Staunch, fierce, rare and beautiful, kakī exemplify the qualities of true New Zealanders. Once common and widespread throughout most of Aotearoa, these long-legged charmers are now only found in the braided river habitats of the Mackenzie Basin. Kakī found itself on the brink of extinction by the 1980s, with only 23 birds left in the wild – a number that has slowly increased to about 170 today.

Show your support for kakī to be crowned the 2024 Bird of the Year champion by purchasing a limited edition t-shirt or tote bag - designed and illustrated by Liz Brown. All proceeds go towards kakī advocacy and conservation.

To learn more about the Bird of the Year competition and to vote kakī visit www.birdoftheyear.org.nz or click the 'Vote Kakī Here' link below. Voting opens on Monday 2nd of September and closes on Sunday 15th September at 5pm.