not have known that this bird existed in NZ.

[@davidhoward4715]

@@lyellclare9365 Now they do. And you have a problem with this?

[@Gooses_Pond]

winning bird but not most deserving. I would be willing to put money on the fact that if John Oliver never brought attention to the puteketeke 100% another bird would have been voted for

[@Gooses_Pond]

@@lyellclare9365 I agree Lyell.

[@tomobedlam297]

​@@lyellclare9365Ouch! No need to be so ungenerous in your remarks. As a kiwi I'm delighted that many more people around the world appreciate our wildlife and the dedicated work our conservation teams do. Forest and Bird are a volunteer group doing a marvelous job and they really do appreciate every bit of help and support offered from wherever in the world it comes.

[@neelsingh723]

Just because of john oliver i voted and i am from trinidad 🇹🇹

[@olagisrarikis]

I'm an Icelander who donated to the cause and voted for the pūteketeke after seeing John Oliver on Fallon.

[@kefinkamed]

Fantastic news! At the end of the day, what matters is that attention was brought to the importance of conservation and wildlife protection 👏 That being said, I absolutely voted for Puteketeke 😁 Greetings from Slovakia! 👋 🇸🇰

[@edwardolander4361]

Anything that promotes bird conservation is a great thing!!!

[@kateflanagan9355]

As an American who has been to New Zealand I love all of your countries wonderful and interesting bird life

[@kateflanagan9355]

The Kia and the Tui are both personal favorites of mine

[@CanadianSmoke]

I took the time to vote for three reasons, I've always considered New Zealand the Canada of the Southern Hemisphere, the bird not only looks cool, but it's got that walk.... the third is of course, my favourite British American, John Oliver.

[@nikzane]

So true! I'm from New Zealand and have spent a little time in Canada. NZ is absolutely the Southern Hemisphere's Canada! ☺🇨🇦🇳🇿

[@irgendwieanders2121]

@@nikzane Greetings from Austria, we, too, have big (and a little bit boorish) neighbors, so I think I dig you in your feelings

[@noondarkly]

Ahh, so thrilled 😂 a satisfied John Oliver follower here, also a lifelong fan of NZ from Hungary!

[@CanadianSnowflake]

I'm a huge fan of both Hungary AND new Zealand from Canada! I also have an unhealthy love of a good news article that includes John Oliver in a bird costume causing international mayhem. At least he does his best to use the elusive *john Oliver* effect, for good, not evil.

[@alexandra109]

I did vote for the Puteketeke because of John Oliver (and did give a donation when I voted). So I hope others donated as well when they voted. I love that John Oliver gives support to these causes around the world. He uses his platform of comedy to get his audience (myself included) to learn about world events, put our voice behind it, and occasionally our wallets.

[@Lordis12]

Happy the Pūteketeke won Bird of the Century! Greetings from Switzerland!

[@AaronTremblay]

I voted because of John Oliver, all the way from Arizona, USA! I did also donate though, I’m glad to see attention brought to conserving an endangered species!

[@LongEclipse]

From the UK, Thank you for putting up with us Last Week Tonight Fans. it was all in good fun! We all Love NZ. You are beautiful people!

[@Zonker66]

That 'joke' of his got them global attention and I'd imagine a lot of donations. I learned a lot about how special New Zealand is for so many birds seen nowhere else in the world.

[@birbluv9595]

I voted from Virginia in the USA, for the puteketeke, because its story is so sad (though improving) and I didn’t know about it till John Oliver. But i visited New Zealand for almost eight weeks in 2018, saw kiwis in Rotarua, and enjoyed seeing the tui in so many places. I bought art featuring the tui and pillow cases depicting NZ birds. Would have voted for the beautiful tui if it weren’t for John. Right now I’ve got loads of bills, but soon i hope to be able to donate to Forest and Bird!

[@daveminers3404]

Still paying for that New Zealand trip, eh? 😀

[@andrewimms7676]

That was awesome - Forrest and Bird goes global 🎉

[@prithvirajsrinivasan1077]

W by NZ for sticking to the final result rather than changing it. John Oliver has done it. All hail Puteketeke

[@TheGiggleMasterP]

This was an epic contest. Glad to see the Puteketeke gaining its rightful place!

[@Gooses_Pond]

according to americans and john oliver fans

[@robstimson4234]

lt's pronounced 'ipic'.

[@nikzane]

@@robstimson4234 Haha… you're familiar with the local dialect I see.

[@robstimson4234]

@@nikzane Yeah. lt's like fingernails on Satan's chalkboard to me. lt's like people talking thru surgical tubing.

[@robstimson4234]

Would you go see Dif Lipard? Lid Zippilin? Hell no.

[@Dept_Of_Ducks]

Another American here- also made sure to donate!

[@lordburgendy6108]

Not only did I vote for it, I donated too. Thanks, John Oliver, and good luck to New Zealand's birds. Love from the US.

[@TheBierp]

I could listen to someone from NZ read the phonebook. I love you guys and I love your accent! This was fun, but I do truly hope that many of the Oliver fans also chose to donate when they voted. (yes, I did).

[@nikzane]

As an ex-pat Kiwi, the NZ accent makes my skin crawl when I hear it. It sounds a bit like baby talk to me, haha. Still proud of my funny speaking brethren despite the cringe (to me) accent. 😛

[@jacksonleverenz2041]

As a bird lover and someone who clearly followed the trend of voting for the Puteketeke, I hope nobody takes this too harshly as an interference! Throughout the ranked voting process I learned a lot about the magnificent birds NZ is home too, and I'm assuming many more people are like me and were happy to learn more as well as pitch in a couple bucks in the name of conservation! Would love to visit New Zealand sometime, and I'll make sure to bring a set of binoculars to hopefully witness some of these amazing creatures in person. Cheers!

[@__kate___]

YAY!!!! Much love to NZ from the USA and I’ll for sure be donating and voting again next year! 💕 it was so neat to see everyone so passionate about this and to learn about NZ!!

[@SoraShadowdancer]

That side image you added of John in his Puteketeke outfit was just fantastic, lol. Thank you for that. I bet he got a kick out of it.

[@johnnythepug4983]

This is great! Thank you NZ for being so gracious about this and much love from the USA. We all learned about your birds and conservation and I greatly look forward to seeing it for myself one day.

[@yellalot101]

American here. I am so glad to have participated and to have helped bring awareness!

[@JulienPy]

The American didn’t take the title, the Puteketeke bird did ! Love you NZ ❤️

[@TheCatWitch63]

I totally agree!! The real winners in this exercise are New Zealand’s wildlife and its conservation efforts. It’s not an American win, it’s a global triumph, in my opinion.

[@Merzui-kg8ds]

I have to admit I'd not heard of puteketeke before John Oliver introduced me to it! So, guudonya, John.

[@DanielGusman-r6w]

This. Is. Amazing. I now want to visit NZ more than ever tbh

[@michaelwolf8690]

I was delighted to vote in the Bird of the Century despite living a world away from these birds and even dropped a few dollars donation to Bird and Tree.

[@ryry0913]

I voted from the US to help spread conservation news about these birds! This was such great fun I was so happy to see news coverage of something uplifting.

[@TheCatWitch63]

Greetings from El Salvador in Central America 🇸🇻. I’m so glad that John Oliver used his platform to promote the contest and the work the organizers do to help protect New Zealand’s unique wildlife, particularly its birds. I would not say that an US person/bird won. I believe everyone won with his “interference”, especially the newly coined bird of the century, but also all the birds and flying animals that were depicted in Last Week Tonight and in The Tonight Show. As I understand, John Oliver managed to help raise awareness at a global scale, and his show also had an important role in increasing the amount of funds raised this year. That’s why we love John Oliver so much. He manages to makes us laugh, entertain us and educate us all at the same time.

[@T1000-s6l]

I voted after watching Last Week Tonight. This competition was awesome, I will vote in future also. Much love from the UK, it was really interesting learning about the native birds of NZ. WE WON. He's British with American citizenship btw. Your birds are amazing.

[@Drmcclung]

I live in Texas and would have voted Kakapo, hands down. I am obsessed with that bird!

[@Orangeflava]

What stopped you?

[@Drmcclung]

@@Orangeflava I didn't know about the vote until yesterday when I saw this clip on KZbin.. and I'm seriously behind on Last Week Tonight too

[@Orangeflava]

@drmcclung ha okay. Yeah it happens. Greetings fellow Texan! 🤠

[@jillthomassian7510]

I also voted due to John Oliver's comments and I also donated, I understand the anger of having 190 different countries vote in New Zealand's wonderful conservation election, but I wish the news, which, I think in a very understanded NZ way, Nicola tried to convey, is how much more money during this overwhelming vote process flowed in for conservation, which I believe was Jon Oliver's goal, more than any single bird species and the awareness it raised. I think all of the other campaign managers can be upset, but also recognize the upside.

[@zoyakhrystova1269]

The power of John prevails!. Congratulations!

[@a.claudiasilva9589]

John Oliver is a king and should also be included in the vote for bird of the century. Think about it for next year. I'm from Portugal and I tried to vote Monday morning, not realizing the vote had ended on Sunday 😂

[@TheAccidentalViking]

In last week's episode of his show, he featured all the ads New Zealand led campaigns made, making fun of him and they were brilliant. I miss New Zealand, but I mostly miss New Zealanders. I'll never have friends like I had there and for those short 15 years of my life, I was actually happy. Moving away was the worst mistake of my life.

[@maxgrey435]

John Oliver - you are a bloody hard case! Thank you for highlighting the importance of this bird! Not just a NZ bird either...found in Australia and the USA. Good work!!!!

[@wickedblackheart26]

Awesome John Oliver did it!!!

[@la_Grichu]

Puteketeke yay!!! i voted from Chile, i mean after the convincing arguments and costume i had to...also i learned a lot about the country so win-win🤣

[@marylyn3081]

That costume was the best 🤩! I actually laughed out loud! And the more he talked, the funnier I found it.

[@Gooses_Pond]

what are those convincing arguments

[@marylyn3081]

@@Gooses_Pond I think that was a joke. Lighten up! Lots of donations for NZ Forest and Bird conservation.

[@Gooses_Pond]

@@marylyn3081 I dont think I need to lighten up. I just hadnt heard the joke. I dont watch john oliver so I had no clue what the arguments were so thats why I asked. Is it not ok for me to ask a question karen?

[@marylyn3081]

@@Gooses_Pond I think being clueless is the definition of a Karen.

[@blaster915]

John Oliver is gonna have a field day 😂😂

[@DrinkTheKoolAid62]

John Oliver is going to be insufferable over this

[@HenrythePaleoGuy]

Oh absolutely, lol.

[@ldp1953]

God I hope so!

[@daveyboots79]

That's when he's at his best..

[@juraj_b]

He knew he was going to win and it will be a landslide 😁

[@Kriistofor]

i can imagine that wonky birdman in his velvety bedtime cap, toeless slippers and naturally - nothing else, watching this whilst smirking and ploying the plot designed for gloating. a gloaty ploty

[@jeffreyburgher]

John Oliver always a man of wealth and taste. Can't wait to see what he does next!

[@rsf8510]

I voted for the puteketeke because of John Oliver! Proud voter and proud Last Week Tonight viewer. Thank you, Forest and Bird. Thank you, New Zealand. Philippines represent!

[@theursulus]

I hope forest and bird made a lot of money from Donations!

[@HenrythePaleoGuy]

They sure did!

[@madmarrr]

As an American, I voted AND donated!

[@Fern-334]

Greetings from Berlin. I've spend some years in NZ and for me the most typical sound of your beautyfull country is the calling of the Tui. I love the Puteketeke and the silly Kiwi BUT I woke up by the calling of the Tui's for seven years and this calling still breaks my ❤

[@samanthachia1491]

I'm a Singaporean who voted for the puteketeke, thanks to John Oliver;D

[@widowcrypt]

I donated here from the states and my donation was flagged by my bank as a possible fraudulent purchase. I was happy to explain John Oliver's campaign. Pūteketeke for the win!

[@TheAccidentalViking]

[@coachmullen1]

I'm so happy that you've received publicity for your cause. There is good in the world, and conservationists with a sense of humor is awesome!

[@JG-vq6rd]

I'm not particularly proud that John Oliver interfered with this election but it was absolutely hilarious and it cannot be denied that he brought a ton of attention to New Zealand birds. If history is any indicator he will possibly be making a sizable donation as well. I only wished Colbert had backed a bird with as much enthusiasm so that it wasn't a runaway.

[@marylyn3081]

That would have been fun. I absolutely applaud NZ conservation efforts. That was the whole point. If NZ can do it, the rest of the world can, too.

[@caronstout354]

Colbert supports the Fat Bear Contest.

[@Styphon]

Competing hosts, backing competing birds - seems like a lost opportunity

[@Gooses_Pond]

what bird would have won if john oliver didnt share his opinion? |Is there any way to see what bird scored second place?

[@JG-vq6rd]

@@Gooses_Pond they are supposed to release a list of the top 10 soon. I'd try searching in a day or two.

[@AnthonyFlack]

It's hard not to feel for the tui, since they turn up frequently in my garden and they can talk and imitate people's phone ringtones. I know we have lots of other cool native birds but I didn't see them out campaigning.

[@Hog-iv7tj]

Bit of a now it all aren't you

[@cbozlol]

From Florida and not the first time I've messed with your elections... The Aquarium gets my vote every year for Penguin of the Year. GO MO!

[@joanne4758]

Messing with our elections - does that mean we will impeach you (LOL)

[@cbozlol]

@@joanne4758 nope just a regular citizen with finite amounts of money. I go to jail forever.

[@loritracy1385]

Love John Oliver. He's a national, transplanted, treasure !

[@stevieme8642]

Maybe the bird of the year can take over where fat bear week left off. It's bringing a lot of awareness to to the wildlife of NZ.

[@eugenia_b73]

Haha! This whole thing has been so much fun to watch! I'm not in NZ and didn't vote but I'm a big fan of John Oliver and loved the look of the puteketeke, so I am glad that it won. 😄

[@slaphappysmokey1]

I am so grateful to have found out about some of these amazing birds in New Zealand! I have always been amazed by the wildlife there, and I was able to learn about so many different birds that are in serious danger in that beautiful country. I cannot wait to see what happens next year!!!

[@arthurmartin4616]

It's always nice to see conservation efforts getting positive attention like this. The stronger and more varied wildlife is, the better.

[@Coastfog]

Governments: "Must influence other nations' democratic process..." John Oliver: "Hold my bird..."

[@deadboyzX8]

sending nothing but love from America

[@mangamaster03]

I was glad to vote, but also to donate to help the beautiful bird species living in New Zealand.

[@maximeprometheas]

We did it! :D The John Oliver bump legitimately helped the magnificent pūteketeke take its rightful place as Kiwi Bird of the Century! When we start seeing the pūteketeke in every public fountain in New Zealand, you will know that this effort was worth every HBO penny!

[@joedellinger9437]

Having lived in Hawaii, all those Maori names seem so natural. I have to go visit your wonderful country.

[@ericae.6547]

You have to admit that the bird is pretty dope. I’m American and also here because of John Oliver.

[@maggiesays7827]

When John Oliver calls, things are bound to get out of hand but he brings a light and his fans are happy to donate to the latest cause. I know I did. Congratulations, New Zealand!

[@mariyamwaniki]

I❤️ John Oliver.

[@DennisMoore664]

The power of John Oliver and his audience should not be discounted - EVER! And now...this

[@debbiej1173]

I'm from South Africa, and I voted for the Puteketeke because of John oliver😂

[@lindathalman3506]

Yep, I voted because John Oliver suggested it! Proud to have helped raise awareness! From France.

[@Balc0ra]

Voted and dontated from Norway thanks to John Oliver

[@Spiral.Dynamics]

It’s a beautiful bird with a great comeback story.

[@Kreetique]

Yay🎉🎉. I voted from Nigeria

[@zbagz01]

Forest and Bird should be put in charge of the next U.S. election.

[@IronCurtaiNYC]

Agreed. We'd be more democratic that way!

[@spaceo8568]

The power of John Oliver is so real.

[@V3cna.]

I love you New Zealand y’all are the best

[@Laffinatu]

I watch John Oliver, I live in volcanic regions of the states of Northern California & Southern Oregon, I am very into birds and wildlife conservation. Of course I voted for the Puteketeke, but not after looking further into them myself, and looking into this contest. I wish we had one for our Pacific North Coast. NZ seems to have the right idea about bird and wildlife awareness so this was ultimately a win for you that a British - American talkshow host reached a little homesteader in a high dessert to learn about your amazing fowls.

[@sueparras6028]

If it wasn't for John Oliver I never would have heard of this awesome contest! Kudos to John Oliver and the Puteketeke! A well deserved win for an amazing bird! 👍💯✌🇨🇦🕊🦜🦩🦤🦉🦢🦆🐔🐧🐦🐥🐤🐣🐓🐔🦃

[@smi2le4ever]

He was SO confident that he had it in the bag he literally said “we’re going to win” on his show and published that a week before the voting closed. How many votes did our Puteketeke get!?

[@Tarsha.C]

Pūteketeke 290,374 North Island brown kiwi: 12,904 Kea: 12,060 Kākāpō: 10,889 Fantail: 7857 Eastern rockhopper penguin: 6763 Black robin: 6753 Huia: 6467 Tūī: 6457 Takahē: 6292 It was a definite thrashing.

[@mrgonzale0978]

Now they need to do the movie lord of the wings. If you don’t know what I’m talking about it’s on one of John Oliver’s billboards.

[@MadCatLady28]

Colbert will be begging for a part 🤣

[@caronstout354]

Colbert would want the "Gandalf" bird role...

[@viviorko]

I saw John Oliver and was all in. When I saw they take donations, I will be annual contributor .

[@avocadofox623]

I'm grateful my vote counted and the Pūteketeke WON!!! HUZZAH 🙌🏻 Faith restored in voting again 🥹

[@haroldjorge7856]

I oddly now love this bird lol Thanks J.Oliver. please take care of this bird lol