‘Bird of the Century’ Title Amidst John Oliver’s Passionate Campaign
In a triumphant turn of events, the majestic Pūteketeke has clinched the title of “Bird of the Century” in New Zealand’s Forest and Bird poll, propelled by an impassioned campaign led by John Oliver. The Last Week Tonight host’s fervent efforts, described by Oliver himself as “alarmingly aggressive,” resulted in an overwhelming victory for the Pūteketeke, marking a significant moment in New Zealand’s ornithological history.
John Oliver’s Unrelenting Campaign:
John Oliver initiated the campaign on Last Week Tonight in early November, dedicating a substantial segment of the show to highlight the Pūteketeke’s virtues and encourage public support. The host expressed not only a desire for the Pūteketeke to win but aimed for an unprecedented landslide victory in the competition’s history.
To maximize votes, Oliver launched a dedicated website, invested in advertising billboards worldwide, and even made a notable appearance on The Tonight Show dressed as the Pūteketeke. Defending the choice, Oliver emphasized the bird’s rarity, with only a thousand remaining in New Zealand.
Record-Breaking Votes and Pūteketeke’s Triumph:
The Forest and Bird organization announced the winner on Wednesday, revealing a record-breaking 350,000+ verified votes, causing a temporary system crash and a two-day delay in declaring the results. The Pūteketeke secured over 290,000 votes, overshadowing the runner-up — the North Island brown kiwi — which garnered just under 13,000 votes. The incoming prime minister of New Zealand, Christopher Luxon, acknowledged Oliver’s contribution, hailing it as a “huge result.”
John Oliver’s Response:
While John Oliver has not yet commented on the victory, the Last Week Tonight’s dedicated website, votethisbird.com, has been updated to display a heartfelt thank-you message. The outcome underscores Oliver’s influential presence, proving that, akin to an “undeniable force,” he can wield significant impact beyond comedic realms.
The crowning of the Pūteketeke as the “Bird of the Century” stands as a testament to the power of a determined campaign and the global influence of John Oliver. As the feathered victor takes its place in New Zealand’s avian history, Oliver’s relentless efforts have etched a memorable chapter in the narrative of ornithological accolades.