John Oliver’s Hilarious Campaign Wins New Zealand’s Bird of the Century
Imagine a bird with a colorful mullet that seems to have partied too hard and ended up puking its guts out. Now, picture this quirky creature being crowned New Zealand’s Bird of the Century. Thanks to comedian John Oliver, this hilarious scenario is no longer just a flight of fancy!
The Underbird Triumphs Over the Kiwi
In a surprising twist, the pūteketeke, a water bird with a penchant for regurgitation, has soared past the iconic kiwi. This victory comes after John Oliver launched a full-scale, comedic offensive on his HBO show, “Last Week Tonight.” Consequently, the North Island brown kiwi had to settle for second place.
Overwhelming Support Leads to Vote Delay
John Oliver’s international influence was so potent that New Zealand’s vote checkers were swamped. As a result, they had to delay the announcement of the winning bird by two days. Clearly, Oliver’s campaign was no mere bird-brained scheme.
A Centennial Celebration with a Twist
Typically known as the Bird of the Year, this year’s event was dubbed Bird of the Century to celebrate Forest and Bird’s 100th anniversary. The goal? To raise awareness about the nation’s native birds, many of which face the threat of extinction.
Oliver’s Loophole and Global Campaign
John Oliver discovered a loophole that allowed anyone with a valid email to vote. Seizing the opportunity, he went all out. He erected billboards for “The Lord of the Wings” across the globe, from Wellington to Mumbai. He even donned an oversized bird costume on “The Tonight Show” with Jimmy Fallon. “After all, this is what democracy is all about,” Oliver quipped, “America interfering in foreign elections.”
Record-Breaking Votes and System Crashes
Forest and Bird received a staggering 350,000 verified votes, smashing the previous record. Oliver’s “high-powered” campaign even caused a temporary crash in their voting verification system. “It’s been pretty crazy, in the best possible way,” said Chief Executive Nicola Toki.
New Zealand’s Unique Avian Dominance
New Zealand is a land where birds reigned supreme before human arrival. “We don’t have lions and tigers and bears,” Toki explained. Despite urbanization, New Zealanders maintain a profound Connection to their wildlife, especially their birds.
Controversies and Frauds in Bird Elections
The contest has seen its share of drama, from fraudulent votes for the little spotted kiwi to a bat winning the competition. This year, organizers weeded out more fake votes, including a whopping 40,000 for the eastern rockhopper penguin.
From Humble Beginnings to Record-Breaking Participation
When the contest began in 2005, a mere 865 votes were cast. This year, Oliver’s campaign broke the previous record vote count within hours. Toki, who was moved to tears of laughter by Oliver’s segment, had encouraged him to champion a bird, unaware of the whirlwind that would follow.
The Pūteketeke: A Bird Like No Other
The pūteketeke, also known as the Australasian crested grebe, is a diving bird with less than 1,000 individuals in New Zealand. Its bizarre habits include eating and regurgitating its own feathers. Oliver humorously related to the bird’s awkward mating dance, saying he’d never identified more with anything in his life.
Pushback and Playful Banter
Not everyone in New Zealand was on board with Oliver’s campaign. Some countered with billboards urging voters to stick with the kiwi. Oliver retorted by likening the kiwi to “a rat carrying a toothpick.” Despite the playful banter, Oliver expressed his admiration for all New Zealand birds, confidently proclaiming victory for the pūteketeke.
In the end, John Oliver’s campaign was a masterclass in humor, international influence, and the power of a good laugh. The pūteketeke’s win is a testament to the comedian’s reach and New Zealand’s love for their feathered friends. So, let’s give a round of applause to the pūteketeke, New Zealand’s Bird of the Century, and to John Oliver, the mastermind behind its ascent to avian stardom!
