Kākāpō crowned winner of Bird of the Year 2020
The kākāpō has been crowned Bird of the Year in an election that featured a delayed start, alliances, and voter fraud.
This is the flightless parrot’s second win, also taking the title in 2008.
Throughout the two-week voting period, the Antipodean Albatross topped the leaderboard with the most number one votes.
But the kākāpō, the original “okay boomer” for the male’s deep booming call, bounded into the lead with most votes overall once the preferential voting system was applied.
Top 10
Kākāpō, Toroa/Antipodean Albatross, Kakaruia/Black Robin,Kārearea/New Zealand Falcon, Kererū, Pohowera/Banded Dotterel, Kākā, Ruru/Morepork, Whio/Blue Duck, Pīwakawaka/Fantail.
The yellow and black hihi, the only bird to mate face-to-face, won the endorsement of Adult Toy Megastore, and that of the Deputy Prime Minister, The Wellington City Council, the Wellington Phoenix football team, and the Central Pulse netball team.
Hikoi - North Island
Police have established a Major Operations Centre (MOC) to provide oversight of the Police response to the upcoming hīkoi from Northland to Wellington.
The MOC, based at Police National Headquarters in Wellington, is providing logistical, resource and communication support to all districts along the hīkoi route.
Major Operations Director Superintendent Kelly Ryan says Police have been engaged with hīkoi organisers for many weeks.
“Our discussions with organisers to date have been positive and we expect the hīkoi to be conducted in a peaceful and lawful manner,” she says.
The hīkoi is expected to leave Northland today (Monday 11 November) and travel to Wellington, arriving at Parliament between Monday 18 and Tuesday 19 November.
“We’ve planned for large numbers to join the hīkoi, with disruption likely to some roads, including highways and main streets along the route,” Superintendent Ryan says.
“The MOC will support our frontline, district-based staff with the management of people, vehicles and activities, while also maintaining central oversight.
“We will continue to co-ordinate with iwi leaders and our partners across government to ensure public safety and minimal disruption to people going about their daily routine.
“We’re also well connected with NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi and local councils to ensure road users have up-to-date information and can plan accordingly.
“The MOC will remain in place while the hīkoi is in Wellington and as participants make their way back home safely.”
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International Volunteer Managers Day
Yesterday marked International Volunteer Managers Day. So throughout this week we will be spotlighting several amazing volunteer managers from across the Wellington region.
Liv has recently started managing a diverse team of volunteers at The Free Store Wellington. Here are some words about what she loves about her role!