The hoiho or yellow-eyed penguin won New Zealand's annual Bird of the Year vote, after a fierce contest without the foreign interference and controversies that have upset the country's avian elections before.

A shy and rare penguin has been crowned the winner of New Zealand’s Bird of the Year contest, raising awareness about its conservation needs amid threats from invasive species and diseases. After last year’s controversial result—in which comedian John Oliver spearheaded a campaign to crown the pūteketeke as champion—this year’s contest was

Hoiho was endorsed by former prime minister and legendary conservationists, making it highest-powered campaign of the 2024 vote