John Oliver's Vigorous Campaign for New Zealand's Bird of the Century Vote
Late-night host John Oliver takes on the role of campaign manager in New Zealand's Bird of the Century poll, becoming a key player in one of this year's biggest elections
John Oliver is transitioning from being a comedian to fulfilling the role of a campaign manager for the highly significant New Zealand Bird of the Century poll. During the episode of his show "Last Week Tonight" on Monday, he publicly endorsed the pŪteketeke bird as the ultimate contender for this prestigious title. This competition is organized by the well-respected conservation group, Forest & Bird.
John Oliver loves the pūteketeke for its 'colorful mullet,' among other reasons.
Oliver Smart/Alamy Stock Photo
Oliver listed "fun facts" explaining why the "weird puking birds with colorful mullets" were his pick for the highly coveted avian title.
They transport their offspring on their backs, caring for both the eggs and the young ones. They consume countless feathers to safeguard their stomachs before regurgitating a mixture of feathers and fish bones.
"Even uttering its name - pūteketeke - is a delightful experience, like a lively dance for your tongue," he enthusiastically remarked.
"And if elegance is what you seek, elegance is what you shall receive. Witness their intricate courtship ritual, as they gracefully clutch moist blades of grass and engage in a chest-bumping ritual, only to subsequently find themselves in a state of perplexity, unsure of their next move."
In order to disseminate the message, Oliver and his show unveiled billboards strategically positioned across the globe.
On July 27, 2023, John Oliver shows solidarity with the Writers Guild of America East (WGA) as he joins them to picket on day 87 of the strike. This particular day, they gather for a 'comedy writers rally' outside NBC Rockefeller Center in New York City. In an unprecedented move, both SAG-AFTRA and WGA (Writers Guild of America) have embarked on a joint strike against the studios, marking the first time since 1960. As a result, a substantial number of Hollywood productions have been brought to a halt, with the writers now entering the third month of their strike against the Hollywood studios. (Photo by Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty Images)
Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty Images
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The pÅ«teketeke was portrayed in various creative ways to catch attention. In New Zealand, a bus stop ad referred to it as the "Lord of the Wings," and an animated video showcased the bird above a bustling Tokyo intersection. In Europe, the bird was displayed on a billboard on the Champs-Ãlysées in Paris, seated at a table adorned with French cheese and donning a beret. Additionally, a van circulated around London, featuring a picture of the bird on a throne, urging people to help crown a true king.
In Brazil, a plane trailing a banner flew over Ipanema Beach.
The show even put up a billboard in Manetowoc, Wisconsin "because not everyone lives in big cities."
There are currently less than 1,000 pūteketekes, also known as the Australasian crested grebe, remaining in New Zealand, as their population rebounds from a low point of approximately 200 birds in the 1980s.
Originally established to promote awareness of New Zealand's endangered, native avian species, the competition typically takes place over a two-week period each year and has grown to become a widely recognized national tradition. However, it has not been devoid of controversy.
A bat, rather than a bird, won the competition in 2021, while mass voter fraud threatened to delegitimize the competition the year before.
The kakapo, a nocturnal and robust bird, is native to New Zealand and holds the distinction of being the sole ground-dwelling and flightless parrot in existence. Unfortunately, due to the introduction of predators following European colonization in the 18th century, their population has drastically declined.
A fat, flightless parrot has been named Bird of the Year following a campaign marred by voter fraud. The organizers revealed that Oliver's campaign has already made a significant impression, garnering over 10,000 votes overnight, as announced on social media.
"This is what democracy is all about - America interfering in foreign elections," Oliver quipped.
But supporters for other birds in contention are hitting back.
"We're not upset about @Last Week Tonight, a US heavyweight, joining the campaign," stated the Tawaki piki toka, also known as the rockhopper penguin, campaign on X, formerly Twitter. Alongside a comical poster, they added, "We're salty (and krill-filled) because we are seabirds!"
According to Oliver, "There is no other bird on this planet more deserving of the bird of the century title than this remarkable creature right here," referring to the giant pūteketeke puppet on the stage of his show.
