RealNZ has launched a campaign after its feathers were ruffled when an overseas celebrity weighed in on this year’s Bird of The Year competition.

Earlier this week, British-American comedian John Oliver encouraged people to vote for the pūteketeke, and he took his campaign to the streets of Tokyo, Paris, London, Mumbai and Rio De Janeiro. 

RealNZ chief revenue officer Scott McNab said the company has now launched its ‘Dear John’ campaign against international interference in our bird’s nest. 

“Our commitment is to help the world fall in love with conservation, by connecting our guests to real experiences in our beautiful backyard,” he said. 

“We have spent the year fundraising in support of the kākāriki karaka, so far raising $175,000 for a translocation project to Dusky Sound.

“We simply cannot allow one international…to commandeer our efforts, so we wanted to send a little message to John.”

Voting is open in the Forest & Bird-run competition until the weekend, with a preliminary vote count on Sunday (November 12).

The annual competition is always popular, but the stakes are extra high this year as, since it is Forest & Bird’s 100th anniversary, entries are voting not just for the Bird of the Year but the Bird of the Century.

Scott said the team Real NZ will be campaigning the streets until the very last vote. 

“The tiny but mighty among us need all the support they can get,” he said. 

“We encourage all Kiwis, or rather New Zealanders, to get their votes in – whichever feather they fancy.”

The RealNZ tourism company owns a range of popular tourism businesses in the lower South Island including Cardrona Alpine Resort and Treble Cone Ski Area.

Vote for Bird of the Year here.

PHOTO: Supplied