Bird of the Year 2026 is the wildest election in Aotearoa this year!
There’ll still be a single bird to rule them all, but this year, we’re also asking which party will soar to the top (just like with MMP). Expect fierce campaigns, unexpected alliances, and maybe even a bit of fowl play. Who knows… we may even see a few NZ parliament-style controversies emerge.
Which of the 74 candidate birds will rise above the rest?
Which party will take poll position?
Cast your beak wisely.
This year, six parties are flocking to the polls:
Tree Birds
Sea Birds
Shore Birds
Floor Birds
High Birds
Shy Birds
